Events
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 10k
Event Description
The final race of the 2026 Winter Challenge Trail Series is here—and it’s the big one. On March 22, we take on a great 10K at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles, wrapping up the series with one last shot at winter trail glory.
The course has a little bit of everything: dirt paths, crushed limestone, a few short climbs, and long stretches that test your pacing. After the 5K and 8K, this race is where it all comes together. It’s longer, it’s tougher, and yeah—your legs are probably going to feel it.
Trail conditions? Total wildcard. Could be slick, could be muddy, could be fast. Either way, you’re earning that finish.
Every runner gets a finisher medal and winter swag. If you’ve completed all three races, you’ll finally get to piece your medal set together and score the bonus gear for finishing the full challenge.
Whether you're chasing a strong finish or just out to complete the series, this 10K is the perfect way to close it out. Show up, push hard, and enjoy the fact that you made it through all three.
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
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Dr.
St. Charles, IL 60175 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 through the race website. Be mindful that it may get busy in the morning, so if you are registering morning of the race, arrive early.
There are a limited number of parking spots in the circle drive outside Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, otherwise there is a large parking lot near the pickle ball courts. Parking is not available near the Hickory Knolls Nature Pavillion as that area is reserved for race staff and volunteers.
Parking is free
The start and finish line will be near the Hickory Knolls Nature Pavillion, across from the community garden plots.
This is a trail race over multiple types of terrain, including grass, gravel, dirt, and pavement. Since this race is taking place in March, it is possible that this course will be muddy to plan accordingly. In the event of colder weather, ice and snow is possible.
There will not be a gear check for this race.
There are bathrooms available inside Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and a porta-potty near Pavillion. As a courtesy to Hickory Knolls, please do not track mud into the Discovery Center.
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.
