Portage Plod 5K

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! 🏃🏃‍♀️

Ages 5-13

Camp Dates:

Thursdays June 11, June 18, June 25, and July 9, AND RACE DAY: One Mile Challenge Saturday July 11th

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

Camp Location:

Woodland Park - 2100 Willowcreek Rd, Portage IN 46368 - WIGWAM SHELTER

Goal Race:

Extra Mile ONE MILE CHALLENGE: Saturday, July 11- Fee includes youth entry into Extra Mile One Mile Challenge including race shirt!

Our 4-week Youth Running Camp introduces youth to running in a safe and fun environment. Campers will have 4 weeks of training practices and will compete in the Extra Mile One Mile Challenge Race on Saturday, July 11.

Parent/Information Meeting - Thursday June 11, (day 1 of camp) Check in will start at 5:30pm, followed by a 10-15 min parent meeting. At Woodland Park - 2100 Willowcreek Rd, Portage IN 46368 - WIGWAM SHELTER

We are honored to invite to you the Fifth Annual MS Warrior Dash 5K at the lovely Imagination Glen - West Park in Portage, Indiana on Saturday June 13th 2025.

All proceeds benefit MS Run the US, a nonprofit providing vital direct equipment donations to those living with MS. Will you help us to fight MS one mile at a time? Read more about MS Run the US. Our very own Race Director Stephanie Crook ran 143 miles in 5 days in July of 2022 as one of 19 Segment runners traversing the entire US. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her fundraising and advocacy efforts through the MS Warrior Dash Race Series.

Register Today and join us on Saturday June 13rd 2026!

• PLEASE NOTE: Registration prices will increase as we approach race day. Signup early to lock in your discounted price!

• 5K Race: Official Race Start and Open Start Line at 8:00am.

• Open Start Line allows participants to start when they feel comfortable and safe! We kindly ask competitive runners to start on 'gun' time at 8:00am. We expect to leave the Start Line open until 8:15am.

• Professional Chip Timing by Timer Mike @ Ronin Race Timing who also happens to be a Segment runner from 2022 and experienced race timer.

Race Day Schedule:

• Packet Pickup and Registration opens at 7:00am

• We anticipate having early packet pickup Friday afternoon. Details upcoming.

• 5K Start: 8:00am

• Awards OnDemand: for those who need to be on their way! Pickup your award at anytime after you finish.

• Overall Awards Announcement ~ 8:45

• Spend the morning with the community after the race. We have a few surprises lined up for attendees!

For those Living With MS:

• We would be honored to have you at the event and will happily work to make the event as accessible and accommodating as we can.

• We will be updating this page with detailed information in the coming days.

Calumet Region Striders 2026 Gold Cup and Elite Series:

• We are thrilled to be a 2026 Gold Cup race with the Calumet Region Striders

• Age Groups and Awards

• Overall Male/Female winners

• Overall Male/Female Masters (40+) winners

• Top 3 M/F Athena (170 lbs.+) and Clydesdale (210 lbs.+)

• Top 3 M/F Age Groups: 8 & 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+

Father's Day 5K & 10K

Imagination Glen East Soccer Fields, Iron Horse Heritage Trail, Chesterton, IN 46304

This is event #6 in the Race the Region Racing Series. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RACE THE REGION SERIES

Overall & Age Group Awards

Awards will be presented for both the 5K and 10K runs. Both races qualify for Race the Region Series points – Top Overall Male & Top Overall Female, Top Masters Male & Top Masters Female, Top 3 Male and Female in the following age groups: 10 & under, 11-12, 13-14,15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and up

Race Course:

The course is relatively flat and will be on the paved bike trail.

Registration and packet pick up:

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER ONLINE. ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL REMAIN OPEN ON RACE MORNING UNTIL 7:30 AM.

Pre-Race Packet Pick Up will be available Friday, June 19th from 11 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday, June 20th from 11 AM to 5 PM at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave. , Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

Onsite packet pick up will be available on race morning beginning at 6:30 AM

10K Run starts at 7:30AM

5K Run/walk starts at 7:45AM

Participants must start with 5 minutes of the official start of each race. Participants failing to cross the starting line at the appropriate time may result in disqualification.

"BECAUSE YOUR TRAINING DESERVES A GREAT RACING EXPERIENCE” race features include:

• Custom Finishers Award

• Timing mats at the Starting Line and Chip Timing for Finish Results

• Live results via text and email messaging

• All turns will have directional signs

• No processing fee for online signup

Race Premium sizes are guaranteed to those registered by June 10th.

Overall and Age Group Awards may be claimed within 14 days following the event at The Extra Mile Fitness Co., 3400 Calumet, Valparaiso, IN 46383. After 14 days all unclaimed awards will be donated or recycled. Participants that do not pick up their race shirt on or before race day are not guaranteed a shirt.