First Day Trail Run and Walk at Monroe Lake

🎉 Event Overview

This is the First Day Trail Run and Walk taking place on January 1, 2026, at Fairfax State Recreation Area, Bloomington, IN. For more information, visit the official race page.

🕒 Registration Details

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

📅 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 Information

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!

• Event Patch: The first 300 to register in advance get a 100% embroidered, collectible event patch!

🍽️ Included Amenities

All registrations include:

• Food Station: Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot cocoa, and a wide variety of snacks.
• Prize Drawing Ticket: A ticket for the prize drawing, which will have TONS of great prizes!
• Free Photos: Hundreds of free photos for you to download after the event.
• Large Fire: A fire to keep you warm while waiting for the start and enjoying food after you finish.

🚶‍♀️ Special Notes

• Course Closure: All courses close at 5 p.m. and the food station will shut down shortly after that.
• Pets: Dogs are not encouraged but permitted on a leash of 6' or less at all times. We ask that you begin the run/walk at the back of the group.

🗺️ Course Maps

• LONG COURSE (3.7-miles): View Map
• MEDIUM COURSE (2.9-miles): View Map
• SHORT COURSE (1.3-miles): View Map

❓ Contact Information

If you have any questions, contact the Paynetown Activity Center on Monroe Lake at 812-837-9967 or email Jill Vance at jvance@dnr.IN.gov.

🌲 Support Our Cause

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