Trail Run at Indian Lake

Trail Run at Indian Lake

Trail Run at Indian Lake is a single-day trail running event held at Indian Lake County Park in Cross Plains, Wisconsin on October 3, 2026. The event offers two marked trail routes around the park with natural surface terrain.

• SHORT Course (~5.8 km)
• LONG Course (~10.5 km)

The courses begin in a restored sedge meadow in the wetlands around the kettle lake and transition from prairie path to forested singletrack and dirt trails. The route uses the slopes left by the last glaciation, including steeper sections associated with the Driftless Region, and part of the route follows the Ice Age Trail National Scenic Trail. The forested middle of the course is adjacent to planned park expansion as Dane County Parks is purchasing 300 acres south of the current boundary. Near the finish, runners pass areas of active oak savanna restoration; restoration work covers approximately 170 acres.

The event operates a cup-free policy. There will not be paper cups at aid stations or at the start and finish. Participants are responsible for their own cup, bottle, or hydration bladder; water dispensers are available at aid stations to top off.

All participants can select a swag item from previous years, with options such as trail branded running socks, lightweight gloves, winter beanies, trucker caps, short-brim caps, and technical running t's. A small run of premium merchandise will be available for purchase on race morning. Registration opens June 15, 2026 and closes August 1, 2026 with a registration fee of $30. The event includes post-race food, beverage, awards, and live music by the Currach Irish Trio. All proceeds support the Friends of Indian Lake work with Dane County Parks to preserve and enhance Indian Lake County Park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.