Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k
About this race
Get ready to embrace winter, hit the trails, and take on the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series!
Returning for 2027, the Winter Challenge features three unique trail races across three of the Fox Valley's favorite forest preserves. Whether you're looking to shake up your winter training, challenge yourself on the trails, or simply enjoy some fresh air and adventure during the colder months, there's a race for you.
The series kicks off on January 23, 2027, with a scenic and beginner-friendly 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia. On February 20, 2027, the challenge continues with our signature 8K at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, featuring the infamous sledding hill climb that has become a favorite (and sometimes dreaded) tradition of the series. Then, on March 14, 2027, we'll finish strong with a rewarding 10K at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles, bringing the Winter Challenge to an epic conclusion.
Each race offers its own unique terrain and winter conditions. From winding prairie paths and wooded singletrack to rolling hills and everything winter can throw at us, no two years are ever the same. Snow, ice, mud, frozen ground, or fast dry trails—part of the fun is never knowing exactly what awaits on race day.
Whether you choose one or two races, or take on the full challenge, you'll earn a custom finisher medal and branded race swag. Participants who register for two races will receive an additional exclusive bonus swag item. Those who commit to all three races will earn the complete Winter Challenge experience, including:
Three custom finisher medals that combine into one unique display piece
An exclusive bonus swag item
A premium series swag item available only to full-series participants
The Fox Valley Winter Challenge is designed for runners of all experience levels. New to trail running? The 5K is a great place to start. Looking for a bigger challenge? Tackle the 8K or 10K. Ready to earn ultimate bragging rights? Sign up for all three races and see if you have what it takes to conquer the full Winter Challenge.
Bundle up, lace up your trail shoes, and join us for one of the most unique winter running experiences in the Midwest.
Three races. Three preserves. One unforgettable winter adventure.
Pick your distance
Trail running
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5K Only (Dick Young Forest Preserve)
Held on January 23rd, 2027 at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia.
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5K & 8K Combo
Sign up for the 5k in January and the 8k in February. This year's locations: 5k - Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia, IL on January 23rd, 2027 8k - Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, IL on February 20th, 2027
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5K & 10K Combo
Sign up for the 5k in January and the 10k in March. This year's locations: 5k - Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia, IL on January 23rd, 2027 10k - Hickory Knolls Discover Center in St. Charles, IL on March 14th, 2027
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k - ALL 3 RACES
Sign up to conquer all three distances over three separate weekends This year's locations: 5k - Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia, IL on January 23rd, 2027 8k - Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, IL on February 20th, 2027 10k - Hickory Knolls Discover Center in St. Charles, IL on March 14th, 2027
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8K Only (Oakhurst Forest Preserve)
Held on February 20th, 2027 at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora.
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8K & 10K Combo
Sign up for the 8k in February and the 10k in March. This year's locations: 8k - Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, IL on February 20th, 2027 10k - Hickory Knolls Discover Center in St. Charles, IL on March 14th, 2027
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 10k Only (Hickory Knolls Discover Center)
Held on March 14th, 2027 at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 3 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Batavia, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 7:13 AM and sets at 4:56 PM local time (CST) in Batavia on January 23, 2027 — 9h 43m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
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Results — Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k
Other races near Batavia
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Batavia United Way Bat Race 5K & 10K
Run, Walk & Roll Geneva
Marklund Run, Walk & Roll 5K/1Mile
Santa's Run through the Lights 5K Run/Walk
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 4 Batavia events
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