From the Organizer
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.
The series kicks off on January 23, 2027, with a scenic and beginner-friendly 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia. On February 20, 2027, the challenge continues with our signature 8K at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, featuring the infamous sledding hill climb that has become a favorite (and sometimes dreaded) tradition of the series. Then, on March 14, 2027, we'll finish strong with a rewarding 10K at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles, bringing the Winter Challenge to an epic conclusion.
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. Snow, ice, mud, frozen ground, or fast dry trails—part of the fun is never knowing exactly what awaits on race day.
Whether you choose one or two races, or take on the full challenge, you'll earn a custom finisher medal and branded race swag. Participants who register for two races will receive an additional exclusive bonus swag item. Those who commit to all three races will earn the complete Winter Challenge experience, including:
Three custom finisher medals that combine into one unique display piece
An exclusive bonus swag item
A premium series swag item available only to full-series participants
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.
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
30°
Typical Low
15°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Aurora, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Batavia, IL
Population
26,730
as of 2023
City Elevation
675 ft
Nearest Airport
ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport · 23 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
220
Days to train
- Race
- Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k
- Date
- January 23 – March 14, 2027
- Location
- 39W115 Main St., Batavia, IL
Coming Up
More Running races near Batavia, IL
Walk For Water
825 Sheffer Rd
6 miles away
Better Than Yesterday 5K
5K · From $40 · 350 N. River St
7 miles away
Hops for Hope 5K & BrewFest Presented by 93 Octane Brewery 2026
5K · From $75 · Mount Saint Mary Park
6 miles away
Batavia United Way Bat Race 5K & 10K
5K · 10K · Other · From $5 · 31 North River Street
4 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About These Sports
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Trail Running
Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain, not the pace, is the whole point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k?
- Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k is a running race held in Batavia, Illinois on January 23, 2027. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k?
- Saturday, January 23, 2027 in Batavia, Illinois at 39W115 Main St.. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5k/8k/10k
Jan 23, 2027