Race Day Registration

We will offer race day registration. Swag giveaways (below) may be limited on race day.

Race Schedule

​Sunday, November 7, 2021
12-2 PM - Packet and Chip Pickup for ALL runners
12-2 PM - On Site Late Registration
2:00 PM - 10 Mile Race START
TBD - 2:15 PM - 4 Mile Race START 
TBD - 2:16 PM - 2 Mile fun run/walk - following the 4 mile start

The 10 mile race will begin promptly at 2 PM.

While subject to change, the 4 mile race is planned to begin at 2:15 in order to offer better trail options and less congestion.

Course Distance 

Due to the nature of trails, trail races routinely have inexact mileage, so our 10 mile race could be 9.95 miles and the 4 mile course could be 4.1. Bring your Garmin or just consider that you're getting a little extra for your registration fee ... but no complaining allowed.

Course Markings and Directions

The course will be well marked using ORANGE pin/utility flags as well as SIGNS and ORANGE chalk arrows on the ground with signs at important turns. You will have a chance of getting off course, but we will do our best that you don't.

Additionally, volunteers will be on course at trail entrances, exits and important turns to make sure participants know where to go.

Aid Stations

The Trees Trail Challenge will include aid stations on course with water and one aid station at the finish with water, Gatorade , cookies, energy bars, fruit and other food items.

Chip Timing

The Trees Trail Challenge will be chip timed for 10- and 4- mile Individual participants ONLY. (Family participants will not be timed.)

Mountain Bike Trails

As with prior year events, we will be requesting that mountain bike riders avoid the trails during the Trees Trail Challenge race event (approximately 1-4 PM). Despite these efforts, we cannot fully prevent the possibility that mountain bikes may be present on the trail system.

The course runs in REVERSE of the mountain bike course, so both you and bikes can see each other ahead of time well.

Be ALERT for oncoming mountain bikes and YEILD to them. 

Weather

Inclement weather and trails do not always cooperate. Those that attended the 2017 race learned this when a massive downpour started just moments after the start and runners were unfortunately pulled off the course 45 minutes later due to nearby lightening strikes! We recognize that some participants travel a considerable distance for this event, and event logistics make it difficult to simply reschedule in the event of weather. We take the safety of runners and damage to the trails very seriously and will make decisions to alter the course, delay the race start time, stop the race, or cancel the event depending on factors such as reported lightening, impending severe weather and pre-existing trail conditions. ​

Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be ON SITE on Sunday, November 7 just prior to the race! Come between 12:00-1:30 and get ready to run!

Swag

New for 2021, based on past participant feedback, we are introducing a commemorative Trail Challenge T-Shirt, to be announced. 

Event Location and Directions

The Trail Challenge will be held in central Fort Wayne at Frank Park.

Franke Park is located behind the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo at 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.

Day of Race headquarters, race day registration and the Start/Finish will be at Pavilion 1 just past the Zoo entrance on Park Drive. 

Signage and volunteers will assist you in parking.

Trail Terrain and Conditions

The race course is well-shaded with full tree coverage and runs on single dirt track mountain bike trail (except for the approach to and from the trail on road). While it is very manageable to run or walk, do expect typical trail features such as uneven terrain, roots and occasional rocks as well as rolling hills. Rain preceding the event could present a few soft or muddy spots which are easily avoided.

Strollers

Strollers are highly not recommended on these trails. Sure, try it if you really want to but please be courteous of other participants trying to get around you.

Dogs

The Franke Park trails are a great place to walk your dog on-leash in any season, however, due to the risks presented, we respectfully request you do not bring your dog for the In Person event. Virtual event runners are more than welcome to enjoy time on the trail with your four- (or fewer) footed friend(s).

Families and Young Children

This is a family-friendly event. In addition to runners of all levels, walkers are encouraged to come out to the event and enjoy the Franke trails. Families must include a responsible adult that is at least 21 years old to accompany children.  Participants will be on trails with obstacles (see above) along with other trail users and we want this to be a safe and enjoyable event for all.