Big Timber XC Challenge

Big Timber XC Challenge

The 2025 Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Series culminates in an autumnal run/walk through the woods at the 6th Annual Big Timber XC Challenge! Choose the 3-mile Run & Walk (one loop) or the 5-mile Run (two loops). The course includes grass, gravel, dirt, mud, and a creek crossing. All registered participants receive a shirt, pancake breakfast, and finisher's award. A Kids Fun Run (10 years & under) is also available.

Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Location: Camp Big Timber (CBT), Big Timber Rd at Tyrrell Rd, Elgin, IL, USA

Distances: Approximately 3 and 5 miles

Sponsors: Dick Pond Athletics, Saucony, Pollyanna Brewing

Beneficiaries: Boy Scouts of America Three Fires Council & Boys & Girls Club of Elgin

Registration Fees:

• Kids Fun Run (10 & under): $17.51 (Jun 1-Nov 4), $22.85 (Nov 5-9)
• 3-Mile Run: $54.88 (Jun 1-Nov 9)
• 5-Mile Run: $54.88 (Jun 1-Nov 9)

Course Description: The race starts on the driveway in front of the Main Lodge. Runners will be on the gravel road for the first half mile before turning onto a mowed grass pathway to head up a small hill, where they will begin the circuit around the perimeter of the CBT property. The 3-mile course will make one loop around the perimeter, while the 5-mile course will make two loops. After completing the loop(s), runners will go back down the small hill to return onto the gravel road to back to the Finish, at the same location as the Start. The majority of the race will be run on gravel driveways, open grass areas, and wide mowed grass pathways through wooded areas, although there are a couple of short stretches on single-track dirt trails. This is a trail running event, and you will encounter uneven ground, exposed tree roots and rocks and other natural challenges such as low-hanging tree branches, snow or ice on the ground, wet/marshy ground or possibly a broken tree limb laying across the trail. And, of course, there is the creek. The creek is approximately 15-20 feet wide and you should expect it to be COLD (after all, it is November). Depending on rain or snow in the days before the race, the water may be only ankle deep, as it was in 2020 … or possibly knee-high, as it was in 2019. There will be a rope suspended between the sides of the creek that you can hold onto, if needed, as you cross. Do not let the creek intimidate you – in some ways, it is the best thing about this event!

Event Schedule:

• Sat, Nov 8, 2025, 2:00 PM: Pre-Race Shirt & Bib Pick Up at Dick Pond Athletics, St. Charles
• Sun, Nov 9, 2025, 7:30 AM: On-Site Check-In/Race Day Registration
• Sun, Nov 9, 2025, 8:00 AM: 3-Mile Race Start
• Sun, Nov 9, 2025, 9:00 AM: Kids Run Start
• Sun, Nov 9, 2025, 9:30 AM: 5-Mile Race Start