False Spring Trail Runs 10K/20K

Saturday, March 15th 2025

Soldiers Memorial Park, LaPorte, IN

Event Overview

This race features beautiful woodsy single-track, relentlessly winding switchbacks, multiple views of lakes and ponds, and post-race festivities waiting for you at the finish line.

The well-established dirt trails are split into two sides with one being about a 2 mile loop and the other about 4.2 miles. The 10K course is one full loop through the trails while the 20K is two laps.

This course is not flat. It’s not fast. It’s very challenging. It is highly unlikely you will PR. However, it is incredibly fun, it’s scenic, and it will most certainly be memorable. Come discover this hidden gem and join us as we kick-off the Spring racing season!

What’s a ‘False Spring’?

Every year in the Midwest Mother Nature tends to tantalize us with a warm patch of days just before smacking us in the face with more freezing temps. Will the sun be out on race day? Can’t say for sure, but that’s part of the fun of it. Last year it was cooooold with temps in the teens and some 20mph winds. The year before was 38° and drizzling, and three years ago it hit a high of 64° that weekend. Expect the unexpected and come prepared!

Race Information

Start Times

Saturday March 15th, 2025

9:00 AM - 20K Start
9:30 AM - 10K Start

Cut-Off Times

11:00 AM - Must leave halfway point (20K race only)
1:00 PM - Overall cut-off at finish line / Races End

Start/Finish Line Location

Soldiers Memorial Park Trailhead
Lake Shore Dr
LaPorte, IN 46350

Bib Pickup

Saturday March 15, 2025
Race Day Pickup 8:00-9:30AM

Location:
Soldiers Memorial Park Trailhead
Lake Shore Dr
LaPorte, IN 46350

Aid Stations

Aid stations every 2.3 to 4 miles (after completing each side of the trail) 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 2025 False Spring Trail Runs will be a cupless event (with the exception of post-race beers).

What does that mean? There will be no paper/plastic cups at the aid stations for water, soda, electrolyte drink, etc. at this race (unless the temps are below freezing). 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 has no fee and is available just down the road from the Start/Finish area at the Stone Lake Public Boat Launch and Lions Field. 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

Race Day

BIB PICKUP

Race day check-in is required of all runners starting at 8:00am till 5min before the start of your race on race day. Runners can pick up their race bibs and swag at the race staging area at the Trailhead.

WEATHER

Check the latest local weather HERE. March temperatures can vary widely, but generally see daytime highs in the mid-50°F range and morning lows in the mid-30°F range. “Spring” Midwest climate can bring all kinds of weather, including sun, clouds, snow, fog and/or rain…be prepared!

SUNRISE/SUNSET INFO

• AM TWILIGHT STARTS: 6:30 AM

• SUNRISE: 6:58 AM

• SUNSET: 6:53 PM

• PM TWILIGHT ENDS: 7:21 PM

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 (including beer from a local brewery!) 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

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.