Dunes Dash 5k
ST
From Save the Dunes
- Date Sat 30th May 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Gary, Indiana
- Price $16.90 - $32.80
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the Dunes Dash 5K, taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the breathtaking West Beach in the Indiana Dunes National Park, Gary, Lake. Organized by Save the Dunes, this annual event invites runners and walkers to immerse themselves in one of Northwest Indiana's most iconic landscapes while supporting vital conservation efforts. The 5K course features sandy, hilly trails with exciting elevation changes, offering a moderate to strenuous challenge that is still approachable for all fitness levels.
In addition, there's a 1-mile Kids Fun Run, ensuring that younger participants can also join in on the adventure and enjoy the beauty of the dunes in a fun and supportive atmosphere. With awards for various categories, including Overall Male & Female and age group finishers, there's plenty to strive for! Your registration not only promises a memorable race day but also contributes to Save the Dunes' mission of protecting natural areas and promoting responsible land stewardship. Don't forget, Indiana Dunes National Park passes are required for entry, available for purchase at the gate or through Save the Dunes during race registration. Join us for this unique trail experience and help make a difference!
In addition, there's a 1-mile Kids Fun Run, ensuring that younger participants can also join in on the adventure and enjoy the beauty of the dunes in a fun and supportive atmosphere. With awards for various categories, including Overall Male & Female and age group finishers, there's plenty to strive for! Your registration not only promises a memorable race day but also contributes to Save the Dunes' mission of protecting natural areas and promoting responsible land stewardship. Don't forget, Indiana Dunes National Park passes are required for entry, available for purchase at the gate or through Save the Dunes during race registration. Join us for this unique trail experience and help make a difference!
Organiser's Description
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 Indianas 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, its 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 10, 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.
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, its 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 10, 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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West Beach, 376 North County Line Road, Gary, 46403, IN, United States
Dunes Dash 5k
