Events
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8k
60 spots left. Price increases after December 31, 2025 at 11:59pm CST
Event Description
Ready to charge straight up a sledding hill to start your race? Yep, we thought so. Race #2 of the Fox Valley Winter Challenge kicks off with a quad-burning climb that sets the tone for a seriously fun and seriously tough 8K adventure.
On February 21, we return to Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, where wide-open paths, winding woods, and a healthy dose of winter unpredictability await. The trails here roll and twist through some of our favorite terrain in the series—expect snow, ice, mud, or maybe a surprise combo of all three.
The 8K is the middle challenge of the 2026 Winter Challenge Trail Series, sandwiched between our 5K and 10K races. Whether you’re running this as a one-off or as part of the Trail Series Combo, you’re in for a legit test of winter trail toughness.
All finishers will earn a custom medal and premium cold-weather swag, plus bragging rights for conquering that beastly hill at the start. And if you're doing the full series, this race gets you one step closer to unlocking the full three-piece medal set and bonus gear.
So throw on your trail shoes, bundle up, and get ready to climb, cruise, and maybe slide your way through one of the most fun (and humbling) trail races of the season.
You can sign up 2 or 3 races from any of the race websites, however here are their specific addresses:
5K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Batavia/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries1
8K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Aurora/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries2
10K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/StCharles/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries3
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 5th Ave
Aurora, IL 60504 US
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FAQ's
Packet pickup date and time is still being finalized.
Yes, someone can pick up your packet for you. Please make sure they have your bib pickup email with QR code.
You may register the morning of the race until 9:30am. Be mindful that it may get busy in the morning, so if you are registering morning of the race, arrive early.
There will be a limited number of parking spots available at Oakhurst Forest Preserve with overflow parking available across from the entrance on 5th Ave at St. Athanadios Greek Orthodox Church. Please do not attempt to enter the church.
Parking is free
The start and finish lines will be located in the parking lot by the covered shelter.
This is a trail race over multiple types of terrain, including grass, gravel, dirt, and pavement. Since this race is taking place in February, it is quite possible that you will encounter snow and ice, however in warmer conditions the course may be muddy. Please plan accordingly and be careful around slippery turns.
This course features an incline up a steep sledding hill at the beinning of the race.
There will not be a gear check area for this race. You may leave items in the covered shelter at your own risk.
There is a bathroom structure near the start finish line and at the adjacent parking lot.
There will be no water stations on the course, however we will provide bottles of water and snacks at the finish line.
All runners will receive a winter hat for running one race (5k/8k/10k). For those running two races in the series, they'll also receive bib snaps. For those running all three races, they will receive the winter hat, bib snaps, and a Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series hooded zip sweatshirt. All finishers will receive a medal.
Headphones or earbuds are allowed, however, since this is a trail race, please be mindful of your surroundings and other runners.
No, for the safety of the other runners, dogs are not allowed during the races.
