Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series

St. Charles, United States • 22 Mar 2026

Event overview

The Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 10K is scheduled for March 22, 2026, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles, IL. It is the final race of the 2026 Winter Challenge Trail Series. The series includes the following distances:

  • 5K
  • 8K
  • 10K

Bundle pricing is available for 2 to 3 races with a $5 discount per event. The 10K entry fee is $45; the price increases after February 1, 2026.

Course, facilities and race policies

The course uses mixed trail surfaces including dirt paths, crushed limestone, grass, gravel, and pavement, with some short climbs and longer stretches. March weather may produce muddy, slick, icy, or snowy conditions. The start and finish are near the Hickory Knolls Nature Pavilion, across from the community garden plots.

There will be no water stations on course; bottles of water and snacks are provided at the finish. Bathrooms are available inside the Discovery Center and a porta-potty is located near the pavilion. There is no gear check. Parking is free with limited spots in the circle drive and a larger lot near the pickle ball courts; parking near the Nature Pavilion is reserved for staff and volunteers.

A finisher medal and winter hat are provided to all finishers. Additional series items include bib snaps for two-race participants and a hooded zip sweatshirt for those completing all three races. Headphones are allowed; dogs are not permitted during the races. Packet pickup timing is still being finalized. Participants may register on race morning until 9:30am through the race website. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

10 km
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 10k
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Frozen Gnome on Jan 10, 2026 in Crystal Lake, Illinois is a winter trail challenge through Veteran Acres and Sterne’s Woods with 10K, a Triple Black Diamond 50K and team relays. Expect hot aid, a tech shirt and finisher medal.

Join the 50K MASHUP SLAM series in Crystal Lake and across the Midwest for trail ultras including 50K, a 53K and a 9 hour timed event. Earn a finisher buckle and series awards; register by Jan 1 2026.

Run a winter trail 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia on Jan 24, the first of three races in the Fox Valley Winter Challenge. Trails may be snowy or muddy; finishers get snacks, a medal and a cozy winter hat.

Run the Frozen Tundra IPA 5K along the Des Plaines River Trail, then warm up at Half Day Brewing with music, beer, hot toddies and food. Limited to 300 runners, entries include shirts, medals and a lively post race party.