First Day Trail Run and Walk at Monroe Lake

🎉 Race Overview

The First Day Trail Run and Walk will take place at Fairfax State Recreation Area on Monroe Lake on January 1, 2026. For details and registration, visit this link.

💰 Registration Information

• EARLY Registration: $15 (through December 15)
• ADVANCE Registration: $20 (December 16-30)
• SAME-DAY Registration: $25 (cash/check only on January 1)

🕒 Event Schedule

• Check-In / Same-day Registration: 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
• Run / Walk Start Time: 3:30 p.m.

🏃‍♀️ Course Details

This is an untimed, non-competitive run/walk. Choose from a 3.7-mile, 2.9-mile, or 1.3-mile course – and don’t forget to tap the bell and ring in the new year as you cross the finish line!

🏅 Exclusive Offers

The FIRST 300 to register in ADVANCE get the 100% embroidered, collectible, event patch!

🍲 Registration Inclusions

• Food Station: Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot cocoa, and snacks.
• Prize Drawing Ticket: A chance to win TONS of great prizes!
• Free Photos: Hundreds of downloadable photos after the event.
• Large Fire: To keep you warm while waiting for the start and enjoying food after you finish.

🚶‍♂️ Special Note for Walkers

Please be aware that all courses close at 5 p.m. and the food station will shut down shortly after that.

🐕 Dog Policy

Dogs are not encouraged but are permitted. They must be on a leash of 6' or less at all times, and we ask that you begin the run/walk at the back of the group.

🗺️ Course Maps

• LONG COURSE, 3.7-miles: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/423098311
• MEDIUM COURSE, 2.9-miles: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/423098404
• SHORT COURSE, 1.3-miles: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/423098477

📞 Contact Information

Questions? Contact the Paynetown Activity Center on Monroe Lake at 812-837-9967 or email Jill Vance at jvance@dnr.IN.gov.

🌳 Event Support

All proceeds from this event support public events, programs, and interpretation at Monroe Lake!