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
10k
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.