The Road Warrior 50k returns to Carol Stream, Illinois on July 18th, offering runners a unique challenge through the scenic landscapes of West Chicago, Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora, Warrenville, and Wheaton before circling back to Dick Pond Athletics. This race is not just a run; it’s an adventure along bike paths and crushed gravel trails that wind through small towns brimming with charm and history.
As dawn breaks over the Illinois prairie on race day, the air carries a cool morning chill that gradually gives way to warm sunlight as participants make their way through familiar streets and quiet parks. The atmosphere is electric; runners from Dick Pond Racing team members to general public enthusiasts come together in a spirit of camaraderie and shared passion for running and cycling paths that are both challenging and rewarding. Community supporters line the routes, cheering on racers with homemade signs and encouraging words.
Since its inception, this event has grown into a beloved tradition within Carol Stream's athletic community. It is open to all members of Dick Pond Racing at no cost but welcomes everyone else for a small fee. The race raises funds for Running Is Fun Sometimes, supporting local running clubs and initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles among young athletes in the region. Its history reflects a deep commitment to fostering a sense of belonging within Carol Stream’s vibrant athletic community.
The course itself is an expansive loop covering 33 miles through picturesque neighborhoods and serene trails, with aid stations conveniently placed along key sections such as Geneva's historic downtown area and Batavia’s scenic bike paths. Runners can expect varied terrain that includes stretches of crushed gravel on the main route, ensuring a mix of flat and undulating paths to test endurance and stamina. The race starts at 5:30 AM sharp from Dick Pond Athletics in Carol Stream, with staggered start times throughout the morning based on anticipated completion time schedules.
Participants will experience temperatures ranging between cool mornings and warm afternoons as they traverse through July's typical Illinois climate—average high of around 28 degrees Celsius, but also dipping to a comfortable low early in the day. While humidity remains moderate at about 73%, there is a slight chance for light rainfall making trail conditions hard yet dry throughout most sections of the race route. Ultraviolet index reaches Very High levels during midday hours.
50K Individual
50K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $40.00
Relay (any size)
Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $20.00
Additional Relay Details: All relay teams must handle their own transportation logistics, navigating transfer points efficiently to maintain momentum across multiple legs. Aid stations and designated hand-off locations are equipped with essentials for racers along the way, ensuring continuous support throughout each team's journey towards completion by noon at Dick Pond Athletics.
For those planning to join this year’s Road Warrior 50k event, registration is now open via https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=136576. Individual runners can sign up for $40 (or less if registered before May 15th), while relay teams pay a flat fee of just $20 per runner regardless of team size. Relay participants should designate one member to create and manage the team registration process, ensuring all members are properly included.
The start location is at Dick Pond Athletics at 26W515 St Charles Rd in Carol Stream, Illinois. Bib pickup for race day will take place on-site starting from early morning hours until just before each individual or relay group’s designated start time. All runners should arrive well-prepared with adequate hydration and nutrition supplies given the extensive distance covered.
Join us this July 18th at Dick Pond Athletics in Carol Stream, Illinois for another unforgettable edition of The Road Warrior 50k—a celebration of endurance, community spirit, and the unyielding passion that drives athletes to push themselves beyond their limits.
