Charity Challenge: The Great Descent

Get ready for an exhilarating day of fitness and fun at the Warrior Rush 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon 13.1 taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the scenic Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton, IL. Our charity for this event is Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

This event is perfect for runners of all levels, offering a choice of distances to fit your skill and ambition. Participants can look forward to a fantastic race experience featuring chip-timing with live results, custom medals, and a stylish soft ring-spun cotton T-shirt included with registration. After crossing the finish line, enjoy complimentary snacks and the opportunity to capture your accomplishments with event photos.

Gather your friends and family for a day filled with action and camaraderie, but don’t wait too long to sign up—this event is expected to sell out! Make sure to register by midnight on the Saturday before race day to secure your T-shirt and be part of this unforgettable running challenge. Conquer the Warrior Rush challenge and unleash your inner warrior!

Registration Includes:

Great Swag - Soft ring spun cotton T-shirt included!

Custom medal, Chip-timing with live results and awards

FREE snacks at the finish line and photos!

Plenty of fun and action!

The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K/10K & Kids 1/2 Mile is hosted by the Cosley Foundation to support Cosley Zoo's exhibit development projects, public programs and conservation projects.

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

Time: 7:30A

Distance: 5K, 10K & Kids 1/2 Mile

Location: Downtown Wheaton

5K Race Registration: $35 early-bird pricing through 4/29, $40 beginning 4/30 through 6/5, and $45 on race day (6/6)

10K Race Registration: $40 early-bird pricing through 4/29, $45 beginning 4/30 through 6/5 and $50 on race day (6/6)

Kids 1/2 Mile Race Registration: $20 (ages 4-10) through 6/5, $25 on race day (6/6)

If you register for the 10K, you can opt to switch your registration to the 5K by emailing [email protected]. No refunds will be issued to switch from the 10K to the 5K. If you register for the 5K and opt to switch your registration to a 10K, you will be charged an additional $5 fee.

Please note that if you sign up for the virtual race, you are opting not to participate in person on June 6.

FEATURED IN 2026

• Course Record Award: Are you motivated to beat the Cosley Run for the Animals course records? Beat one of the course records below for your chance to win a free race registration for the 2027 event, a Dick Pond gift card, and bragging rights! Data was pulled from 1998 - present.

• 5K Male | 15:08 (2010)

• 5K Female | 17:42 (2025)

• 10K Male | 30:15 (2015)

• 10K Female | 37:10 (2005)

• Sub 7:00min/mi Corral: If you anticipate running a pace of 7:00min/mi or less, there will be a designated corral to ensure the race begins safely. Runners who begin in this corral will have a yellow bib. Only runners with yellow bibs will be able to start in this area.

• VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE: Volunteer with us! All volunteers will get a t-shirt, breakfast, and a Cream of Wheaton drink voucher.

Packet Pick-Up:

• Thursday, June 4 | 10A-7P | Location TBD

• Saturday, June 6 | 6:30 - 7:15A | Memorial Park (225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187)

Fox Valley Summer XC Classic 5K

Saturday, June 13, 2026 | Geneva, IL

Presented by Fox Valley Running

The Fox Valley Summer XC Classic 5K is a true cross country–style race held at the Settler’s Hill Cross Country Course in Geneva, Illinois—one of the premier purpose-built cross country venues in the Midwest.

Designed to host large local meets and regional championships, the course features an exceptionally wide 80-meter curved starting line with 40 starting boxes, a 550-meter starting straightaway, and a 250-meter finish straightaway. All loops utilize a 10-meter-wide grass running path, with common start and finish lines for all distances, creating a fair, fast, and welcoming racing experience for runners of all levels.

The venue regularly hosts high school, collegiate, and championship-level competitions and was professionally measured in 2022, reinforcing its reputation as a premier racing facility built for competitive fields while remaining accessible to the broader running community.

This 5K is ideal for high school and college runners looking for a summer XC tune-up, as well as adult runners who want a well-organized off-road race on grass rather than pavement. Whether you’re chasing a fast effort, racing with teammates, or simply looking to challenge yourself on a beautiful grass course, you’ll find an authentic cross country atmosphere with plenty of space to run your race.

Runners may participate as individuals, with optional team affiliation available for high school teams, college teams, running clubs, and open teams. Team scoring will follow traditional cross country format, while individual runners are equally celebrated.

All participants registered by May 25, 2026 are guaranteed an official race t-shirt. Registrations after that date will receive shirts while supplies and sizes last.

Come race on grass, test your fitness, and enjoy a classic summer cross country experience at the Fox Valley Summer XC Classic 5K.

Run for the Dogs 5k 5K features a scenic course!

Join us on Saturday July 18, 2026 for an exciting "Run for the Dogs Themed" event that features the scenic views of Waubonsie Lake Park in Aurora, IL! With awesome swag for all dog lovers and runners, this race is a sure thing for a great doggy good time! Due to the popularity of this event, we will have 3 start times at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.!

This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com.

Registration Includes:

• Short Sleeve T-Shirt

• Finisher Medal for Humans

• Dog Medal Charm

• 5k Run/Walk Entry

• Chip Timed Race Bib

• Live Race Results

• Finish Line Treats For Dogs!