Race Day Registration

For those choosing the In Person event, we will offer same day registration but no ON SITE Registration.

Please just register ONLINE before your selected race date/time.

Race Schedule

Oct 31 - Nov 1, 2020
The course is open and available for you to run at your convenience all weekend long.

Sunday, Nov 1
2-3 PM - Informal staged Race Start
6 PM - Trail monitors will sweep the trail for last runners

Monday, Nov 2
Course will be cleared, cleaned and deconstructed

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 very 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.

No volunteers will be on the course this year, however the course will be much better marked than in prior years.

Mountain Bike Trails

In contrast to past year events, we will NOT be restricting mountain bike traffic this year. 

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. 

Timing

Virtual runners will self-time using options we will provide prior to event date. This may include the Asics Runkeeper app as well as honor system reporting from your Garmin, Apple Watch or other GPS device.

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 In Person 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. 

No Packet Pickup

There will be no Packet Pickup and no on site check in or registration this year.

No Aid Stations

No Aid Stations will be available this year due to health considerations, so your are highly encouraged to bring your own water bottle and sports nutrition, as needed. 

Please never leave your own trail litter behind! ​

No Swag

Due to the limitations of this race in 2020, there will be no Swag this year. Race for the sheer enjoyment of racing. 

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. 

THIS LOCATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. We will communicate this on this website and via email.

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.

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.