Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series

St. Charles, United States • 24 Jan 2026

Event overview

The Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5K is scheduled for January 24, 2026, at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia, Illinois. It is the first race in a three-part winter trail series that also includes an 8K and a 10K at different preserves in the Fox Valley. Individual entry for the 5K is listed at $45. Bundle registration for two or three races offers a $5 discount per event. The page noted there were 48 spots remaining and that the price increases after January 21, 2026.

Course, services, and rules

The course uses trail surfaces including grass, dirt, and crushed limestone and may present winter conditions such as snow, slush, mud, or dry trails. The start and finish will be near the small parking lot off Main Street; that lot will be reserved for race staff and volunteers. Parking is free and may require about a 10-minute walk to the start. Porta-potties will be available near the start/finish. There will be no water stations on course; bottled water and snacks will be provided at the finish. There is no gear check. Race-day registration is available the morning of the event until 9:30am. Headphones are allowed; dogs are not permitted on the course.

Awards and race items

All finishers receive a medal. Single-race entrants receive a winter hat. Participants in two races receive bib snaps in addition to the hat. Those completing all three races receive hat, bib snaps, and a Fox Valley Winter Challenge hooded zip sweatshirt. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

5 km
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Run winter single track in Crystal Lake at the Frozen Gnome on Jan 10, a Triple Black Diamond loop through Veteran Acres. Choose 50K, 10K or 50K relays for teams of 2 or 5 and warm up at the Gnome Depot with hot food and coffee.

Kick off your trail season in Crystal Lake with the 50K MASHUP SLAM on January 10, 2026. Join a Midwest series of challenging 50K and 53K races that reward cumulative finish times and finisher buckles.

Chill out and race the Frozen Tundra IPA 5K along the Des Plaines River Trail in Lincolnshire, then warm up at a lively post race party at Half Day Brewing with beer, food and prizes. Limited to 300 spots so register early.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8K in Aurora on Feb 21, the middle race on a scenic but wintry trail with woods, open paths and possible snow or mud. All finishers get a medal and single race participants receive a cozy win..