Saturday - April 19, 2025

Knobstone 50

Borden, IN


A rugged point-to-point 50 miler along Indiana's longest footpath, the Knobstone Trail. The KT is often described as one of the most challenging trails in the state and commonly referred to as “The Little AT” due to its steep, hilly landscape, reminiscent of the Appalachian Mountains.

The course travels Northward from Deam Lake State Park to Delaney Creek Park, accumulating roughly 10,000ft of elevation gain throughout. Join us on this scenic backcountry journey of steep climbs, sweeping vistas, and beautiful forested landscapes!

Start Location

Deam Lake State Recreation Area

1217 Deam Lake Rd, Borden, IN 47106

Directions

Start Time - 6:00 AM

Finish Location

Delaney Creek Park

8215 Delaney Park Rd, Scottsburg, IN 47170

Directions

Overall Cutoff - 11:00 PM (17hrs)

Bib Pickup

Friday, April 18th

4 PM - 7 PM at Delaney Creek Park (Finish Line)

A pasta dinner with salad will be provided

Volunteer

The Knobstone 50 would not be possible without the help of amazing people like you. Volunteer perks include Trailblazer race credits and race swag!

Race Perks

  • Scenic & Challenging Course

  • Professional photography

  • Pre/Post race meals

  • Free shuttle to start line

  • Live timing and results

  • Live GPS tracking

  • Well stocked aid stations

Live Tracking

Follow your runner with live GPS tracking during the 2025 Knobstone 50

Race Registration

Prices above include tax & UltraSignup platform fee. No surprises

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.

Course Information

  • The Knobstone 50 is a rugged, point-to-point course that follows Indiana’s longest and most challenging trail. Runners will experience steep ascents, technical descents, and relentless rolling hills as they journey from Deam Lake to Delaney Creek Park. The terrain varies between rocky ridges, dense hardwood forests, and narrow, winding paths. Expect exposed ridgelines with sweeping views and shaded valleys with multiple creek crossings.

    The trail is known for its relentless ups and downs, mimicking Appalachian terrain with technical climbs and descents that can be slippery in wet conditions. With an elevation profile comparable to many mountain courses, this race is best suited for experienced trail runners looking to overcome the challenge that awaits them

  • Crew are welcome at Elk Creek (32.8) and Spurgeon (44.1). Crews must park in the designated parking lots or along the access roads leading up to them. DO NOT block the roads.

    Pacers are allowed to join their runners at Elk Creek (32.8), Oxley (38.2), and Spurgeon (44.1). Prolonged parking is fine at Elk Creek and Spurgeon, while Oxley is drop-off only due to the very limited parking area there. We are not responsible for any damage to vehicles left overnight. Pacers must:

    • Be registered (occurs during bib pickup)

    • Fill out a Participant Waiver

    • Enter/exit the course at pacer designated aid stations

    • Wear a pacer bib while on course

  • Drop bag drop-off will be at bib pickup Friday evening. See table below for list of aid stations where drop bags can be utilized

    NOTE: Do not bring large duffle bags, garbage bags, suitcases, or rigid plastic bins as your drop bag. A small duffel or dry bag (no more than 10L) is ideal. We will have a volunteer at the drop off location who will let you know if your bag is small enough to be delivered.

  • 5:10PM - Elk Creek (32.8 miles)
    9:00PM - Spurgeon (44.1 miles)
    11:00PM - Finish (50.0 miles)

Aid Stations

Additional Race Info

  • 4/18 - BIB PICKUP / FRIDAY INFORMATION

    Location: Delaney Creek Park
    Time: 4 PM -7 PM
    8215 Delaney Park Rd, Scottsburg, IN 47170

    Runners and must check in (and register their pacers, if applicable) during bib pickup. Runners will receive their race packet and take an individual pre-race photo. A pasta dinner with salad will be provided and we’ll have the merch table out.
    Race Briefing will start at 6 PM (a streaming link will be sent out for those that cannot attend in-person)

    4/19 - RACE DAY INFORMATION

    Race Day Schedule
    The shuttle bus will leave from Delany Creek at 4:15am sharp to head towards the start line. That will give runners an hour to warm up and utilize the restroom facilities prior to race start. Restrooms are located near the start line at a permanent park facility.

    Timeline

    4:15 AM – Bus leaves Delaney Creek
    5:00 AM – Bus arrives at Deam Lake
    6:00 AM – Race Start
    6:34 AM – Begin Civil Twilight
    7:02 AM – Sunrise 
    6:00 PM – Elk Creek (32.8) Cutoff
    8:25 PM – Sunset
    8:53 PM – End Civil Twilight
    9:30 PM – Spurgeon (44.1) Cutoff
    11:00 PM – Final Cutoff / Race ends

    Moon Phase – Half Moon
    50% Visible

    Moonrise: 2:59 AM
    Moonset: 12:15 PM

  • The race course will be well marked with black and yellow checkered tape with reflective ends. Trail junctions and turns will be marked with laminated signs. All runners are responsible for understanding the layout of the course. Please familiarize yourself with the course maps on our website prior to race day.

    Pro tip: Download the Avenza app to your phone then download the Clark & Jackson-Washington State Forest map bundle. The map can be viewed in offline mode and keep you on the KT which is 99% the same as the race course

  • Drop bag drop-off will be at bib pickup Friday evening. See table below for list of aid stations where drop bags can be utilized

    NOTE: Do not bring large duffle bags, garbage bags, suitcases, or rigid plastic bins as your drop bag. A small duffel or dry bag (5L or less) is ideal. We will have a volunteer at the drop off location who will let you know if your bag is small enough to be delivered.

  • Delaney Creek Park (where bib pickup and the finish line will be) has many lodging options on-site, including primitive & modern camping as well as cabins and lodges

    We will be reserving both lodges (one men’s, one women’s) as low-cost options ($15/night) for runners and their crews. The 12 bunks in each are available on a first come, first served basis and can be reserved during race registration.

    Reservations for campsites and cabins can only be made after 1/1/25. Call the property manager at 812-883-5101 to reserve these.

  • Remember to always remain on designed trails, no short cutting.
    If you decide to use headphones, please be respectful of runners behind you attempting to pass. Also, remove ear buds as you approach aid stations or a road crossing.
    This course includes some legit single track. If you are fast and attempting to pass, please alert the runner in front of you before flying past them. Likewise, if you hear a runner approaching you from behind, attempt to find a spot to allow the runner to pass.

    As a general rule, when passing a runner, announce, “on your left.”
    Everyone is after the same goal here so let’s be respectful of each other’s races and have fun.

    NO LITTERING: Utilize Leave No Trace principles at all times. There is also absolutely no littering— Pack it in, pack it out, and utilize the proper waste receptacles at aid stations.

  • Check the latest local weather HERE. April temperatures can vary widely, but generally see daytime highs in the 60°F-70°F range and morning lows in the 40°F-50°F range. Spring Midwest climate can bring all kinds of weather, including sun, clouds, snow, fog and/or rain… be prepared!

    SUNRISE/SUNSET

    • AM TWILIGHT STARTS: 6:34 AM

    • SUNRISE: 7:02 AM

    • SUNSET: 8:25 PM

    • PM TWILIGHT ENDS: 8:53 PM

  • 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.

    Each finisher earns the right to etch their name onto The Ledger. A ceremonial piece of live edge wood, unique to each year of the race - a permanent record of those who’ve endured the Knobstone 50.

    The top 3 male & female finishers at each distance will also receive a podium award, crafted by Joe Hardin of HT Hardwood Designs. 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.