Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8K

Race Overview

Ready to charge straight up a sledding hill to start your race? Yep, we thought so. Race #2 of the Fox Valley Winter Challenge kicks off with a quad-burning climb that sets the tone for a seriously fun and seriously tough 8K adventure.

Event Details

• Date: February 21, 2026
• Location: Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 5th Ave, Aurora, IL
• Distance: 8K
• Race URL: Click here to register

Trail Experience

On February 21, we return to Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, where wide-open paths, winding woods, and a healthy dose of winter unpredictability await. The trails here roll and twist through some of our favorite terrain in the series—expect snow, ice, mud, or maybe a surprise combo of all three.

Race Challenge

The 8K is the middle challenge of the 2026 Winter Challenge Trail Series, sandwiched between our 5K and 10K races. Whether you’re running this as a one-off or as part of the Trail Series Combo, you’re in for a legit test of winter trail toughness.

Incentives

• Finisher Medals: All finishers will earn a custom medal and premium cold-weather swag.
• Bragging Rights: Conquer the beastly hill at the start.
• Series Progress: Doing the full series? This race gets you one step closer to unlocking the full three-piece medal set and bonus gear.
• Fun Experience: Get ready to climb, cruise, and maybe slide your way through one of the most fun (and humbling) trail races of the season.

Race Series Information

You can sign up for 2 or 3 races from any of the race websites, however here are their specific addresses:

• 5K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Batavia/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries1
• 8K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Aurora/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries2
• 10K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/StCharles/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries3