JOURNEYS Run/Walk 2026

Cardio Kidz is BACK this summer in Arlington Heights! Last summer we hit a record high number of 184 runners; help us grow past 200! Join us for a three (3) week running series for kids ages 2-14 of ALL ABILITIES. Each race takes place once a week on Sunday and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 100-yard dashes, 1/4-mile, 1/2-mile and 1-mile run. Kids can register to run UP in distance for a greater challenge. An Alternate 1/4-mile race is available for 2nd-8th graders who are looking for a shorter race. And that's OK! We hope they will give it a try and will encourage them every step of the way!

In addition to the physical benefits of running, the program aims to build social-emotional skills. The Cardio Kidz environment is great for the seasoned runner and also those who may never run before. We focus on a word of affirmation in age-appropriate discussions before each race and will track weekly progress to promote goal setting and increase self-confidence. The emphasis of this series is on self-improvement vs. competition with others. We realize that accomplishments look different for everyone, and it is our goal for every participant to make big strides and have FUN while doing so!

Pricing: $35 registration fee includes: Three (3) Weeks of Races, three (3) Race Bibs, Cardio Kidz Swag, Goal Tracker Sheet, Weekly Progress Report and Finisher Medal.

$5 Sibling Discount. Registration is non-refundable.

Rain Date: August 2nd

Dick Pond Athletics

2026 Summer Trail Classic

Approx 4M * 9.5M * 13M

August 23, 2026

7:30 Start

The Summer Trail Classic is the third of four events of the 2026 Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series.

After galloping over the wide crushed limestone lanes at Chauncey’s in April and overcoming the hills on the wide grass/dirt pathways of Hickory Knolls in June, we are now venturing onto the twisting and turning single-track trails of Paul Douglas Forest Preserve in Hoffman Estates.

Choose from three different distances – approximate 4 miles / 9.5 miles / 13 miles – for a true trail running experience!

Date: August 23, 2026

Start Time: 7:30am (all distances)

Distances:

Approximate 4 miles / 9.5 miles / 13 miles

Walking-only participants are only allowed in the 4 mile distance, and support on all three courses will be removed at 12:00 Noon.

Location: Paul Douglas Forest Preserve, Central Avenue (just west of Roselle Rd, and just east of Barrington Rd), Hoffman Estates

Sponsors: Dick Pond Athletics, Mount to Coast and Darn Tough

Beneficiary: Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr)

CAMBr is the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers, a volunteer organization of hundreds of riders who work to ensure that mountain bikers have diverse and challenging local opportunities to enjoy their sport. Our members have donated thousands of work hours to build and improve area trails.

The mission of the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers is to educate bicyclists, promote responsible trail use, prevent trail closings, maintain and build multi-use natural surface singletrack and freeride cycling opportunities in the Chicago area. CAMBr seeks to promote trail and freeride bicycling through stewardship, environmental and social responsibility, education, and a spirit of cooperation among all trail users, the conservation community, and governing bodies.

Please visit cambr.org if you are interested in finding out how you can get involved with CAMBr’s trail maintenance activities and/or cycling events.

Sponsored by

IMPORTANT: The Forest Preserve has very strict regulations in place regarding the trail use at Paul Douglas – if the trails are WET, the trails are CLOSED. If there is significant rain in the days immediately before race day and the Forest Preserve office deems the trails are not usable, we will shift the race to the asphalt bike path at the preserve. You will receive an email from us no later than Friday evening, August 21, notifying you of the change to the bike path with details about the course and race distances.

The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of 9/11 and those who've served our nations since. We activate & unite communities and empower local veterans, active duty, first responders, and families of the fallen.

TMF is proud to partner with GORUCK again with rucking divisions at every run. Rucking is a sport based on special forces training in which participants walk or run while carrying weighted rucksacks. All participants registered for the GORUCK division will earn this year's exclusive TMF GORUCK patch. Learn more about GORUCK here.

Join the D54 Education Foundation in supporting literacy and promoting health and fitness for the young and old by participating in the 21st annual Run to Read. We are currently planning the Run to Read 2025 to be held in person on September 28, starting and ending at Dirksen School in Schaumburg. This event will include a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile walk and children’s races. This year the event will be hosted by the District 54 Education Foundation on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Dirksen School. The District 54 Education Foundation is committed to supporting students today and preparing students for tomorrow. It does that primarily by providing support to children from financially struggling families.

With this change in host, there is also a change in how the funds will be spent. All funds raised this year will be used to support programs for these families. By meeting the basic needs of students, they are preparing students to be successful at school, thus the name Run to Read still applies.

Not a runner? With a $10 donation, you can sponsor a D54 student whose family cannot afford to participate in this race. For $20, you can sponsor 2 children. For $100 you can sponsor 10. You get the idea.

Click on DONATE to Sponsor a Child or make an online donation. You can also mail a donation to Run to Read, 524 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194. don't forget all donations are tax-deductible.

Click on SPONSOR for more information about the various sponsorship opportunities available.

Don't forget to take a photo and tag us on social, or use the hashtag #54Run2Read.