Pennsylvania · Saturday, May 16, 2026
The Highlander Color Blast is a 5k, running, and walking event held on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Come join us for a walk, run or jog at our first Highlander Foundation 5k and 1 mile.
Welcome to Central Pennsylvania’s ridges and valleys! You will experience the best terrain and trails PA has to offer, from gnarly single track to flat and fast double track, heart breaking climbs and quad-busting descents.
The Lost Turkey Trail runs as a point-to-point trail, traversing the southern portion of the Allegheny Front and culminating at the top of Blue Knob.
Distance options include a physically and mentally grueling 50k point-to-point (transportation can be added on), half-marathon loop and new for 2025 a Little Turkey 10k(ish) option.
COURSE RECORDS:
Half-Marathon:
Sarah Mihm - 2020 - 2:20:24
Lee Strappello - 2019 - 1:53:15
50k:
Maura Tyrrell - 2021 - 5:21:21
Jeff Savage - 2021 - 4:48:08
26.2 (2015-2017):
Andrew Ulrey - 2015 - 4:12:44
Megan DiGregorio 2015 - 4:51:12
50M (2016-2021):
Justin Findley - 2021 - 9:23:08
Kathleen Cusick - 2020 - 10:11:37
100k (2022):
Mitch Ables - 13:52:13
Katherine Felton - 18:51.04
RunHikePlay, Inc is a not-for-profit organization and is strictly run by volunteers. All net proceeds from our events are distributed to various non-profit organizations including Friends of Shawnee and Blue Knob State Park and Bedford County Amateur Radio Society (BCARS).
We are Trail Sisters Approved! We provide women the race day they deserve.
The Commitment:
Equal Podium Spots
Equal Prize Money & Awards
Women’s specific swag & apparel.
Menstrual products at aid stations.
Equal opportunity/space for women on the starting line.
It’s a Wonderful Life 5K and Christmas in July Festival
Join us on July 25th, 2026 for our It’s a Wonderful Life 5K and Christmas in July Festival!
Run starts at 8 AM.
The run starts and ends in Downtown Indiana, PA.
Athletes registered online by June 25th, 2026 are guaranteed a race t-shirt. T-shirts are an additional $10 on top of registration. No shows forfeit t-shirts. Each athlete participating will receive a special gift for running in our event!
We know the cause for a 5k is important to our racers and we thank you for this! Profits from the race will support the Its a Wonderful Life Parade in Downtown Indiana!
The 2026 Run With The Deer Flies 25K, 15K, and 8K will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Three distances to choose from, including the 8K that was added last year. This proved to be a popular addition for new trail runners as well as those who would like a shorter distance.
We are looking forward to returning to Camp Seph Mack near Penn Run, PA and hope to see you there. The Deer Fly is directed by trail runners for trail runners.
The Deer Fly is a fun and challenging trail race with a mix of single-track trails, pipeline roads, swamps, hills, and creek crossings. Aid stations approximately every four miles, but carrying water is strongly recommended. Post-race Bona's Pizza compliments of Steve Pagano.
The Deer Fly benefits Indiana County Parks & Trails and Citizens' Ambulance Service.
Finishers' medals courtesy of Bethany Serafin Awalt of Valley Village Oral Surgery of Pikesville, Maryland, Plus random drawings for eight $25.00 Luigi's Ristrarnte gift cards, four for the 8K, four for the 15K and four for the 25K, compliments of Luigi's and Bernadette Drew, Bel Air, Maryland.
Deer Fly Swatters, a Deer Fly tradition, are being supplied by Chris Sharbaugh, Indiana Chiropractic Clinic, Indiana, PA.
Races are each capped at 100 runners. Please register early to avoid disappointment.
Race shirts are provided courtesy of Allied Milk and are guaranteed to those who register by July 14, 2026. Shirts are available after that date and on race day only as supplies last.
No rain date. No refunds or deferrals if the race is conducted.
The Houtzdale Days 5K Walk/Run and Fireman’s Challenge is an annual event during our Houtzdale Days celebration. Participants are awarded medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for Male and Female in each category.
Registration is $25 for walk/run, $20 for Fireman's Challenge. All proceeds go directly to Houtzdale Fire Company.
REFERRAL OPTIONS TO SAVE MONEY!
Register 10 or more people at one time using the multi-signup option and the fee is reduced by $5!
****** WE WILL CONTINUE USING THE 2023 REVISED COURSE ****** The course is slightly longer (3.3 miles) than the standard distance (3.1 miles) but is more manageable for more runners and walkers. Visit our Facebook page for a video of the course: https://www.facebook.com/HoutzdaleDays5K
The Fireman's Challenge will follow the same course as the 5k, but participants must wear or carry (but not with the aid of a bag) turnout gear for the entire race. Turnout gear includes boots, hat, pants, and coat. Insulation is not required. The first person to cross the finish line will win $250.00 for the Fire Company or EMS of their choice. Based on previous year's weather, this challenge will be dependent on weather conditions. Conditions will be evaluated throughout the day race day, and if weather is too hot or unfavorable The Fireman's Challenge may be modified or discontinued. This decision will be at the discretion of the Race Director.
Shirts will only be guaranteed with registrations received by 11:59pm on July 17th. To maximize the donation to the Houtzdale Fire Company we don't want to order additional shirts that we cannot ensure will be given away. If you would like a shirt, make sure you get your registration in soon!!
Because this race is about bringing the community together and supporting those who support us in a time of need, we will be waiting until all racers have crossed the finish line to give out medals. This should take place between 10-10:30 AM. It would be greatly appreciated that if you win your division, you stick around to get your medal and a picture. I know some of us are faster than others, but that does not make those slower any less of a racer than you. Please show your support to those who ran, walked, or crawled the same distance as you.
The Houtzdale Fire Company cannot thank the community enough for your continued support of the Houtzdale Days 5k Run/Walk and Fireman's Challenge.
See you at the starting line!