MS Warrior Dash 5K: Portage, Indiana

Runner's for Public Lands (RPL) is excited to partner with Trailblazer Running and the National Park Service (NPS) to present the 2026 Indiana Dunes Trail Work Series.

This project brings our local community of runners together to learn about and care for the living landscapes we run with. Through repetitive, hands-on service events with an educational component, we can share ecological values and create strong connections that inspire runners to care for the people and places they love.

This Trail Work Series will include 4 independent trail work events, each with its own unique educational component. Based on the location of each trail work we have identified a relevant topic to learn about. The educational topics may include native vs. invasive flora, trail building/maintaining, and the importance of wetlands. We are working with the National Park Service to provide expert insights on these topics. Participants are not required to attend all four events but are encouraged to, and can earn prizes/incentives for attending multiple events.

Each event will be approved by the NPS and led by Trailblazer Running volunteer leaders and NPS Staff and volunteers. All volunteers will be required to sign an NPS waiver before volunteering.

Runners for Public Lands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds inclusive running communities dedicated to protecting the environment. To bring our mission to life, we create pathways in local communities that connect runners with opportunities to learn about the lands and the people they are running with. We develop programs, resources, and events in partnership with cultural and environmental experts, established land stewarding organizations, indigenous leaders, and other non-profits. RPL’s mission doesn’t stop at awareness and education. Our ultimate goal is to inspire and spark action so that more runners want to get involved and actively care for the people in their community and the places where they run.

This is a Race the Region event (#5 in the series) CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RACE THE REGION SERIES

Portage Plod 5K

Time: 8:00AM CST

Where: Starts and finishes at Founder Square - 6300 Central Ave, Portage, IN 46368

Entry Fee: Early registration —$30 (no additional processing fee) - $25 without a shirt. Entry fee goes up to $35 on May 9th. Race day - $40 Race shirt sizes and availability are only guaranteed if registered before May 8th

Pre Packet Pick Up: This will take place on May 15th and 16th from 10 AM-5 PM at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

Race Day Packet Pick Up: On-site packet pick up will be available at the race site at 6:30 AM - 7:45 AM

ALL REGISTRATION WILL BE DONE ONLINE. ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL THE START OF THE RACE. PARTICIPANTS THAT WISH TO REGISTER ON RACE DAY SHOULD DO SO ONLINE BEFORE HEADING TO THE RACE SITE.

We are currently planning to have all of the participants start at 8:00 AM. The starting line will remain open for 5 minutes. Participants starting after 8:05 AM will not receive a time.

Trail Run Xtreme is back and we're not skimping on the mud! Roots, hills, logs, mud puddles, twists and turns, and maybe even some water crossings await you along the woodsy single-track route of the Outback Trails. Bug spray will be provided before and food, fruit, and snacks afterwards with camaraderie all around. So grab your trail shoes, tighten up those laces, and get ready to let out your inner child because it's time to explore the woods and race in the dirt!

RACE DATE & TIME

Date of Race - Sunday, May 17, 2026

Check-in / Race Day Registration opens - 8:00am (CDT)

Race Start Times:

3K (ages 14 & Under) - 8:30 AM (CDT)

12K (all ages) - 9:00 AM (CDT)

RACE LOCATION

Outback Trail at Imagination Glen East

Iron Horse Heritage Trail

Portage, IN US 46386

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE

• Official 2026 Trail Run Xtreme Shirt (Deadline for guaranteed size availability is May 1st, 2026)

• Post-race meal (think Summer cook-out)

• Top 3 in each age group will receive a TRX age group award. Overall Male and Female and Masters Male and Female will receive special podium awards

OUR COURSE

The course is 95% shaded and wooded, with the exception of the start which goes around the soccer fields to spread the runners out. It's known for being a tough course (hence "Xtreme"). It will also be well marked with flags, signs, tape, and plenty of volunteers along the route to point you down the right path.

AWARDS

There will be awards for Overall Male/Female and Masters Male/Female.

Age Groups (1st through 3rd place will be awarded): 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-80, 80+

Clydesdale/Athena 1st through 3rd place

Awards will also be presented to the First Male and Female Finisher representing each branch of the military.

