Summer Trail Classic
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Summer Trail Classic
The Summer Trail Classic is scheduled for August 23, 2026 at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. It is the third of four events in the 2026 Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series and offers three course distances for trail running.
Distances:
- Approx 4 miles
- Approx 9.5 miles
- Approx 13 miles
The event uses single-track trails at the preserve, with three water stations along the routes; participants are advised to carry their own fluids and nutrition as needed. Trail protocol requires runners to call out "on your left" when passing and to pass on the left. Fully over-ear headphones or two ear buds/pods are not allowed; at least one ear must remain open.
Registered participants receive a Leslie Jordan running vest; vest sizes cannot be exchanged after ordering. Awards include engraved wood overall trophies and age-group awards across standard age brackets. Entry includes automatic raffle entry; winners must be present to claim prizes. Official finish times and places are available at the event via a QR code on the race bib.
The event benefits the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr), a volunteer organization that builds and maintains local multi-use singletrack and promotes responsible trail use. If trails are unusable due to wet conditions, the race may be moved to the preserve bike path and participants will be notified by email. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
