Trail Golf Endurance Challenge

Trail Golf Endurance Challenge

The Trail Golf Endurance Challenge is a trail running event near Trailyard Outpost, 2651 Clifford Rd, Valparaiso, IN. Distances offered include:

• 50K
• 50K Relay
• 10M
• 10M Relay

The event uses a golf-style format. At the top of each hour all runners begin the same route, or "Hole," of roughly three to four miles. The 50K consists of nine Holes and the 10M consists of three Holes. Each Hole has a calculated time window linked to distance and pace; finishing within a given window assigns a stroke score such as Eagle (2), Birdie (3), Par (4), etc. Skipping or not finishing a Hole results in an automatic Triple Bogey (7). Ties are broken by lowest cumulative time on course.

Course and support details are specified for runners. Each Hole averages about 190 feet of elevation gain, totaling about 1,700 feet for the 50K and about 500 feet for the 10M. There are no aid or water stations on course; runners must carry hydration and fuel. Water, Tailwind, and coffee will be available for runners only. Runners may set up a small tent no larger than 10' x 10' within 50 yards of the start and finish. Leaving the marked course requires returning to the point of exit or may incur at least a two stroke penalty.

Relay teams must consist of two or three registered runners, with only one team member on course at a time. Every participant receives a custom finisher award; top male, female, and team rankings by lowest combined scores receive podium awards. Special age-based pricing applies for runners 19 and under with a 50% discount using code YOUTH, and fee waivers may be available through the Trail Mix Fund. Runners who become pregnant after registering or who have a recent newborn may request a deferral for up to two years; the event may require proof. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.