Lifestyle

12 hours of running: Man completes 54-mile Des Plaines River Trail in a single push

Posted July 16, 2025 2:50 pm

By Kim Mikus

Scott Drews started a 54.4-mile run at Evans Field Forest Preserve in River Forest Preserve in Cook County. Courtesy of Suzanne Drews

Scott Drews spent last summer chasing a personal challenge. After months of training, he ran the entire 54.5-mile Des Plaines River Trail — start to finish — in a single day.

Scott Drews ran the entire Des Plaines River Trail in one day, ending at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve near the Wisconsin border. Courtesy of Suzanne Drews

The trail stretches through both Cook and Lake counties. Drews began his run at 6:30 a.m. at Evans Field Forest Preserve in River Forest and reached Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadsworth at 7:30 p.m.

The Des Plaines River Trail runs from Evans Field Forest Preserve in River Forest to Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadsworth. Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

Drews spent 12 hours and 20 minutes on the trail on Oct. 13, stopping every 15 miles for a quick snack and bathroom break, about an hour of rest total.

Every 15 miles, Scott was met by his wife Suzanne, who brought fuel, hydration and motivation. Courtesy of Suzanne Drews

“My wife, Suzanne, was my support crew,” he said. “She drove and met me at each stop with drinks and encouragement.”

With signs, snacks and smiles, Suzanne Drews supported her husband during his 54.5-mile run. Courtesy of Suzanne Drews

She even hung a sign in her car window that read, “Go Scott Go!!”

In his mid-50s and still reaching for goals, he’s curious if anyone else has completed the same journey.

An entrepreneur and business developer, he started running about a decade ago. What began as a recreational hobby evolved into a deep passion for endurance. Over time, his distances grew longer, and then much longer.

“I just enjoy running. I was determined to make it happen. There was a real sense of urgency,” said Drews of Oak Park. “I’d been thinking about this for a few years. It was the longest run I’ve ever done, and I was genuinely proud of myself.”

Drews is especially drawn to the river’s path through Lake County, a 31.4-mile stretch that winds through a dozen forest preserves.

Scott Drews takes a selfie when he crosses into Lake County while running the entire Des Plaines River Trail. Courtesy of Scott Drews

In the northern reaches, the landscape opens up as the river meanders through prairies and savannas, offering expansive views. Farther south in Lake County, the terrain narrows and the river straightens, weaving through dense woodlands and shaded trails.

“I find nature meditative, and I’m a fan of the forest preserves,” Drews said. “The magnitude of services they provide is incredible. They’re truly a precious gift.”

Scott Drews says he finds nature meditative. Courtesy of Suzanne Drews

When he runs, Drews skips the headphones.

“I want to be present with the river and the landscape,” he said. “I’ve never needed a distraction. I want to hear the birds, the water, the leaves; the environment around me.”

Learn more about the trail at LCFPD.org/DPRT.

• Kim Mikus is a communications specialist for the Lake County Forest Preserves. She writes a bimonthly column about various aspects of the preserves. Contact her with ideas or questions at kmikuscroke@LCFPD.org. Connect with the Lake County Forest Preserves on social media @LCFPD.

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