Hickory Knolls Trail Run

The 6th annual Hickory Knolls Trail Run takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 8:00 AM CDT starting from the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center on Campton Hills Drive in St. Charles, Illinois, USA. This event, part of the 2026 Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series, offers a 5K (one loop), 10K (two loops), and a 10K 2-person relay (each team member runs one 5K loop) on grass and dirt trails through a beautiful and diverse natural area, with proceeds benefiting the St. Charles Park Foundation.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Parking: James Breen Community Park parking lot, entrance off Campton Hills Rd (west of stoplight at Peck Rd). Park on the west end of the lot (closer to Discovery Center). Youth soccer games will be taking place – plan to arrive early.
• Packet Pick-Up: Saturday, June 6, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Dick Pond Athletics (303 N 2nd Street, St. Charles). New entries accepted at this time only if space remains. Race day pick-up at the race site from 7:00 AM until race time.
• Course Marking: Spray chalk on ground, directional arrow signs, and strings of plastic triangular pennants. Course is very well marked.
• Water Station: No water station on course for the 5K. 10K runners can get water at the start/finish as they begin their second loop. Participants are advised to carry their own hydration; bottled water will be available at the finish.
• Washrooms: Available at the Discovery Center, adjacent to the picnic shelter, and possibly near the soccer fields (porta-potties).
• Race Day Raffle: Raffle items given away while races are in progress. Check the dry erase board posted near the finish line to see if you won. One individual in each age group receives a free pair of Darn Tough socks by random draw.
• Medical on Site: Medical individual on site for minor first aid needs. Qualified medics or nurses interested in volunteering contact Wayne Haworth.
• Volunteers: Needed for bib pick-up, start/finish, and course marshals. Volunteers receive a race memento. Contact Wayne Haworth to help.
• Sponsors: Dick Pond Athletics, Brooks Running, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, Darn Tough.
• Beneficiary: St. Charles Park Foundation.
• Registration Premium: Brooks Podium Short Sleeve Performance Shirt (gender-specific).
• Awards: Overall male and female winners of 5K and 10K and overall team winner of relay. First and second place male and female age group winners for 5K & 10K. First place male/female/co-ed teams in relay.
• Age Groups – Individual 5K/10K: Male/female in 13 & Under, 14-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over.
• Age Groups – 2-Person 10K Relay: Male/Female/Co-Ed teams in combined age groups 40 & Under, 41-60, 61-80, 81-100, 101-119, 120 & Over.
• Series: Second of four events in the 2026 Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series.
• Contact: Wayne Haworth at +1 630-665-3316 or [email protected].

Route and Atmosphere:

• Scenic Setting: Run through the beautiful and diverse natural area of Hickory Knolls. The first portion of the loop is relatively flat, while a couple of hills await in the latter portion.
• Trail Conditions: Primarily wide-track trails (easy for passing or running alongside a friend) on dirt, gravel, and grass. Expect uneven ground, exposed roots, partially embedded rocks, low branches, and other conditions characteristic of a wooded area. Run at your own risk.
• Relay Format: Create a 2-person team for the 10K relay – each team member runs one 5K loop. Don't forget to create a fun team name!
• Family-Friendly: 5K run/walk welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.
• Post-Race Atmosphere: Awards presented at the completion of each race, raffle prizes, and water available at the finish.
• Community Partnership: In cooperation with the St. Charles Park District, with proceeds benefiting the St. Charles Park Foundation.
• Spectator Experience: Friends and family can cheer at the start/finish area near the Discovery Center, enjoy the park setting, and celebrate with participants after the race.

The 6th annual Hickory Knolls Trail Run in St. Charles, Illinois – featuring 5K, 10K, and 10K relay on grass and dirt trails through a diverse natural area – welcomes runners of all levels as part of the Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series, with proceeds benefiting the St. Charles Park Foundation.