The Universal Sole Summer Trail Challenge 2026

The race.

The Universal Sole Summer Trail Challenge takes place on June 27, 2026, at Wolf Road Woods in the Palos Trail System near Willow Springs, Illinois, with races beginning at 9:00 a.m. Participants choose from three distances—3 miles, 6 miles, or 9 miles—all run on the same loop course featuring double and single track terrain with crushed limestone, dirt, rocks, roots, and undulating terrain. Race day registration and packet pickup occur from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the USOLE Tents on-site. All finishers receive a premium giveaway item and access to post-race brews and snacks including granola bars and bananas. Awards are given to overall male and female winners in the 9-mile race and age group winners across all distances; the 9-mile race offers full age group awards for eight categories. Water stations are available at the start/finish line and at a split aid station before the second and third loops; runners are encouraged to carry their own hydration bottles.