
From the Organizer
Location: Lovelace Park, Evanston, IL
Date/Time: Sunday August 30th Start time: 9AM
Distance: 3.62 mi. (Course Map)
Early Bird Entry Through July 31 Adults $30 14-under: $25
Entry fee August 1-August 30 Adults $35 14-under $30
Race Day Entries--$40
Valiant Physical Therapy for Runners and Illinois Prep Top Timing bring you three all-grass rollercoaster loops of the most exciting public cross-country action in Chicagoland! Sign up as an individual or form a club or pickup team of three or more runners. Team Captains--e-mail jimpotts2112@gmail.com with your team rosters and questions.
Race starts at 9AM followed by awards presentation gathering with burgers and brats for runners and race volunteers. Race entries include a short- or long-sleeve performance-mesh shirt.
RACE DAY VOLUNTEERS--Contact jimpotts2112@gmail.com to volunteer. We are hosting races in August, September, and Thanksgiving Sunday in November 2026. We need help with course setup, course marshals, grill chef and picnic help, and post-event teardown.
SHIRTS
Chose from: Mens Short Sleeve S M L XL
Mens Long Sleeve S M L XL
Womens' Short Sleeve S M L XL
Womens' Long Sleeve S M L XL
2026 is a high-water mark for public cross country in Chicago and the makings of a Chicago Public XC Circuit are in place:
January 2026 Winter Challenge--Bunker Hill Forest Preserve. www.runrace.net.
August 2026 Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge--Evanston, IL
November 2026 (2nd Weekend in Nov) CARA Xtra Mile Cross Country Open--Schaumburg, IL https://www.cararuns.org/
November 2026 (Thanksgiving Weekend) Valiant PT Holiday Cross Country Race & Reunion--Evanston, IL
Events
Weather
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
80°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Chicago Botanic Garden, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
76,552
as of 2023
City Elevation
610 ft
Nearest Airport
ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport · 12 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.
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
74
Days to train
Coming Up
Rev Run: A Run/Walk For Breast Cancer Awareness
1 mile away
Skokie's Backlot Dash 5K and 1/2 Mile Youth Color Run
3 miles away
Ana Banana 5k & Fun Run
4 miles away
Abuelitos 5K
5 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k
Aug 30, 2026