Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 5K

6th Annual

HICKORY KNOLLS

5K & 10K TRAIL RUN

and 10K RELAY

The second installment of the 2026Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series is the 6th annual HICKORY KNOLLS Trail Run & Relay on Sunday, June 7.

Come out and run the grass and dirt trails over an approximate 3-mile loop course through a beautiful and diverse natural area. The first portion of the approximate 5K loop is relatively flat, while a couple of hills await in the latter portion of the loop. The route is very well marked, and the trail is primarily wide-track (allowing for easy passing or running alongside a friend) on dirt, gravel and grass.

You can participate in either the individual runner 5k (one loop) or 10k (two loops) distance or create a 2-person team for the 10k relay(each team member does the 5K loop once). All race distances are approximate.

The Hickory Knolls Trail Run is the second of four events in the 2026 Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series.

This event is sponsored by Dick Pond Athletics, Brooks Running, and Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling. Proceeds from this event benefit the St Charles Park Foundation.

Sponsored by

In cooperation with the St. Charles Park District

Proceeds from the race will benefit

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.

The Longest Day Run

5K Run/Walk

Saturday, June 20, 2026

7:30 AM Start

Kids Race (50 meters)

6:30 PM Start

Old Mill Park

5 East State Street

Geneva, IL 60134

PRE RACE ACKET PICKUP

Thursday, June 18, 2026

2PM - 6PM

Dick Pond Athletics

St. Charles, IL

Come Celebrate the Longest Day of the year

This 5K evening run on a closed scenic course route. Chipped timed, finisher awards and age awards.

Registration Includes:

• Unisex or Ladies cut tech shirt

• Custom Finisher Medal

• Post-Race Celebration of the Longest Day

• Pizza, drinks, and dessert

• Great Music