3 events in Chesterton, 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.

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.