Trees Indiana’s “Trees Trail Challenge” is a family-friendly race/run/walk event at Franke Park which brings people together with nature, trails and trees. Bring the family out to enjoy nature and the peak fall foilage while enjoying some fun and enriching kid’s activities.
Individual runners are invited to test their skills on a timed 4 mile trail course while both runners and walkers alike may choose either a 4 mile or 2 mile course through wooded trails along ridgelines and streams through the beautiful Franke Park woods.
Kid-friendly activities include Trees Indiana’s Fairy House building, using materials collected from the forest floor, learning about trees and nature, and Kid’s Zone, a simulated mountain bike course presented by Northern Indiana Trail Riders (NITRO) and Summit City Bicycles, where kid’s learn about mountain biking in a safe, fun environment.
Individual Registration
The Individual Registration registers one (1) person for the chip-timed 4 mile race. One (1) custom BUFF head wear swag item is included.
Family Registration
A Family Registration option allows a group of up to four (4) participants to run or walk the 4 or 2 mile course as desired. Only one person is required to register and at least one person 21 years or older must also be present with the group at the race. Up to three additional family members may attend with each family registrant. Only one (1) custom BUFF head wear swag item is included with a Family registration. Additional are available to purchase.
Any participant may choose to race, run, or simply walk the course for this event.
Registration fees
Individual Closed
Online registration closed-
2 or 4 mile trail run/walk
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$25.00Jul 1 – Jul 31
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$30.00Aug 1 – Sep 30
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$35.00Oct 1 – Oct 19
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Family Closed
Online registration closed-
2 or 4 mile trail run/walk
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$40.00Jul 1 – Jul 31
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$40.00Aug 1 – Sep 30
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$45.00Oct 1 – Oct 19
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Who is Trees Indiana
Trees Indiana was founded in 2006 in response to a need identified by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Community and Urban Forestry Office. Over 80% of Hoosiers live in cities and towns where our urban forests are located on public and private open spaces — and it is imperative that we empower youth with knowledge, tools, and appreciation for the challenges and opportunities we face with respect to the environment.
Healthy urban forests are critical to the livability of our cities and with urban sprawl on the rise our urban forests become an increasingly important resource. The IDNR outlines the following benefits: urban forests provide economic, environmental, and psychological benefits.
- Economically, the management of urban forest and the jobs and services it relies on contributed nearly $2.05 billion to Indiana's economy in 2004 (Center for Urban Policy and the Environment 2004).
- Environmentally, they are the most crucial natural resource components of a community as they clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. - Psychologically, they contribute to reduced stress, less domestic violence, bring people together, and offer a sense of community.
The benefits of urban forestry is an extensive list that keeps growing as new findings are being published. Significant research on the benefits of children and nature, including health benefits, was published in late 2011.
Event schedule
- Sun, October 19, 2014 2:00 PM - Trees Indiana Trail Challenge
Contact information
- Event contact
- Chris Beck (Race Director)
- chris@entch.com
- Phone
- +1 260-241-2173
- Website
- Visit website