2024 HICKORY KNOLLS
5K & 10K TRAIL RUN
and 10K RELAY
We are returning to the trails of the Hickory Knolls Nature Area in St Charles for the 4th annual HICKORY KNOLLS Trail Run & Relay on Sunday, June 9.
Come out and run the grass and dirt trails over an approximate 3-mile loop course through a beautiful and diverse natural area. The first portion of the approximate 5K loop is relatively flat, while a couple of hills await in the latter portion of the loop. The route is very well marked, and the trail is primarily wide-track (allowing for easy passing or running alongside a friend) on dirt, gravel and grass.
You can participate in either the individual runner 5k (one loop) or 10k (two loops) distance, or create a 2-person team for the 10k relay(each team member does the 5K loop once). All race distances are approximate.
The Hickory Knolls Trail Run is the second of four events in the 2024 Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series.
This event is sponsored by Dick Pond Athletics, Brooks Running, and Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling. Proceeds from this event benefit the St Charles Park Foundation.
Sponsored by
In cooperation with the St. Charles Park District
Proceeds from the race will benefit
Registration fees
5K Run/Walk
Price changes in 22 days 18 hours-
Individual and Relay Team Registration. One individual can registers both team members in one transaction. After the first person registers, click "add another registrant" at the bottom of the page. This will create a new registration form to be filled out accordingly. After the second form is complete, proceed to check out. Don't forget to create a fun team name!
-
$40.00Mar 18 – Mar 31
-
Register for 5K Run/Walk$45.00Now registering Apr 1 – May 31
-
$50.00
Race Week
Jun 1 – Jun 9
-
10K Run
Price changes in 22 days 18 hours-
-
$40.00Mar 18 – Mar 31
-
Register for 10K Run$45.00Now registering Apr 1 – May 31
-
$50.00
Race Week
Jun 1 – Jun 9
-
Event Info
EVENT DETAILS
Name: HICKORY KNOLLS TRAIL RUN & RELAY
Date: Sunday, June 9, 2024
Location: Hickory Knolls Nature Area, James O. Breen Community Park, Peck Rd and Campton Hills Rd, St. Charles
Parking: Parking will be in the James Breen Community Park parking lot with entrance off of Campton Hills Rd, just west of the stoplight at Peck Rd. You will want to park on the west end of the lot (closer to the Discovery Center building and wooded area rather than near the water park). There will be youth soccer games taking place on race day, so plan to arrive a little earlier to find a spot.
Sponsors: Dick Pond Athletics, Brooks Running, PollyAnna Brewing &Distilling
Beneficiary: St Charles Park Foundation
Distances:
- 5K Run/Walk, one loop (approximately 3.1 miles)
- 10K Run two loops (approximately 6.3 miles)
- 10K 2-person Relay, each participant one loop (approximately 6.3 miles)
Course:
- Course to be run on the existing trails and pathways fully within the Hickory Knolls Nature Area (see attached course map)
- Course is primarily wide pathways over dirt, grass and gravel. Expect to encounter uneven ground, exposed roots, partially embedded rocks, low branches and other conditions characteristic of a wooded area. You are running at your own risk of possibly stumbling, falling, or landing awkwardly, any of which could result in an injury.
- Course will be marked using spray chalk on ground, directional arrow signs and strings of plastic triangular pennants.
Water Station: There will be NO water station on the course for the 5K. 10K runners can get water at the start/finish as they begin their second loop. All participants are advised to carry their own hydration, if needed. Bottled water will be available at the Finish.
Washrooms: There are washrooms in the Discovery Center and a toilet adjacent to the picnic shelter. There may also be some open porta-potties near the soccer fields.
Race Day Schedule:
- Sunday, June 9
8:00am START For All Races
Awards will be presented as soon as results are available for each race.
Age Groups:
Individual 5K / 10K Run:
Male/Female in age groups 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & Over
2 Person10K Relay:
Male/Female/Co-Ed Teams in combined age groups 40 & Under, 41-60, 61-80, 81-100, 101-119, 120 & Over
Premium for Registration: Each registered participant will receive the race-official Brooks Podium short sleeve performance shirt. This lightweight and breathable shirt is gender-specific and made of moisture-wicking fabric. Please note selected size is not guaranteed with registration after May 27.
 |  |
Awards:
- Overall Male and Female winners of 5K and 10K and overall team winner of relay
- First Place Male and Female Age Group Winners for 5K & 10K and first place male/female/co-ed teams in relay
- Finisher award (see below)
Race Day Raffle: We will have some raffle items to give away while each race in in progress. When you cross the Finish line, be sure to check the dry erase board posted nearby to see if you have won something.
Packet Pick-up:
- Saturday, June 8, 2:00 – 4:00pm at Dick Pond Athletics, 303 N 2nd Street, St Charles
(New entries will be accepted at this time ONLY if space is still open)
- Sunday, June 9, at race site, 7:00am until race time
Medical on Site: we are looking to have a medical individual on site for any minor issues requiring First Aid.
Note: If you are a qualified medic or nurse who would like to volunteer your time and services on race day, please contact Wayne Haworth at wayne@dickpondathletics.com. We may be able to offer a small stipend to you for stepping up and helping out.
Course Information
Distances:
- Approx. 5K (3.1 miles) for Individual runners, running one 3-mile loop
- Approx. 10K (6.2 miles) for Individual runners, running two 3-mile loops
Course:
- Course to be run on the existing trails and pathways fully within the Hickory Knolls Nature Area (see course map below)
- Course is primarily wide pathways over dirt, grass and gravel. Expect to encounter uneven ground, exposed roots, partially embedded rocks, low branches and other conditions characteristic of a wooded area. You are running at your own risk of possibly stumbling, falling, or landing awkwardly, any of which could result in an injury.
- Course will be marked using directional arrow signs and strings of plastic triangular pennants.
Volunteers
VOLUNTEERS
YES!! Volunteers are Needed: Volunteers are needed to on race day to help with bib pick-up, at the Start/Finish and along the running route as course marshals. Besides receiving the deep and eternal gratitude of the race committee and participants, you will also receive a race momento. If you can help out, please notify Wayne Haworth at wayne@dickpondathletics.com
Registration Entry Fees
Entry Fee | Individual 5K & 10K | Relay Team (per person) |
| Early Registration 3/18-3/31 | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Standard Registration 4/1-5/31 | $45.00 | $45.00 |
| Registration 6/1-6/9 Race Week | $50.00 | $50.00 |
Event schedule
- Sat, June 8, 2024 2:00 PM - Pre Race Day Packet Pick Up at Dick Pond Athletics St. Charles (2PM-4PM)
- Sun, June 9, 2024 7:00 AM - On Site Check In
- Sun, June 9, 2024 8:00 AM - Start - all events
Contact information
- Event contact
- Wayne Haworth
- Phone
- +1 630-665-3316
- Website
- Visit website
