The Universal Sole December Trail Challenge

The Universal Sole December Trail Challenge is held in Chicago, Illinois, on December 12, 2026. The event lists a single race, 4.5 Miles (7.2 km) on trail, starting at 10:00 AM. It is put on by Universal Sole.

Trail running in December in the Midwest asks for different footing than a road race: expect softer, uneven ground and possible mud or frozen ruts, and pick shoes with real tread rather than road flats. Pace by effort instead of by mile splits, because a trail 4.5 miles will feel harder than the same distance on pavement. The distance is short enough that runners with a regular weekly base can jump in without a dedicated build, though a couple of easy runs on trail beforehand will get your ankles used to the surface. The 10:00 AM start leaves the rest of the day free.