Events
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k
37 spots left. Price increases after January 21, 2026 at 11:59pm CST
Event Description
Kick off your 2026 trail season with a frosty 5K that’s anything but ordinary. The Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series is back—and we're starting strong at the scenic (and occasionally snow-dusted) Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia. Expect winding trails, open prairie views, and that signature winter chill to keep you on your toes.
This is the first race in our three-part Winter Challenge series, which also includes an 8K and 10K at different preserves across the Fox Valley. You can run just the 5K or go all in with the Trail Series Combo to earn all three finisher medals—designed to connect into one epic display—and unlock exclusive series swag.
Perfect for both seasoned trail runners and those just starting to dip their toes into winter racing, this 5K offers a fast, fun, and slightly unpredictable ride through nature’s winter playground. The terrain is a mix of grass, dirt, and crushed limestone, with the added twist of whatever winter throws our way—snow, slush, mud, or crisp dry trails.
Everyone who crosses the finish line walks away with a unique medal and custom winter swag. But more importantly, you’ll earn bragging rights for starting your year off in the most badass way possible.
Lace up, layer up, and we’ll see you out there.
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
Dick Young Forest Preserve
39W115 Main St
Batavia, IL 60510 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.
Parking locations are still being finalized. Expect a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the start line, so plan accordingly.
Parking is free
The start and finish lines will be near the small parking lot off Main St. Parking will not be allowed in this lot as it will be reserved for race staff and volunteers.
There will not be a gear check for this race.
We will have porta-potties set up near the start/finish line.
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.
