Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series

St. Charles, United States • 21 Feb 2026

Event details

The Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8K takes place on February 21, 2026 at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 5th Ave, Aurora, IL 60504. It is the middle race of a three-race winter trail series that includes these distances:

  • 5K - Batavia, IL (Jan 24, 2026)
  • 8K - Aurora, IL (Feb 21, 2026)
  • 10K - St. Charles, IL (Mar 22, 2026)

Event pricing for the 8K is listed at $40. A multi-race bundle offers a $5 discount per event. The listing shows 64 spots remaining and a price increase after December 31, 2025.

Course and logistics

The event is a trail race over grass, gravel, dirt, and pavement with sections of wide-open paths and winding woods. February conditions may include snow, ice, or mud. The course includes an incline up a steep sledding hill near the beginning. Start and finish are located in the parking lot by the covered shelter.

Parking at Oakhurst is limited; overflow parking is available across 5th Ave at St. Athanadios Greek Orthodox Church (do not enter the church). Parking is free. There is a bathroom structure near the start/finish and at the adjacent parking lot. There will be no water stations on course; bottles of water and snacks will be provided at the finish. No gear check will be provided; items may be left in the covered shelter at the owner’s risk.

Packet pickup timing is still being finalized. Someone else may pick up a packet if they have the bib pickup email with QR code. Headphones are allowed. Dogs are not allowed during the races.

Awards and series items

All finishers receive a medal. Single-race participants receive a winter hat. Two-race participants receive bib snaps in addition to the hat. Three-race participants receive the hat, bib snaps, and a Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series hooded zip sweatshirt. Completing the full series contributes toward a three-piece medal set and additional series gear. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

8 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.

Tackle the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve, the first of a three race trail series that may feature snow, slush or mud. Finishers get a medal and single race entrants receive a cozy winter hat.

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.