From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find gravel events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
OVERVIEW
The 2nd Annual Deam Lake Loop Trail Run will take place on Saturday, October 3rd 2026 at Deam Lake State Recreation Area in Borden, Indiana! Join us for this iconic foot race along Deam Lake Loop Trail, which follows the boundary of Deam Lake SRA. Enjoy beautiful scenery and true trail running comradery on this challenging course that sees several short but steep climbs. 5K and 10K options are available; walkers and hikers welcome.
EARLY BIRD PRICING: $25 for all races if you register before April 1st (that's $5 off our already low registration fee!).
This is cupless race with HydraPak as our Sustainable Racing Partner. Participants will receive a reusable HydraPak #SpeedCup at packet pickup to use at the aid station where staff and volunteers will be ready to fill your cup for a seamless aid station experience. Cup-filling stations will also be available at the end of the race. Sustainability is one of our core values at Deam Lake and our partnership with HydraPak helps us fulfill our vision of running this race with zero-waste. See HydraPak's full collection of running products at https://www.hydrapak.com/collections/running.
As an additional move toward sustainability, our shirt giveaway is now optional, allowing for an even lower registration fee for those who don't want or need a race shirt. Participants must choose the giveaway option at registration to receive a race shirt for a small additional fee.
Friday, October 2nd
5:00PM - 7:00PM: Packet Pickup at the Forest Education Center at Deam Lake SRA.
Saturday, October 3rd
6:30 - 7:45AM: Day-of Packet Pickup at the Forest Education Center
8:00AM: 5K and 10K Run Start
8:10AM: 5K and 10K Walk/Hike Start
EVENT LOCATION
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
1217 Deam Lake Rd.
Borden, IN 47106
The race will begin and end at the Forest Education Center and Park Office, which is located about a half mile past the Main Gate on the right.
PARKING
Parking will primarily be available at the Forest Education Center. Please do not park at the Park Office. Overflow parking will be at the gravel lot by the boat ramp 500ft north of the Forest Education Center. Staff will be on-hand to direct folks to this overflow parking location if necessary. Parking Maps and more info coming soon.
PACKET PICKUP
Packet Pickup will take place at the Forest Education Center on Friday, October 2nd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and day-of from 6:30am to 7:45am.
COURSE
10K: Runners will start on an old logging road that runs behind the Park Office (across from the Forest Education Center) and enter the eastern section of Deam Lake Loop where they will turn left and continue counter-clockwise along the entire loop. There is one road crossing at approximately mile 0.9 - traffic guards will be in place but please monitor the road for vehicles and watch for incoming traffic. Finish will be at the Forest Education Center. This wide, even trail sees several gradual to steep climbs, has several small creek crossings, and is rated as "moderately challenging." See the interactive map and elevation changes here: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6249982324/
5K: Runners will start on the same old logging road that runs behind the Park Office and begin following Deam Lake Loop counter-clockwise along the southern border of the property until they reach the Knobstone Trail intersection at approximately mile 1.80; there, 5K runners will turn left and run west on the Knobstone Trail, crossing atop the dam, until they reach the trailhead parking lot. The last ~0.5 miles of the race will be on portions of the Knobstone Trailhead parking lot and Deam Lake Road, where it will finish at the Forest Education Center parking lot. One lane will be closed for the race but it is still advised that runners use caution while running on the road. There is also one road crossing at approximately mile 0.9. Traffic guards will be in place but please monitor the road for vehicles and watch for incoming traffic. See the interactive map and elevation changes here: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6530086207/
AID
At this time, one aid station is planned for the 10K course at mile 3.4. Water and a sports drink option will be available. An aid station will also be available at the conclusion of the race. See the above information on how we are running this event cupless with HydraPak as our Sustainable Racing Partner.
SWAG
As stated above, we have made the shirt giveaway optional going forward as an effort to mitigate our footprint and allow participants to register for a lower fee if they don't want or need a race shirt. Participants can still receive a race shirt by choosing the giveaway option at registration for an additional fee.
Our custom laser-engraved wooden finisher medals capture the spirit of Deam Lake and are also a more sustainable option.
Swag images coming soon!
SAFETY
Safety is the #1 priority of this event. Staff and volunteers will be available to monitor race-day conditions for inclement weather and other potential hazards, and will be available on-course at specified locations. The course will be well-marked.
There is one road crossing for all events at approximately mile 0.90 for both the 10K and the 5K. The last 0.5 miles of the 5K will also be on a combination of paved roads on the property. Security staff, cones and other blockades, and temporary road closures will be in effect, but please be highly situationally aware of all road crossings and road running activity and monitor for personal safety at all times.
HORSES
Deam Lake Loop is a shared, multi-use trail, and is open to horseback riding, cyclists, and other runners/hikers; we are especially making great strides to inform the local horse trail-riding community that this running event is is taking place so they are aware of a potentially large volume of runners on this trail. However, in the rare instance that a horse is encountered on the trail, please stop or slow down, say hello and communicate with the rider on the horse, ask the rider the best way to pass, and then calmly follow those instructions. Do not remain silent or try to race past the horse, which may startle it.
Beat the winter blues and stay motivated by participating in our brand new Winter Warrior Series! Each race will highlight a different local park and keep you motivated for spring racing. Enjoy the beauty of Deam Lake in the fall with the first race in the series - a 6 mile, 12 mile or 4-hour endurance run around the Deam Lake Loop.
All finishers will receive a finishers award. Add a shirt to your registration for $15 to show everyone you're a Winter Warrior! All shirts are preorder. We will have a very limited number on site for sale race day.
Complete all of the Winter Warrior Series to earn your Warrior status.
Deam Lake Winter Warrior
Waverly Winter Warrior
Rose Island Winter Warrior
Ol' Silty Winter Warrior
Awards
Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female.
You will want to complete 3 of the 4 races to earn your Winter Warrior Medal and Shirt!
Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
Restrooms
We will be using the on-site restrooms near the start line.
Aid Station
We will have an aid station near the trail head for those making multiple loops throughout the event. Just a reminder our trail races are cupless. Please bring your own water bottle or hydration vest. This greatly reduces litter and waste from our trail events.
Course Description
The Start/Finish line will be near the Buzzards Roost Shelter. We will be using the Yellow Trail around Deam Lake.
Course: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/416843000
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be on-site at the Buzzard Roost Shelter. We will be set up and ready for you about 8:00 AM. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.
T-Shirts
Shirts for this series are an optional add-on. This keeps the cost of the race reasonable for families. We will have a limited number of shirts available for sale on race day. If you know you want a shirt, please pre-order during registration.
Parking--ARRIVE EARLY & CARPOOL
We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. Carpool as much as possible. Parking is limited at Buzzard Roost Shelter Parking Lot. Overflow would be at the main parking lot and a good hike down the road to the shelter. We want to be respectful of the parks so we are able to have many more great events in the future. Carpooling is preferred to make space for everyone planning to participate. If you are planning to run with a friend, we encourage carpooling. There is a small parking lot at Buzzard's Roost Shelter and a gravel parking lot opposite of the lane to the Buzzards Roost. Please do not park in the grass or along the roadway.
Water/Snacks
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
Shard Use Trail
The course is on a shared use trail with horses. Remember horses can easily be scared by runners and it is always best for your and the riders safety to approach slowly and communicate with the rider. They will typically give you guidance as to how comfortable the horse is with pedestrians. In most cases this interaction will last a few seconds, but if a very timid horse you may need to wait for the horse to pass. Thank you for being respectful to all involved.