Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series
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Event overview
The Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5K is scheduled for January 24, 2026, at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia, IL. It is the first race in a three-part Winter Challenge series that also includes an 8K and a 10K at different preserves. The event page lists the entry price for the 5K as $45, with the price increasing after January 21, 2026.
- 5K
- 8K
- 10K
Course, logistics and amenities
The course surface includes grass, dirt, and crushed limestone. The organizer notes that winter conditions may produce snow, slush, mud, or dry trails. The start and finish will be near a small parking lot off Main St; that lot will be reserved for race staff and volunteers. General parking is available at Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, with an expected 10-15 minute walk to the start. Parking is free. Very limited parking inside Dick Young Forest Preserve may be available if there is no snow.
Pre-race packet pickup is at Dick Pond Athletics - St. Charles on January 22 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Race day packet pickup is in the parking lot of Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva from 7:30am to 9:00am. Race-day registration is available until 9:30am.
There will be porta-potties near the start and finish. There are no water stations on course; bottles of water and snacks will be provided at the finish. There is no gear check. All finishers receive a medal and single-race participants receive a winter hat; multi-race awards include bib snaps and a hooded zip sweatshirt for those completing all three races. Headphones are allowed. Dogs are not allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
