The Universal Sole April
Trail Challenge - 5 Miles
April 10th, 2021 @ 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 back to the Far Northside of Chicago and Schiller Woods!  This is the original USOLE Trail Challenge 5 mile course and original location (over 20 years at Schiller woods)! This is a great location very close to the City, North & West Suburbs for all folks to easily travel to and take part in. Schiller Woods has a vast trail system that takes folks along the beautiful, scenic and legendary Des Plaines River Trail.
Race Details:
  • USOLE April Trail Challenge Pricing (due to COVID-19 safety regulations, our numbers are limited, this race will sell out):
    • UNTIL RACE DAY - $50
    • NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION
    • No exchanges or refunds
  • The Goods:
    • Every registered runner will receive a custom USOLE April Trail Challenge premium race giveaway.
  • 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!
    • Directions for race start with special COVID-19 precautions will be announced closer to the event as we will be enforcing state and local guidelines for all 2021 USOLE Trail Challenges!
  • 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 lightning. 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 and NUUN Hydration Drink at the Start/finish line. Due to Cook County Forest Preserve regulations and COVID-19 guidelines, we are not allowed to have any aid station in the trails. We will have an aid station at the start/finish line so you can fill up any bottles prior to the start of the race. It is highly recommended you come with your own bottle or hydration pack option.
  • Clif Bars, bananas & apples will be at the finish (in individual bags to ensure safety during COVID-19)
  • Refreshing Odell Brewing Craft Beer will be given to all runners after in a socially distant manner.
  • 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:
    • Schiller Woods - From I-294 take the Irving Park Road exit east. From I-90, take the Cumberland Avenue exit south to Irving Park. Entrances for Schiller Woods West entrance is along Irving Park Road (right turn into the grove). We will be at Grove # 3.
Awards:
  • Top Five Overall for Male & Female Award Tiles
  • 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:
*We will be having a packet pickup with our retail partners, Commonwealth Running Company & Heartbreak Hill Running Store:
-Date/Time: TBD
*Packet pick-up will also be available on race morning starting @ 8:00am from the USOLE Tents.
Post Race - Brews & Fun!
Once the races are over, Craft Brews for everyone! We will have some other goodies for folks as well to enjoy, but let's run, have some fun and enjoy some fine Odell Brewing Craft Beer! A great post race treat after hitting the trails!

Volunteer Information: Please email Universal Sole (info@universalsole.com) and let us know if you would like to take part by volunteering.

Strollers & Dogs: Strollers and leashed dogs are allowed, we ask that you start in the last start time corral.
*Please note: There are no refunds or exchanges for this event. Discount codes can't be used on race day/night registration (best is to sign up pre-event on-line here)!

Location

Schiller Woods West Forest Preserve (Grove 3)
8400 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60634
*There will be plenty of parking in the Forest Preserve Parking Lots!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 USOLE TRAIL CHALLENGE SERIES SPONSORS