On August 30, 2026, the Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k takes place in Evanston, Illinois, at Gross Point Road and Thayer Street. Despite its name, the actual race distance is 3.62 miles. The event starts at 9:00 AM, giving runners an early morning competition window. Entry fees range from $30 to $40, positioning this as an accessible local race for runners training for longer cross country seasons or looking for a mid-distance tempo effort. The Evanston venue offers a straightforward cross country format on established roads, making it suitable for runners seeking a point-to-point or out-and-back course experience. Check the race website for course details, parking information, and any course support stations before heading north to this late-summer event.
From the Race Organizer
Location: Lovelace Park, Evanston, IL MAIN EVENT Date/Time: Sunday August 30th Start time: 9AM Distance: 3.62 mi. ( Course Map ) Early Bird Entry Through July 31 Adults $30 14-under: $25 Entry fee August 1-August 30 Adults $35 14-under $30 Race Day Entries--$40 SCHOLASTIC EVENTS--Entry Fees are Same; Register through https://www.athletic.net/ Coaches, Parents & Guardians, for more information contact: brad.coen@ilpreptoptiming.com Let us know your shirt size (Youth S, M, L) ALL SCHOLASTIC RACE SHIRTS ARE SHORT SLEEVE ALL-SCHOLASTIC XC START TIMES 8:00 AM 4th Grade & younger Boys and Girls Distance: 1.3 miles 8:20 AM 5th Grade and older Boys Distance: 2 miles 8:40 AM 5th Grade & older Girls Distance: 2 miles Valiant Physical Therapy for Runners and Illinois Prep Top Timing bring you three all-grass rollercoaster loops of the most exciting public cross-country action in Chicagoland! Sign up as an individual or form a club or pickup team of three or more runners. 9AM race Team Captains--e-mail jimpotts2112@gmail.com with your team rosters and questions. The first-ever event of the Chicago Public XC Circuit begins with our all-Chicagoland Scholastic Events at 8AM, 8:20AM and 8:40AM. Our 6K main event starts at 9AM followed by awards presentation gathering with burgers and brats for runners and race volunteers. Race entries include a short- or long-sleeve performance-mesh shirt. RACE DAY VOLUNTEERS--Contact jimpotts2112@gmail.com to volunteer. We are hosting races in August, September, and Thanksgiving Sunday in November 2026. We need help with course setup, course marshals, grill chef and picnic help, and post-event teardown. SHIRTS Chose from: Men's Short Sleeve S M L XL Men's Long Sleeve S M L XL Women's Short Sleeve S M L XL Women's Long Sleeve S M L XL 2026 is a high-water mark for public cross country in Chicago and the makings of a Chicago Public XC Circuit are in place: January 2026 Winter Challenge--Bunker Hill Forest Preserve. www.runrace.net . August 30 2026 Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge--Evanston, IL November 8 2026 Fast Track Cross Country Open--Schaumburg, IL. https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Schaumburg/FastTrackCrossCountryOpen November 30, 2026 (Thanksgiving Weekend) Valiant PT Holiday Cross Country Race & Reunion--Evanston, IL. https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Evanston/ERCJohnHennellyPublicCrossCountryRaces
Hotels Near This Race
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Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k 2026 — Evanston, IL
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 30.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Evanston, IL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k 2026 — Evanston, IL?
Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k 2026 — Evanston, IL takes place on August 30, 2026. The race is held in Evanston, Illinois.
Where is Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k 2026 — Evanston, IL held?
Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k 2026 — Evanston, IL is held at Gross Point Road & Thayer Street in Evanston, Illinois.
Where can I find hotels near Valiant PT Cross Country Challenge 6k 2026 — Evanston, IL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Evanston. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
