From the Organizer
Join us at Creekside Trails for a 5K trail run or a 30K team relay—an exciting, community-driven race hosted by local firefighters.
🌲About the Event
The Creekside Trail Race offers two unique ways to experience the trails at Creekside Trails:
🟢 5K Trail Run – perfect for beginners and casual runners
🔵 30K Team Relay – a fun and challenging group endurance event
Hosted by Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124, this race combines fitness, teamwork, and community spirit in one of Northwest Indiana’s best trail systems.
🚒Why This Event is Different
Hosted by local firefighters
Team-based 30K format (unique in the region)
Beginner-friendly 5K option
Professionally marked and supported course
Strong community atmosphere
🗺️RACE OPTIONS
🟢 5K Trail Run
Distance: 5K (~3.1 miles)
Format: Single loop
Terrain: Smooth + moderately technical trail
Ideal for:
🔵 30K Team Relay
Total Distance: 30K (~18.6 miles)
Format: 2-loop course divided among team members
Team Size: 2–6 runners per team
How it works:
Each runner completes 1 loop (~9–10 miles) or splits legs
Teams rotate at the start/finish exchange zone
Flexible strategy (fast runners / equal splits / fun teams)
👉 Perfect for:
🚰AID STATIONS
30K Relay
Water available at start/finish
All stations include:
⏱️RACE DETAILS
Start Time (30K Relay): CHECK IN: 0730 AM - 0900 AM / Race START TIME: 0915 AM
Start Time (5K): CHECK IN: 0800 AM - 0900 AM /Race START TIME: 0910 AM.
30K Cutoff: RACE END: 1400PM CUT OFF
📍 Location: Creekside Trails, Valparaiso, IN
💲REGISTRATION PRICING
🟢 5K
Early: $40
Regular: $45
Late: $50
🔵 30K Team Relay (per team)
Early: $250
Regular: $300
Late: $350
⚠️ Limited to:
?? total participants
~?? relay teams
🎽WHAT YOU GET
5K Participants
30K Relay Teams
❤️ COMMUNITY IMPACT
This event is hosted by Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124 to:
Promote health and fitness
Support community engagement
Bring people together through outdoor recreation
⚠️ POLICIES
No refunds (rain or shine)
Event may be modified for safety
Team substitutions allowed until [TBD date]
🤝 SPONSORSHIP
Support a firefighter-hosted community event and connect with a highly engaged local audience.
👉 Sponsorship opportunities available: Email Race Contact; nsanchez2674@outlook.com for more information.
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CREEKSIDE TRAIL RACE (5K & 30K TEAM RELAY)
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By registering for and participating in the Creekside Trail Race (the “Event”), I acknowledge and agree to the following:
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I understand that trail running involves inherent risks including uneven terrain, rocks, roots, mud, bridges, elevation changes, wildlife, weather conditions, and physical exertion that may result in injury, illness, disability, or death. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.
TEAM RELAY PARTICIPATION
If participating in the 30K Team Relay, I understand I am responsible for completing my assigned portion of the course and that team exchanges occur at designated areas.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
I certify that I am physically fit and capable of participating in this Event and have not been advised otherwise by a medical professional.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124, event organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and landowners of Creekside Trails from any claims or liabilities arising from my participation, including those caused by negligence.
INDEMNIFICATION
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, damages, or expenses resulting from my participation.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE
I authorize event staff and emergency personnel to provide medical care if needed and accept responsibility for any associated costs.
EVENT CONDITIONS
I understand the Event may be modified, delayed, or canceled due to weather or safety concerns and that refunds are not guaranteed.
RULES
I agree to follow all event rules, course markings, and instructions from officials.
MEDIA RELEASE
I grant permission for the use of my image, likeness, and voice for promotional purposes.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have read and understand this waiver and agree to it voluntarily. I understand I am waiving certain legal rights.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
69°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Valparaiso Wtr Wks, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
34,377
as of 2023
City Elevation
746 ft
Nearest Airport
GYY
Gary/Chicago International Airport · 20 mi
Major Hub
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 41 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Creekside Trails Race 5k & Team 30k Hosted by Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
108
Days to train
Coming Up
Fun Run/Walk with Special Guest Carey Pinkowski
3 miles away
2026 Midwest Region Classic
2 miles away
The EXMI One Mile Challenge
3 miles away
Hoofin' it for Ag 5K
5 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Creekside Trails Race 5k & Team 30k Hosted by Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124
Oct 3, 2026