Immerse yourself in the heart of Indiana’s natural beauty during our Creekside Trails race this summer, offering runners three distinct distance options: an exhilarating 18-mile course, a scenic 9-mile loop, and a shorter yet equally captivating 4-mile route. The event takes place on Saturday, August 1st, with start times at 8:00 AM for the 18-mile race, followed by the 9-mile race starting at 9:00 AM, and finally the 4-mile run kicking off at 9:30 AM. The Creekside Trails course winds through a lush landscape of tree-covered single-track trails, featuring winding switchbacks that twist and turn around Salt Creek. The trail is dotted with multiple bridge crossings over babbling waters, providing stunning views of surrounding farmland along the way. This challenging yet incredibly fun route offers diverse terrain, including steep climbs and descents, making it a true test for any runner. Participants will gather at Twin Creeks Farm on Clifford Road in Valparaiso to start their journey through this picturesque setting. The race concludes with an unforgettable post-race party that celebrates the day’s accomplishments and camaraderie among runners. Trailblazer Running is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, offering a variety of categories for all participants, including special pricing for youth aged 19 and under and opportunities for transgender and non-binary athletes to express their preferred pronouns. The top three male and female finishers at each distance will receive custom awards in addition to the standard finisher’s prize. Supporting initiatives like USATF MUT Youth Initiative and ATRA, we provide special age-based pricing and limited free entries upon request. Additionally, our Trail Mix Fund helps remove financial barriers for runners who may not otherwise be able to participate by waiving entry fees through donations from fellow racers. For those facing life changes such as pregnancy or the arrival of a new child after registration, deferment options are available up to two years following race day. Contact us at least one week before your event date if you need assistance with this process. Join Trailblazer Running for an adventure that celebrates community and environmental stewardship in the heart of the Midwest. For more detailed information on start times, cut-off points, awards, and policies, visit our website or email info@trailblazerrunning.co for any additional questions. Trailblazer Running aims to inspire a sense of adventure through memorable trail race events that bring runners together and promote environmental awareness in the heart of Indiana’s natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming you on August 1st, 2026!
Races Offered
18 Mile
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
29K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$70.00
9 Mile
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
14.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$50.00
9 Mile Youth 19 & und
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
14.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$40.00
4 Mile
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
6.4K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
sell
$35.00
4 Mile Youth 19 & und
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
6.4K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
sell
$25.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Valparaiso.
thermostatTemperature
17.1° / 26.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
16.8° / 26.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
11h 51m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.2 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
11.2 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
74.8%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:58
nightlight
Sunset
19:44
About Valparaiso
Learn more about the host city, Valparaiso.
Valparaiso is a city of 43,000 people (2019) in Porter County, in Northwestern Indiana. It is home to namesake Valparaiso University. The university is a cultural center of the city, hosting venues such as the Brauer Museum of Art, home to more than 2,700 pieces of 19th- and 20th century American art