This is a small yet fairly competitive trail race held annually in Wheaton by Dick Pond Athletics at the Danada Forest Preserve! There's an 8 mile and a 5K option. Usually a few hundred people register overall and there's a great family and community turnout (not to mention, hot chocolate and brownies at the finish line).

PROS
- The race trail is beautiful! It takes you through the forest preserve and the trails are clearly marked.
- Given the smaller nature of the race, the swag you get is pretty good (I've gotten a jacket and a pullover) and overall registration is inexpensive. Packet pickup is a breeze.
- Race day parking is pretty simple, and there was plenty of port o potties to go around.
- Post race, there is HOT CHOCOLATE AND BROWNIES! Yes, you heard it. And there's other small vendors passing out snacks (whole foods gave our some granola bars).

CONS
- For those who finished later in the races, apparently they ran out of hot chocolate and treats for some people. This might be due to some families and spectators indulging.
- The awards ceremony was pretty much non existent and a bit of a cluster trying to get the correct results.