In 152 days · Sat, Jan 23, 2027
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Saturday, January 23rd, 2027
39W115 Main St., Batavia IL
5K · 10K
15–29°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 4 of the last 10 years
2026
-11–7°F
dry
2025
6–24°F
dry
2024
31–35°F
rain
2023
22–30°F
dry
2022
5–21°F
rain
2021
2–30°F
dry
2020
29–34°F
rain
2019
17–34°F
rain
2018
28–33°F
dry
2017
35–42°F
dry
Best months to race in Illinois →
About this race
Race Overview
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.
Race Schedule
- Date: January 23, 2027
- Race: 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia
- Date: February 20, 2027
- Race: 8K at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora
- Special Event: Features the infamous sledding hill climb
- Date: March 14, 2027
- Race: 10K at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles
- Conclusion: Bringing the Winter Challenge to an epic conclusion
Race Experience
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.
- Conditions: Snow, ice, mud, frozen ground, or fast dry trails
- Adventure: Part of the fun is never knowing exactly what awaits on race day
Participation Benefits
Whether you choose one or two races, or take on the full challenge, you'll earn a custom finisher medal and branded race swag.
- Two Races: Participants will receive an additional exclusive bonus swag item
- Full Challenge: Commit to all three races for the complete Winter Challenge experience
- Medals: Three custom finisher medals that combine into one unique display piece
- Bonus Swag: An exclusive bonus swag item and a premium series swag item
Who Can Participate?
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.
Join Us
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.
Event Details
Date: January 23, 2027
Location: 39W115 Main St., Batavia, IL
Course map
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