Trail Run At Indian Lake 2026

Description

Join us on Oct 3rd for the Trail Run At Indian Lake!

Race Routes - SHORT (5.8KM) & LONG (10.5KM)

Course Description:

Starting in a beautifully restored sedge meadow in the wetlands surrounding Indian Lake - a kettle lake created in the retreat of the last glaciers, you'll soon trade the prairie path for trees and dirt. And hills. Indian Lake County Park marks the extent of the last glaciation, meaning you can expect the steeper slopes associated with the Driftless Region, and we make full use of these slopes for the run!

Part of the route joins the Ice Age Trail National Scenic Trail (which traverses the entire glacial extent across Wisconsin).

As you trek through the forested middle of the course, reflect that Dane County Parks will be purchasing 300 acres south of the current boundary and start dreaming of more hills!

As you work towards the end of the race, take a moment to appreciate the active oak savanna restoration that is underway. Oak savanna used to dominate the landscape here, but is now incredibly rare. Through the work of county staff and Friends of Indian Lake volunteers, restoration of 170-acres of oak savanna is in progress!

SWAG

Help us clear out the garage this year! All participants can select a swag item from previous years - we have TRAIL branded: running socks, lightweight gloves, winter beanies, trucker caps, short-brim caps, and technical running t's.

(We are also planning a small run of premium merch that will be available for purchase on race morning.)

The T.R.A.I.L. is Cup-Free!

Nothing kills the vibe of running through the forest like coming up on an aid station littered with discarded single-use cups. Sure, our volunteers would clean up afterwards, but in an effort to reduce our impact on the natural areas we love, we are going cup-free!

There will not be paper cups at aid stations or at the start/finish. If you expect needing hydration on-course, you are responsible for bringing your own cup/bottle/bladder. We will have water dispensers at aid stations to top-off.

Going cup-free is a significant step to bringing our event closer to zero-waste and being better stewards of our public lands.

Check out this resource for why and how to go cup-free: https://nuunlife.com/blogs/news/byoc-ace-your-next-cupless-race

After Party

Our celebration of Fall, trails, and Indian Lake doesn't end at the finish line! The Currach Irish Trio will once again be headlining while we enjoy food, beverage, and awards.

Schedule (subject to minor change)

RACE WEEK (date/time TBD) - Early packet pick-up at Movin' Shoes ( https://g.page/movinshoes?share)

Saturday, Oct 3rd - 7:30 AM - Race HQ is open for packet pick-up - 8:30 AM - Free Kids Run - 9:00 AM - LONG & SHORT race start ~ 10:00 AM - Awards, Raffle, and Live Music for SHORT course ~ 10:30 AM - Awards, Raffle, and Live Music for LONG course

Join the Friends of Indian Lake for a celebration of Fall, trail running, community, and public lands! All proceeds support the Friends’ work with Dane County Parks to preserve and enhance Indian Lake County Park.