Deam Lake Loop Trail Run 2026

Description

OVERVIEW

The 2nd Annual Deam Lake Loop Trail Run will take place on Saturday, October 3rd 2026 at Deam Lake State Recreation Area in Borden, Indiana! Join us for this iconic foot race along Deam Lake Loop Trail, which follows the boundary of Deam Lake SRA. Enjoy beautiful scenery and true trail running comradery on this challenging course that sees several short but steep climbs. 5K and 10K options are available; walkers and hikers welcome.

EARLY BIRD PRICING: $25 for all races if you register before April 1st (that's $5 off our already low registration fee!).

This is cupless race with HydraPak as our Sustainable Racing Partner . Participants will receive a reusable HydraPak #SpeedCup at packet pickup to use at the aid station where staff and volunteers will be ready to fill your cup for a seamless aid station experience. Cup-filling stations will also be available at the end of the race. Sustainability is one of our core values at Deam Lake and our partnership with HydraPak helps us fulfill our vision of running this race with zero-waste. See HydraPak's full collection of running products at https://www.hydrapak.com/collections/running .

As an additional move toward sustainability, our shirt giveaway is now optional, allowing for an even lower registration fee for those who don't want or need a race shirt. Participants must choose the giveaway option at registration to receive a race shirt for a small additional fee.

Friday, October 2nd

5:00PM - 7:00PM: Packet Pickup at the Forest Education Center at Deam Lake SRA.

Saturday, October 3rd

6:30 - 7:45AM: Day-of Packet Pickup at the Forest Education Center 8:00AM: 5K and 10K Run Start 8:10AM: 5K and 10K Walk/Hike Start

EVENT LOCATION

Deam Lake State Recreation Area 1217 Deam Lake Rd. Borden, IN 47106

The race will begin and end at the Forest Education Center and Park Office , which is located about a half mile past the Main Gate on the right.

PARKING

Parking will primarily be available at the Forest Education Center. Please do not park at the Park Office. Overflow parking will be at the gravel lot by the boat ramp 500ft north of the Forest Education Center. Staff will be on-hand to direct folks to this overflow parking location if necessary. Parking Maps and more info coming soon.

PACKET PICKUP

Packet Pickup will take place at the Forest Education Center on Friday, October 2nd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and day-of from 6:30am to 7:45am.

COURSE

10K : Runners will start on an old logging road that runs behind the Park Office (across from the Forest Education Center) and enter the eastern section of Deam Lake Loop where they will turn left and continue counter-clockwise along the entire loop. There is one road crossing at approximately mile 0.9 - traffic guards will be in place but please monitor the road for vehicles and watch for incoming traffic. Finish will be at the Forest Education Center. This wide, even trail sees several gradual to steep climbs, has several small creek crossings, and is rated as "moderately challenging." See the interactive map and elevation changes here: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6249982324/

5K : Runners will start on the same old logging road that runs behind the Park Office and begin following Deam Lake Loop counter-clockwise along the southern border of the property until they reach the Knobstone Trail intersection at approximately mile 1.80; there, 5K runners will turn left and run west on the Knobstone Trail, crossing atop the dam, until they reach the trailhead parking lot. The last ~0.5 miles of the race will be on portions of the Knobstone Trailhead parking lot and Deam Lake Road, where it will finish at the Forest Education Center parking lot. One lane will be closed for the race but it is still advised that runners use caution while running on the road. There is also one road crossing at approximately mile 0.9. Traffic guards will be in place but please monitor the road for