Get ready for a truly unique challenge at the Trail Golf Endurance Challenge in Valparaiso, Indiana, on June 27, 2026. This isn't your average trail race; it's a "hole new adventure" that blends endurance running with the strategic scoring of golf. Offering both 50K (9 "holes") and 10M (3 "holes") distances, runners can compete solo or as part of a 2-3 person relay team, tackling loops of approximately 3-4 miles each. At the top of every hour, participants will "tee off" on a new route, earning strokes (Eagle, Birdie, Par, Bogey) based on their finishing time within calculated windows, with the goal of achieving the lowest cumulative score.

The course, set on the technical and varied multi-use trails of Creekside Trails, features an average of 190 feet of gain per "hole," accumulating to about 1700 feet for the 50K and 500 feet for the 10M. Approximately 95% of the terrain is un-paved, promising a genuine trail experience. What makes this event stand out is the strategic element it introduces; it's less about raw speed and more about adaptability and problem-solving on each successive loop. Typical race day conditions in late June can see highs around 85F and lows around 63F, with a 14% chance of precipitation, so runners should prepare for warm weather.

The start and finish line, located at Trailyard Outpost (2651 Clifford Road), serves as the central hub for this endurance golf game. While there are no aid or water stops directly on the course, runners are encouraged to bring their own hydration and fuel, with the time between "holes" designed for rest, refueling, and receiving support from your "caddies" (support crew). Water, ice, Tailwind, and coffee will be available exclusively for runners at the start/finish area. This innovative race format, first established in 2024, appeals to both seasoned ultrarunners looking for a fresh challenge and newcomers to trail running seeking a fun, gamified entry into the sport.