This race is a Calumet Striders Gold Cup Series Event!

YOUTH TRAIL RUNNING

As part of an initiative to promote youth trail running, special age-based pricing for the 12K distance of TRX will be available for all runners 18 and under. Registration fees will remain at just $20 and include all the same benefits.

BENEFICIARY

A portion of race proceeds benefit the organizations below. Additional donations can be made during the registration process.

Outback Trail Commission - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Outback Trail Commission and it’s members are voluntarily committed to the maintenance and construction of trails on the Outback Trail at Imagination Glen. Their volunteers prep and mark the course as well as provide the water stops and course marshalling on race day to keep everyone safe. TRX would not be possible without their support!

FAQ

Can I run with a stroller? Absolutely not. Have you seen these trails? 😆

Are Dogs Allowed? We know there's some tough pooches out there, but dogs are not allowed out on course for this event. However, friendly, leashed dogs are welcome at the event staging area and other spectator spots.

Why isn’t my shirt guaranteed? Quantities are limited. If you're registering after 5/1, our “live” shirt inventory shows the sizes currently in stock at the time you are registering.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING TRAIL RUN XTREME?

Earn perks like FREE race entries, features in social media posts and race emails, prominent logo placement (on the finish line arch, website, race bibs, and the official race shirt), opportunities to setup a table on-site, placement of your promotional items in racer swag bags, and more!

Please contact Race Director Kirk Cherep with any sponsorship inquires

Phone - (219) 307-5886

Email - kirk@temporuntiming.com

Experience the Indiana Dunes like never before at the Dunes Dash 5K, hosted by Save the Dunes at scenic West Beach in the Indiana Dunes National Park. This annual event invites participants to explore one of Northwest Indiana’s most iconic landscapes while supporting the ongoing protection and advocacy of the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas.

The 5K course winds through sandy, hilly trails with stairs and elevation changes, making it a rewarding challenge for runners and walkers alike. While the course is considered moderate to strenuous, it’s designed to be approachable for anyone ready to take on a fun, unique trail experience beyond a traditional road race.

A 1-mile Kids Fun Run is also offered, giving younger participants a chance to engage with the dunes in a fun and supportive setting.

Every registration helps Save the Dunes continue its work protecting natural areas, advocating for responsible land stewardship, and ensuring equitable access to the Indiana Dunes for our community and visitors.

Awards will be presented to:

Overall Male & Female, Masters (40+) Male & Female &

Top 3 Male & Female finishers in each age group: 13 & Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

T-shirts may be added on for $25 with registrations received before May 1, 2026.

Please note that Indiana Dunes National Park passes are required for entry. Passes may be purchased at the gate, in advance through Save the Dunes during race registration or through the National Park website www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm. If you require a no-cost park pass or additional accessibility information, please reach out to office@savedunes.org. Note: National Park passes are not available to purchase online through runsignup.com without the purchase of a race registration.

Packet Pick-Up Details:

Coming soon.

Extra Mile Fitness Company YOUTH RUNNING CAMP! 🏃🏃‍♀️

For ages 5 -13

All abilities are welcome!

Camp Dates: MONDAYS

June 8

June 15

June 22

July 6

AND RACE DAY: One Mile Challenge July 11th.

Practices are 6:00-7:00 pm - arrive early for check-in at 5:45pm

Location:

Shelter 3, Dogwood Park S 23rd St, Chesterton, IN 46304

Our 4-week Youth Running Camp introduces youth to running in a safe and fun environment. These camps are a grassroots program, designed to break down barriers and ensure every child has the opportunity to participate. Additionally, we give back by supporting local middle and high school Cross Country programs, donating proceeds from the One Mile Challenge. This event introduces over 500 youth to running and cross country, fostering a positive experience that we hope will inspire a lifelong love for the sport.

Campers will have 4 weeks of training practices and will compete in the Extra Mile One Mile Challenge Race on Saturday, July 11th.

Parent/Information meeting:

Monday June 8, (day 1 of camp)

Check in will start at 5:30pm, followed by a 10-15 min parent meeting.

Shelter 3, Dogwood Park S 23rd St, Chesterton, IN 46304