The Universal Sole "No Frills" Summer Trail Challenge - THREE DISTANCES to Choose!
*3 Miles-> 6->Miles-> 9 Miles*
July 8, 2023 @ 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 Wolf Road Woods, part of the Palos Trail System to tackle our very popular 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 and enjoy camaraderie with your trail running friends!
Race Details:
  • USOLE Summer Trail Challenge Registration Pricing:
    • Until June 15 - $30.00
    • Until July 1 - $35.00
    • July 1 to RACE DAY - $40.00
  • The Goods:
    • Everyone receives a USOLE Trail Challenge String Backpack!
    • This is NO FRILLS! We have some great USOLE Trail Challenge swag left over from other races...You get to pick! The kicker, it is on a first come first served basis, so getting to the packet pickup early since it will be best pickings then early on race morning! NO FRILLS.....But the deal to run and get stuff can't be beat!
  • 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.
  • Refreshing Solemn Oath Brews Craft Beer will be given to all runners after along with other goodies.
  • 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:
    • (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 award tiles for both the 3 mile, 6 mile and 9 mile races.
  • 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+
  • 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 7:30am until 8:30am @ 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! 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, Solemn Oath & City Water Seltzer 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!
Want To Volunteer? Please email: info@universalsole.com
**Please note: No refunds or exchanges for this event**
THANK YOU TO OUR USOLE TRAIL CHALLENGE SERIES SPONSORS