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Dunes Dash 5k

Sat, May 30, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT

Location
Gary, IN
West Beach, 376 North County Line Road, 46403
Type
RUN

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Explore iconic Indiana Dunes trails while supporting conservation efforts. A challenging 5K with a kids' run, perfect for trail lovers.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Competitive
  • For a Cause

Great for

  • Walkers Welcome

Discover the unique beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park at the Dunes Dash 5K. This annual event, hosted by Save the Dunes, offers a rewarding trail experience through scenic West Beach. The course presents a moderate to strenuous challenge with sandy, hilly trails, stairs, and elevation changes, making it a distinctive alternative to traditional road races. Your participation directly supports Save the Dunes' vital work in protecting these natural areas, advocating for responsible land stewardship, and ensuring equitable access for all.

What to expect

  • Navigate a moderate to strenuous 5K course with sandy, hilly trails, stairs, and elevation.
  • Support Save the Dunes' mission to protect the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan.
  • Younger runners can enjoy a 1-mile Kids Fun Run.

Standout details

  • Hosted by Save the Dunes
  • Sandy, hilly trails with stairs
  • 1-mile Kids Fun Run
  • Awards for overall, masters, age groups

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

2 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

  • 1 Miles

    Sat, May 30, 8:00 AM CDT · From $16.90

    Opens Jan 1, 2026, 6:00 AM CST · Closes May 30, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT

  • 5K

    Sat, May 30, 8:00 AM CDT · From $32.80

    Opens Jan 13, 2026, 6:00 AM CST · Closes May 30, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT

Vibe Check

Easygoing

Rolling road course

  • Rolling area

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

  • Road
  • Rolling
  • Walkers welcome
From the organizer

Experience the Indiana Dunes like never before at the Dunes Dash 5K, hosted by Save the Dunes at scenic West Beach in the Indiana Dunes National Park. This annual event invites participants to explore one of Northwest Indiana’s most iconic landscapes while supporting the ongoing protection and advocacy of the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas.

The 5K course winds through sandy, hilly trails with stairs and elevation changes, making it a rewarding challenge for runners and walkers alike. While the course is considered moderate to strenuous, it’s designed to be approachable for anyone ready to take on a fun, unique trail experience beyond a traditional road race.

A 1-mile Kids Fun Run is also offered, giving younger participants a chance to engage with the dunes in a fun and supportive setting.

Every registration helps Save the Dunes continue its work protecting natural areas, advocating for responsible land stewardship, and ensuring equitable access to the Indiana Dunes for our community and visitors.

Awards will be presented to:

Overall Male & Female, Masters (40+) Male & Female & Top 3 Male & Female finishers in each age group: 13 & Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

T-shirts may be added on for $25 with registrations received before May 1, 2026.

Please note that Indiana Dunes National Park passes are required for entry. Passes may be purchased at the gate, in advance through Save the Dunes during race registration or through the National Park website www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm. If you require a no-cost park pass or additional accessibility information, please reach out to office@savedunes.org. *Note: National Park passes are not available to purchase online through runsignup.com without the purchase of a race registration.*

Packet Pick-Up Details: Coming soon.

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