Western Springs Tower Trot

Grab your dino costume, gather your pack, and have a roaring good time at our brand-new Dino Dash! Race, jog, walk or stroll along a 2-mile fun run course entirely within Brookfield Zoo Chicago, surrounded by larger-than-life dinosaur displays and iconic Zoo views for a prehistoric adventure from start to finish.

All registered Dino Dash participants will cross the finish line to receive a commemorative Dino Dash medal.

Plus, keep the adventure going with free admission on race day to the Zoo, the Ferris Wheel and Carousel - all included with your Dino Dash registration.

Don't miss Tom's Try-athlon! This friendly competition promotes exercise in a fun and energetic way. Kids will show off their skills and athleticism by participating in the three traditional triathlon events: swimming, biking, and running.*

*Failure to wear a bike helmet during the entire bike portion will result in disqualification.

Event starts promptly at 8am!

Age Groups:

6-8

9-11

12-14

Registration Information:

$30 per participant: Before May 16

$35 per participant: May 17-June 3

Online registration ends June 3 at 11:59pm

$40 Day of registration until 7:30am (if space available)

Shirt size is not guaranteed after May 16.

Event Check-In and Packet Pick Up:

Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 6:30-7:30am. Staff will also be available to answer any questions.

Race Distances (all are approximate and are subject to change)

Age Swim (yards) Bike (miles) Run (miles)

6-8 25 1.3 .6

9-11 75 2.6 1.2

12-14 125 3.9 1.7

Help us run pediatric cancer out of town!

Join us for a fun-filled event that's all about family. Whether you are a future Olympian or just coming out to stretch your legs in support, everyone is welcome to gather and enjoy the event: fun, food, and more for all of our participants. Medals are awarded to Top 3 Males and Females overall, then to the Top 3 Males and Females per each 5 year Age Group. This is one event you don't want to miss! Register early to guarantee your spot and swag!

Sign up by June 1st for guaranteed race swag!

Since its establishment in 2017, the Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5K Run has been committed to honoring and commemorating the courageous men and women who serve as first responders, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our mission is to recognize their steadfast dedication and service to both our city and nation. This event seeks to raise funds for distinguished non-profit organizations that provide essential support services to individuals facing traumatic circumstances. In past years, we have been privileged to support the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, the 100 Club of Chicago, and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. To sustain this vital work, we respectfully request your consideration of a donation. Your generous contribution will directly benefit these esteemed organizations and aid us in achieving our goal of creating a meaningful impact.

The Universal Sole Summer Trail Challenge

THREE DISTANCES to Choose!

3 Miles-> 6->Miles-> 9 Miles

June 27, 2026 @ 9AM

Trail running has always been in our USOLE DNA! We were the first running store in Chicago to bring trail racing to the Chicago running community. These trail races are great courses for folks wanting to get off the roads and enjoy some of our beautiful trails, but not have to be an expert trail runner to get to the finish. Our trail races are very laid back and great fun for the entire family, making it fun & easy for all! The USOLE Trail Challenge is great for people of all ages and all abilities looking to change up the running routine and get “off” the roads!

Trail Race Location:

We will be headed to Wolf Road Woods, part of the Palos Trail System to tackle our classic USOLE 3 mile course! This course will have a great mix of double & single track along with undulating terrain in the beautiful Wolf Road Woods! It may have a small hill or two to climb as well, but fun will always be had! You have three options to choose...One loop, Two loops or Three loops! You choose your distance! USOLE Trail Challenge races are a great way to see the trails, get a trail run in and enjoy camaraderie with your trail running friends!

Race Details:USOLE Summer Trail Challenge Registration Pricing:

Opening Price until February 28 - $40.00

March 1 - April 30 - $45.00

May 1 - May 31 - $50.00

June 1 - Race Day - $55.00

No exchanges or refunds

The Goods:

Everyone receives a USOLE Trail Challenge premium giveaway

Brews for all post race!

USOLE camaraderie and fun as always!

Courses will be trail & off road with crushed limestone, dirt, rocks, & roots...and maybe some mud. Fun is the name of the game!

Races will begin promptly @ 9:00am. Race day pickup & registration will begin @ 8:00am.

Weather Issues: In the case of inclement weather, the only time we will delay a race or consider any action is in the presence of lightening. All other weather (rain, snow, tons of snow, tons of rain, etc) we will run the race. After all, this is trail running and some inclement weather makes it that much more fun!

Water will be at the Start/finish line. Due to Cook County Forest Preserve regulations, we are not allowed to have any aid station in the trails. Runners running the 6 or 9 mile will have access to water before heading out back out on the second & third three mile loops. It is recommended to carry a hand held bottle or a hydration belt if you need on-course hydration. Bottles can be filled at start/finish line as well as at the split aid station.

-Granola Bars & bananas will be at the finish.

-Race day gear check will be at the Universal Sole Tents

-Parking Info: Plenty of parking in the forest preserve parking lots!

Directions to race sites (see map and address below):

(Wolf Road Woods) - Coming from the north, take I-55 to Exit 279A, southbound La Grange Road. Drive south for roughly 2 miles and exit south onto Archer Avenue.

Awards:

-Overall Male & Female will receive custom tile awards for 9 mile race.

-Full Age Group Awards for the 9 MILE TRAIL RACE ONLY, Top three in each age group: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

-The 3 & 6 Mile will have age group winner awards only.

-Post race raffle with great prizes from Universal Sole & all of our sponsors to be held at our post race party on-site!

-Packet Pick-up & Race Day Registration:All packets/numbers can be picked race morning on-site @ Wolf Road Woods (Palos) from 8:00am until 8:45am @ The USOLE Tents.

If you would like to register for the race, you may do so on-site at the USOLE Tents from 8am - 8:45am race morning. We highly recommend registering pre-race, but can take walk-ups as well.

Post Race Brews & Fun!

Once the races are over, craft brews for everyone (along with an N.A. alternative as well)! We will have some other goodies for folks as well to enjoy, but let's run, have some fun and enjoy some beer! Once again we will have some brews from our sponsors, Bitter Pops & Goose Island Beer Company for all folks to enjoy and sip while celebrating your accomplishment! Come on out, enjoy some great summer trail running, great craft brews and tons of camaraderie!

BRING OLD RUNNING SHOES OUT TO THE RACE TO RECYCLE!

Reduce Waste Chicago is a nonprofit organization that empowers residents to address climate change through waste reduction on a personal, producer, and policy level. They host Reuse & Recycling Pop-Up events across the city, where they collect a selection of items that can be reused, repurposed, or are difficult to recycle. Reduce Waste Chicago will be out at USOLE races accepting running shoes for recycling (athletic shoes only; please no packaging, bags, boxes, etc.) For more information, click here.

Want To Volunteer? Please email: [email protected]

Please note: No refunds or exchanges for this event