4 running events in Portage, Indiana

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 - [email protected]

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+