A traditional race event is simply not feasible this year due to the uncertainty of the public health situation, the forecasted rise in fall weather cases, and the need to respect the safety and preferences of both our runners and our volunteers.
We recognize that not everyone has the same needs and choices, so we have worked hard to offer alternatives to a traditional race event for 2020. Our goal is to provide many of the same benefits as a traditional race event while allowing you the freedom to race at a time and in an environment that you feel comfortable and safe participating in. We are offering two options.
- Virtual Event: For the ENTIRE WEEKEND of OCT 31 and NOV 1, the Trees Trail Challenge course will be well marked and available to run at your convenience, at a time (and optionally with others) of your choosing. Consider this a “Virtual Race” style option but on a very well-marked course. You will report your results with one of several methods we will provide to you ahead of race weekend and will be listed on the 2020 race results.
- In Person Event: We have listened and understand that many runners desire a traditional style race event with the camaraderie and energy that only a start-finish area and a field of runners can provide. On Sunday, NOV. 1 beginning at 2 PM, we will host an informal race event with a start-finish line, bibs, timing clock and a relaxed staged self-start, at your convenience, approximating a traditional race event. We will record and post your race results for you.
What we will NOT have: packet pick up, check in, chip timing, aid stations, significant volunteers, swag.
The race registration fee is $10 WITH A DONATION of your choice. Trees Trail Challenge is a race with an important mission – to raise funds to support Trees Indiana. In 2020, non-profits are having great difficulty fundraising. Because this race is organized by unpaid volunteers solely focused on fundraising, this year’s registration fee is all about DONATION-based giving. We highly encourage you to GIVE and RUN according to your ability.
All Virtual and In Person finishers will receive a finisher award, mailed to you, or provided in person.
We sincerely THANK YOU for considering the Trees Trail Challenge for 2020 despite the challenges and limitations we are faced with this year. We put in many hours and much hard work to put on a quality trail race for the running community year after year and ask that if you are unable or not interested in this relaxed race format, that you please instead consider a donation to Trees Indiana as an alternative way to GIVE BACK to the trail and running communities.
Registration fees
Virtual or In Person 10 Miler Closed
Run the 10-mile course at your convenience Oct 31-Nov 1
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$10.00
$10.00 PLUS DONATION
Sep 29 - Nov 1
Virtual or In Person 4 Miler Closed
Run the 4-mile course at your convenience Oct 31-Nov 1
-
$10.00
$10.00 PLUS DONATION
Sep 29 - Nov 1
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 for youth education. Over 80 percent of Indiana’s urban forest is in our own back yard. An urban tree canopy is part of a community’s infrastructure and creates valuable environmental, economic, and social benefits. Well-managed urban forests pay back nearly three times the cost to plant and maintain them.
Therefore, it is imperative that we empower youth with knowledge, tools, and appreciation for the challenges and opportunities we face with respect to the environment. To date, Trees Indiana has reached over 6,000 youth with educational opportunities and have planted 1,000 trees. The anchor for Trees Indiana’s programming is the AEP Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom located at Cedar Canyon Elementary School, Fort Wayne. A gift to the community, this nature rich space is open to the public for all to enjoy.
In the past decade, the benefits of connecting to nature have been well documented in numerous scientific research studies and publications. Collectively, this body of research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. To that end, Trees Indiana continues its work promoting more green time and less screen time!
Event schedule
- Sun, November 1, 2020 2:00 PM - Trees Indiana Trees Trail Challenge
Contact information
- Event contact
- Chris Beck (Race Director)
- contact@treesrace.org
- Phone
- +1 260-241-2173
- Website
- Visit website