Event Overview

Don’t let the name fool you, there’s no clubs or balls involved. This is a trail running endurance challenge like no other! The object of the game? Complete the routes with the lowest cumulative score and you win. Simple enough. But wait, “score”? Don’t you mean “time"? Not quite… 

Here’s how it works: At the top of each hour everyone will start the same route, or “Hole”, of about 3-4 miles in length. Depending on the time window you finish in, you’ll receive a stroke score (“Birdie”, “Par”, “Bogey”, etc). 9 Holes in total for the 50k, 3 Holes for the 10-miler. Like in golf, the goal is to have the lowest score.

The time windows have been calculated for each Hole and are based on the total distance covered and overall pace (see table below). For example, if you run 10-12min/mile pace for each hole, you’ll be hitting Par. For scoring, “Eagle” is always 2 strokes, “Birdie” gets you 3, “Par” is 4, and so on.

Schedule and Pacing Chart

50K starts with Hole 1 at 9:00AM
10M starts with Hole 4 at 12:00PM



The time between finishing a hole and the start of the next is your time to rest, refuel, and receive aid from your support crew, or “Caddies”, before the next “Tee Off”

Holes (Routes)

On average, each hole has about 190ft of gain with a total of 1700ft for the 50k and about 500ft for the 10M

Rules

• Everyone starts each Hole at the designated Tee Time (see table above). No one may tee off early.


• You may tee off late (up to 10 min), but everyone’s official start time will be at the top of the hour (Tee Time), regardless of when they actually start


• If you skip a Hole (DNS) or do not completely finish it (DNF), you will receive an automatic Triple Bogey, a stroke score of 7


• In the event of a tie in score, the tiebreaker will go to the runner or team with the lowest cummulative time on course


• Runners are responsible for their own aid, but we will have water, Tailwind, and coffee available for RUNNERS ONLY


• Runners will be able to setup a small tent (no larger than 10’x10’) for themselves and their caddies (support crew) within 50 yards of the start/finish


• Once you are on course, you are not allowed any aid from your caddies or otherwise


• There will be no aid or water stops on course. Carry any hydration or fuel you may need with you


• Runners must remain on the designated course for each Hole. If you veer off course, you must return to the spot at which you left the course to continue, or risk a 2 stroke penalty, at minimum. (Note: We will have live tracking for all runners via Adventure Enablers)


• If you choose not to continue, you must inform the race crew and turn in your tracking device before leaving the premises

For Relay Runners:

• Relay teams may be made of 2 or 3 runners. Each person needs to register for the team. The price shown is per team member. You can not run the 50K or 10M relay as a solo runner


• Only 1 runner from a team may be on course at a time


• Relay teams will be given 1 GPS tracking device that must be carried by whomever is actively on course


• You are not required to rotate through your team in any consistent order, nor are you required to evenly divide up the Holes. Each teammate may run as many or a few Holes as they prefer.

Race Information

Start Times
Saturday June 15th, 2024
9:00 AM - Hole #1 Tee Off (first round starts for 50k)
12:00 PM - Hole #4 Tee Off (first round starts for 10M)

3:15 PM - Awards for 10M
6:15 PM - Awards for 50K

Start/Finish Line Location
Trailyard Valpo
2551 Clifford Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46385

See event website for more detailed race information

Gender Divisions & Awards

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.

Every participant receives custom awards as they finish their race. The top 3 male & female finishers and top teams at each distance with the lowest combined scores will receive a special podium award in addition to their finisher’s award. 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.

Youth Trail Running

In support of the USATF MUT Youth Initiative, a program in cooperation with the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) to promote youth trail running, special age-based pricing for the Trail Golf Endurance Challenge will be available for all runners age 19 and under. Use code YOUTH at checkout to save 50% off registration

This discount is for runners age 19 and under ONLY.
DO NOT use if you are over the age of 19 - your registration will be cancelled.

The Youth category also has a limited number of free entries available by request. Email the Race Director (info@trailblazerrunning.co) for more information.

Trail Mix Fund

Do you want to race but can’t afford the entry fee? Apply to the Trail Mix Fund to have your registration fee waived!

In an effort to improve diversity in trail racing and remove a potential barrier for the under-served and under-represented, the Trail Mix Fund pays the race registration fee for runners who cannot afford it or aren’t sure they belong in the sport.

As an optional add-on during race registration you can choose to donate to the fund and help more people get to the starting line. Donors will receive special recognition at our races and discounts on Trailblazer merch on race day!

Pregnancy and New Child Deferrals

We understand there are many barriers for new parents and pregnant runners within the sport of trail running. Participants who become pregnant after registering and prior to race day or are the parents to a recent newborn or adopted child can defer their entry to our event for up to two years. The race reserves the right to require additional proof of pregnancy. Please reach out to the Race Director at least one week prior to race day to process your deferral.

Please note that time periods for deferment are designed to support runners and partners who experience changes AFTER they have registered for the race. A runner who is pregnant or has a new child prior to registration is not covered in this policy. Contact the Race Director to request a deferment.

About Trailblazer Running

Trailblazer Running aims to inspire a sense of adventure, community, and environmental stewardship through memorable trail race events in the heart of the Midwest.

General Race Rules and Cancellation Policy

A full list of our race rules and polices can be viewed on our website at the following links. Feel free to reach out via email to info@trailblazerrunning.co with any further questions.

Race Rules

Cancellation Policies

Event's current local time: 3:07 AM CT