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The Valentine's Trail Challenge - 4.5 Miles
**February 12th, 2022 @ 10am**
Now in it's 7th year, the USOLE Valentine's Trail Challenge is back @ Schiller Woods for 2022.  We will be using the same course as the December Trail Challenge, but with snow covered trails instead of mud covered trails. Schiller Woods is a great location very close to the city with fantastic trails and plenty of tree lined scenery along the legendary Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT). Plan to join us February 12th and find out the magic that is the USOLE Valentine's Trail Challenge. Waiting for everyone as they cross the finish will be Will's Famous Chili...a long standing USOLE Trail Challenge post trail race tradition. Still plenty of time to register and join us. Be sure to use code USOLE10 and get 10% off of your registration!

POSSIBLE WEATHER ALERT! DUE TO POSSIBLE SNOWY CONDITIONS, SOME SECTIONS OF THIS COURSE ARE SNOW, MUD AND ICE COVERED! WE RECOMMEND ALL RUNNERS WEAR CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK SPIKES OR A PAIR OF YAKTRAX (SEE PIC) TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE AND GAIN TRACTION ON THE SNOW/ICE SECTIONS. YAKTRAX CAN BE WORN ON ANY RUNNING SHOE!

Race Details:
  • USOLE Valentine's Trail Challenge Pricing:
    • UNTIL RACE DAY - $45
    • RACE DAY - $50
    • WE WILL HAVE RACE MORNING REGISTRATION
    • No exchanges or refunds
  • The Goods:
    • Every registered runner will receive a custom USOLE Valentine's Trail Challenge long sleeve sublimated wicking running shirt (see photo of shirt on this page).
    • A Custom Valentine's Trail Challenge decal (Limited Edition).
  • Courses will be snowy trail & off road with crushed limestone, dirt, rocks, & roots...and maybe some mud. Fun is the name of the game!
  • Race will begin @ 10:00am on February 12th and 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 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!
  • Magnesia Natural Mineral Water 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.
  • Granola Bars and bananas will be at the finish.
  • Refreshing Solemn Oath Brews, City Water Seltzer & Athletic Brewing craft brews will be given to all runners after the race.
  • 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:
  • Overall Male & Female winners will receive custom award tiles and a $25.00 gift card to Heartbreak Running Company.
  • Age Group Awards, 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:
*We will have Race Morning Registration - $50.00
*Packet Pickup will only be race morning from the USOLE Tents starting @ 8am and finish @ 9:30am.

Post Race - Will's Famous Chili, Craft Brews & Fun!
Once the race is over, Will's Famous Chili and Solemn Oath craft brews along with Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic brews will be waiting for everyone. City Water Hard Seltzer will also be on-hand for folks to enjoy. Let's run, have some fun and enjoy the best chili on earth to warm you up after your race. We are always in for a treat when Will crafts his family style three meat chili or his vegetarian chili which will be brand new to the post run menu for all to enjoy.

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).
COVID-19 Rules & Regulations:
  • If you are fully vaccinated, we will have no mask requirement in place for our races. If you are not vaccinated, we urge you to wear a mask and social distance as necessary. We will operate on the honor system and will not be asking for any proof of vaccination.
  • This will be a mass start race and everyone will start together in the start/finish corral. We will have chip timing, so anyone that wants to start after the mass start can feel free to do so as your time will start once you cross the start line.
  • Please be responsible for any activities pre and post race (selfies, group selfies, etc).
  • Persons from high-risk groups for COVID-19 (that are not vaccinated) complications should consult their physician before participating.
  • Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, and or have a fever, or if you have been in contact with someone unrecovered from COVID-19. 

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 2022 USOLE TRAIL CHALLENGE SERIES SPONSORS