Field Station Frenzy Trail Run & Walk 5K

🏃‍♂️ Why Join in the Frenzy?

• Fun Experience: Fun, scenic trail run/walk inside the gorgeous Indiana Dunes National Park
• Professional Timing: Well-marked, carefully measured course, with professional chip timing
• Participant Gear: Long-sleeve tech shirts, finisher medals, and one-of-a-kind awards
• Costume Encouragement: Costumes and crazy outfits encouraged!
• Childcare: Free on-site childcare provided for all participants (potty-trained through elementary school age)
• Series Participation: Part of the Calumet Region Striders' Gold Cup Elite Series
• Support Education: Support nature-based early childhood education

📅 Schedule of Events

• Registration: All Registration is Online ONLY, NO paper forms, NO payment accepted on-site
• Website Updates: Please check our website: Field Station Frenzy for updates to any information.
• Packet Pickup: We will have early packet pick up available on Thursday (10/2) and Friday (10/3) at Extra Mile Fitness Company! Extra Mile is located at 3400 Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
• Event Start: Sunday, October 5th at 7:30 am on-site Packet/Shirt Pickup Opens
• Child Care: 8:15 am - Free On-site Outdoor Child Care Opens (Dress for the weather!)
• Kids Events: 8:15 am - 500 m Kids Tot Trot: 8:30 am - 1K Kids Fun Run
• 5K Start: 9:00 am- 5K Trail Run & Walk
• Awards Ceremony: 10:00 am On-site Awards Ceremony
• Childcare Ends: 10:30 am - On-site Childcare Closes

🏅 Awards

• Finisher Medals: Medals provided for all 5K finishers
• Kiddie Run Ribbons: Race number and finisher ribbons for all Kiddie Run participants
• Unique Awards: One-of-a-Kind wooden medals for overall and age group awards
• Series Points: Eligible for points in the Calumet Striders' Gold Cup & Elite Series
• Awards Ceremony: On-site outdoor awards ceremony at 10:00am
• Winner Plaques: Handmade plaques for overall winners
• Top Awards: Top 3 awards in various categories

💰 Registration & Fees

• Park Payment Policy: Note: Due to Park Service regulations, we cannot accept any payment on park property (No cash, No checks, ONLY online registration using your own device)
• 5 km Registration: Normal Registration (before 11:59 pm Sat, Oct 4) - $30 with long-sleeve tech shirt, $25 without a shirt.
• Late Registration: Late Registration (Race Day until 9am) - $35 with long-sleeve tech shirt, $30 without shirt.
• Age Policy: The 5K is open to all ages. Children under 9 must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian.

👶 Kiddie Fun Runs

• Normal Registration: Normal Registration (Before 11:59 Sat, Sept 27)- $15 with long-sleeve tech shirt.
• Free No Shirt Option: All participants get a custom race number and a finisher ribbon.
• Registration Open: All Fun Run participants must register online, but registration stays open until the start of the event.

🌲 Course

The course features the scenic trails of the Indiana Dunes National Park, including portions of the Little Calumet River Trail and passes by several historic landmarks. Grass, mulch, dirt trails, and boardwalk will make up the majority of the course. This is a trail run and you should expect uneven surfaces, slippery leaves, roots, rocks, fallen branches, and other obstacles. No strollers or pets allowed.

Click Here for Interactive Course Map with Elevations

🗺️ Directions and Parking

The run and walk will start and end near Chellberg Farm, inside the Indiana Dunes National Park. GPS address for Chellberg Farm is 709 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304. Please park in the grass lot to the east of Mineral Springs Rd. The race will start and end near the paved parking lot (on the west side of Mineral Springs Rd).

🏫 About The Field Station Cooperative Preschool

The Field Station offers nature-based preschool programs for 3-6 year olds and summer camps for preschool-age children. For more information, please visit our website at: www.FieldStation.org. The Field Station is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.