Beautiful Midwest trails with a variety of terrain that’ll keeps you on your toes
Oakadoke Trail Runs 4M/9M/18M
Saturday, August 3rd 2024
Creekside Trails, Valparaiso, IN
Event Overview
This race features the entirety of what Creekside Trails has to offer. Scenic tree-covered single-track, winding switchbacks, surprisingly cool views of farmland, multiple bridge crossings over a babbling creek (hence ‘Creekside’), and a post-race party just as memorable as the race itself.
The 9-mile course is one full loop through the trails. Two laps of this loop completes the 18-mile race and the 4-mile race splits the main loop roughly in half, sending you straight out to the Salt Creek section.
This is a challenging course. There are many ups and downs, twists and turns, and uneven surfaces. It’s a Midwest trail (no mountains), but it’s certainly not flat. The course is also incredibly fun, scenic, and never gets boring. Come join us for a wild ride as we continue this Summer-time trail running tradition!
POST RACE CELEBRATION!
Stick around and enjoy the post race vibes while we cheer on all the race finishers! A post race meal and beverages are available for all participants and volunteers at the finish line area. Family and friends are welcome to eat and drink for a $10 cash contribution per person.
AWARDS
Every participant receives custom awards as they finish their race. The top 3 male & female finishers at each distance will receive a special podium award in addition to their finisher’s award. Check out last year’s designs!
Registration
The registration fee includes a beautiful, fully marked race course (by the Race Director), awesome staging venue, parking, timing and results, full service aid stations, medical support and communications, a post race meal and beverages, custom finisher awards, special awards to the top 3 male & female finishers at each distance, professional photography and several other essential services and requirements we don't need to mention.
The registration fee does not include a race shirt, hat or other add-on sales. Please review the Trailblazer Running Cancellation Policy if you have questions about withdrawing from the race.
Youth Trail Running
In support of the USATF Mountain, Ultra, and Trail Running Youth Initiative, a program in cooperation with the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) to promote youth trail running, special age-based pricing for the Oakadoke Trail Runs will be available for all runners 19 and under. Registration fees will remain at just $25 and $40 (for the 4M and 9M, respectively) and include all the same benefits.
The Youth category also has a limited number of free entries available by request. Email the Race Director (info@trailblazerrunning.co) for more information.
Now part of the Trail Mix Fund!
In an effort to improve diversity in trail racing and remove a potential barrier for the under-served and under-represented, the Trail Mix Fund pays the race registration fee for runners who cannot afford it or aren’t sure they belong in the sport.
As an optional add-on during race registration you can choose to donate to the TMF and help more people get to the starting line. Donors will receive special recognition at our races and discounts on Trailblazer merch on race day! 😁
Event Partners
Event Sponsors
Race Information
Start Times
Saturday August 3rd, 2024
7:00 AM - 18 Mile Start
8:00 AM - 9 Mile Start
8:30 AM - 4 Mile Start
Cut-Off Times
9:45 AM - Must leave halfway point (18 Mile race only)
12:30 PM - Overall cut-off at finish line / Races End
Start/Finish Line Location
Twin Creeks Farm
2251 Clifford Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46385
Bib Pickup
Friday August 2nd, 2024
Early Bib Pickup 4:00-7:00PM
Friday Location:
Trailyard Valpo - Outpost Shop
2551 Clifford Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46385
Saturday August 3rd, 2024
Race Day Pickup 6:15-8:25AM
Saturday Location:
Twin Creeks Farm
2251 Clifford Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46385
Aid Stations
Aid stations every 2.0 to 4.4 miles including water, electrolyte drink, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.
Cupless Event
We feel so fortunate to make the outdoors our passion and we want to continue to keep the trails we enjoy beautiful and free from trash. In an effort to minimize our footprint and preserve the trails we love, the 2022 Oakadoke Trail Runs will be a cupless event.
What does that mean? There will be no paper/plastic cups at the aid stations for water, soda, electrolyte drink, etc. at this race. Runners will be responsible for carrying their own containers to refill along the way. Grab a cup, a hydration vest, pouch, or water bottle and we will fill it at each aid station along the way. We ask you to help us in our efforts by preparing for a cup-free race day and thank you in advance for being good stewards of the trails!
Parking
Event parking will be on the Twin Creeks Farm property and is FREE. Please carpool if possible, as parking is limited. A site map will be provided in pre-race email communications to all registered participants.
Trailblazer Running is a proud supporter of Runners for Public Lands. RPL is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on building a movement of runners dedicated to equitable access, stewardship and protection of the urban and rural environments we run in
To find out more or donate directly, visit runnersforpubliclands.org/donate
See what commitments we’ve made to help provide women the race day they deserve.
ITRA partnered event. Discounted entry fees for members.
Race Day
BIB PICKUP
Race day check-in is required of all runners starting at 6:15am till 5 min before the start of your race on race day. Runners pick up their race bibs and swag at the race staging area at the Twin Creeks Farm.
WEATHER
Check the latest local weather HERE. August temperatures are typically HOT, with daytime highs in the mid-80°F range and morning lows in the 50-60°F range. Rain is unlikely, but not impossible. Staying hydrated will be key for this race.
SUNRISE/SUNSET INFO
AM TWILIGHT STARTS: 5:33 AM
SUNRISE: 6:02 AM
SUNSET: 7:40 PM
PM TWILIGHT ENDS: 8:09 PM
POST RACE CELEBRATION!
Stick around and enjoy the post race vibes while we cheer on all the race finishers! A post race beverage and meal will be available for all participants and volunteers at the finish line area. Additional beers/seltzers may be purchased.
AWARDS
At Trailblazer Running we strive to create and foster a culture of inclusivity. We will accept each entrant’s declared gender at face value, and no additional supporting evidence is required. Entrants may register as Male, Female, or Non-Binary for our races. In addition, we provide an opportunity in the registration process for transgender and non-binary runners to express their desired pronouns.
Every participant receives custom awards as they finish their race. The top 3 male & female finishers at each distance will receive a podium award in addition to their finisher’s award. At this time there will be no additional awarding in the non-binary category. For more info on this, please reference our Transgender & Non-Binary Runner Policy.
General Information
PET/DOG POLICY
Participants may run with their dog(s) as long as they and their dog(s) are familiar with the course and are confident they can navigate it without endangering their dog(s) or detracting from the experience of other participants. This is a fairly technical course with lots of single-track trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times while on course and in the event staging area. Friendly, leashed dogs are always allowed at the event staging area and aid stations to spectate and cheer on their humans.
SOCIAL MEDIA
We post updates and photos and other race-related info on the Trailblazer Running Facebook page and Instagram account fairly often. Just hit the 'like' button or “follow” us to receive updates.
PHOTOGRAPHY
All event photography will be captured by the talented Thad Donovan of Smith Donovan Marketing & Communications!