The Universal Sole December Trail Challenge
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About the race
The Universal Sole December Trail Challenge is a trail race held on December 12, 2026. The advertised distance is 4.5 Miles and the event uses the original USOLE course at Schiller Woods West Forest Preserve, Grove 3, near Irving Park Road in Chicago.
The course is an off road trail with crushed limestone, dirt, rocks and roots, and includes a mix of single and double track. The route is described as relatively flat with possible mud sections in wet weather. Due to Cook County Forest Preserve guidelines, aid is provided only at the start and finish area; Magnesia Natural Mineral Water will be available there and runners are encouraged to bring a personal bottle or hydration pack. Granola bars and bananas will be provided at the finish.
Registration fee tiers are listed with price increases over time: $45, $50, $55, and $60, with no refunds or exchanges and no person to person entry transfers. Every registered runner receives a custom premium USOLE Trail Challenge trucker hat. Finishers are offered Will's Famous Chili, including a vegetarian option, and alcoholic brews for participants 21 and older. Overall winners receive custom awards and HOKA gear bags; age group awards are given to the top three in standard age brackets. A post race raffle and on site packet pickup and race morning registration are part of the event. Strollers and leashed dogs are allowed with placement in the last start corral. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
