False Spring Trail Runs
Challenging woodsy single-track race with unpredictable weather conditions
False Spring Trail Runs 10K & HALF
Saturday, March 15th 2025
Soldiers Memorial Park, LaPorte, IN
Event Overview
This race features beautiful woodsy single-track, relentlessly winding switchbacks, multiple views of lakes and ponds, and post-race festivities waiting for you at the finish line.
The well-established dirt trails are split into two sides with one being about a 2 mile loop and the other being 4+ miles. The 10K course is one full loop through the trails while the Half Marathon (formerly 20k) is two laps.
**NEW** We're adding a relay option to the Half so you and a buddy can trade off and each run a single loop of this beautiful and gnarly course!
This course is not flat. It’s not fast. It’s very challenging. It is highly unlikely you will PR. However, it is incredibly fun, it’s scenic, and it will most certainly be memorable. Come discover this hidden gem and join us as we kick-off the Spring racing season!
What’s a ‘False Spring’?
Every year in the Midwest Mother Nature tends to tantalize us with a warm patch of days just before smacking us in the face with more freezing temps. Will the sun be out on race day? Can’t say for sure, but that’s part of the fun of it. Some years it's cooooold with temps in the teens and some 20mph winds. One year it was 38° and drizzling, and three years ago it hit a high of 64° that weekend. Expect the unexpected and come prepared!
POST RACE CELEBRATION!
Stick around and enjoy the post race vibes while we cheer on all the race finishers! A post race meal and beverages (including drinks from Blockhead Beerworks!) are available for all participants and volunteers at the finish line area. Family and friends are welcome to eat and drink for a $10 cash contribution per person.
AWARDS
Every participant receives custom awards as they finish their race. The top 3 male & female finishers at each distance will receive a special award in addition to their finisher’s award. Check out this past year’s awards below! 👇
Registration
The registration fee includes a beautiful, fully marked race course (by the Race Director), awesome staging venue, parking, timing and results, full service aid stations, communications, post race food and beverages, custom finisher awards, special awards to the top 3 male & female finishers at each distance, professional photography and several other essential services and requirements we don't need to mention.
The registration fee does not include a race shirt, hat or other add-on sales. Please review the Trailblazer Running Cancellation Policy if you have questions about withdrawing from the race.
Youth Trail Running
In support of the USATF Mountain, Ultra, and Trail Running Youth Initiative, a program in cooperation with the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) to promote youth trail running, special age-based pricing for the False Spring Trail Runs will be available for all runners 19 and under. Registration fees will remain at just $20, $30, and $20per (for the 10k, Half, and Half Relay, respectively) and include all the same benefits.
The Youth category also has a limited number of free entries available by request. Email the Race Director (info@trailblazerrunning.co) for more information.
Now part of the Trail Mix Fund!
In an effort to improve diversity in trail racing and remove a potential barrier for the under-served and under-represented, the Trail Mix Fund pays the race registration fee for runners who cannot afford it or aren’t sure they belong in the sport.
As an optional add-on during race registration you can choose to donate to the TMF and help more people get to the starting line. Donors will receive special recognition at our races and discounts on Trailblazer merch on race day! 😁
Event Partners
Event Sponsors
Race Information
Start Times
Saturday March 15th, 2025
9:00 AM - Half & Half Relay Start
9:30 AM - 10K Start
Cut-Off Times
11:00 AM - Must leave halfway point (Half & Relay races only)
1:00 PM - Overall cut-off at finish line / Races End
Start/Finish Line Location
Soldiers Memorial Park Trailhead
Lake Shore Dr
LaPorte, IN 46350
Bib Pickup
Saturday March 15, 2025
Race Day Pickup 8:00-9:30AM
Location:
Soldiers Memorial Park Trailhead
Lake Shore Dr
LaPorte, IN 46350
Aid Stations
Aid stations about every 2.5 miles including water, electrolyte drink, Huma Gels, and fruit.
Cupless Event
We feel so fortunate to make the outdoors our passion and we want to continue to keep the trails we enjoy beautiful and free from trash. In an effort to minimize our footprint and preserve the trails we love, the 2025 False Spring Trail Runs will be a cupless event (with the exception of post-race drinks).
What does that mean? There will be no paper/plastic cups at the aid stations for water, soda, electrolyte drink, etc. at this race (unless the temps are below freezing). Runners will be responsible for carrying their own containers to refill along the way. Grab a cup, a hydration vest, pouch, or water bottle and we will fill it at each aid station along the way. We ask you to help us in our efforts by preparing for a cup-free race day and thank you in advance for being good stewards of the trails!
Parking
Event parking has no fee and is available just down the road from the Start/Finish area at the Stone Lake Public Boat Launch and Lions Field. Please carpool if possible, as parking is limited. A site map will be provided in pre-race email communications to all registered participants.
Trailblazer Running is a proud supporter of Runners for Public Lands. RPL is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on building a movement of runners dedicated to equitable access, stewardship and protection of the urban and rural environments we run in
To find out more or donate directly, visit runnersforpubliclands.org/donate
See what commitments we’ve made to help provide women the race day they deserve.
ITRA partnered event. Discounted entry fees for members.
Race Day
BIB PICKUP
Race day check-in is required of all runners starting at 8:00am till 5min before the start of your race on race day. Runners can pick up their race bibs and swag at the race staging area at the Trailhead.
WEATHER
Check the latest local weather HERE. March temperatures can vary widely, but generally see daytime highs in the mid-50°F range and morning lows in the mid-30°F range. “Spring” Midwest climate can bring all kinds of weather, including sun, clouds, snow, fog and/or rain…be prepared!
SUNRISE/SUNSET INFO
AM TWILIGHT STARTS: 6:30 AM
SUNRISE: 6:58 AM
SUNSET: 6:53 PM
PM TWILIGHT ENDS: 7:21 PM
POST RACE CELEBRATION!
Stick around and enjoy the post race vibes while we cheer on all the race finishers! A post race meal and beverages (including beer from a local brewery!) are available for all participants and volunteers at the finish line area. Family and friends are welcome to eat and drink for a $10 cash contribution per person.
AWARDS
At Trailblazer Running we strive to create and foster a culture of inclusivity. We will accept each entrant’s declared gender at face value, and no additional supporting evidence is required. Entrants may register as Male, Female, or Non-Binary for our races. In addition, we provide an opportunity in the registration process for transgender and non-binary runners to express their desired pronouns.
Every participant receives custom awards as they finish their race. The top 3 male & female finishers at each distance will receive a podium award in addition to their finisher’s award. At this time there will be no additional awarding in the non-binary category. For more info on this, please reference our Transgender & Non-Binary Runner Policy.
General Information
PET/DOG POLICY
Friendly, leashed dogs are allowed at the event staging area and aid stations, but not along the course or running in the race.
SOCIAL MEDIA
We post updates and photos and other race-related info on the Trailblazer Running Facebook page and Instagram account fairly often. Just hit the 'like' button or “follow” us to receive updates.
PHOTOGRAPHY
All event photography will be captured by the talented Thad Donovan of Smith Donovan Marketing & Communications!