HalfRuns
Duneland Half Marathon and 5K

Duneland Half Marathon and 5K

The Duneland Half Marathon offers a fast, flat course through Indiana's scenic Duneland trail system.

Race Date

Oct 25, 2026

Location

Chesterton, IN

Standout75

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Location
Chesterton, Indiana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
1,127

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell OrganizedGreat Medal

Course

Fast FlatWell Marked

The Experience

The Duneland Half Marathon, a staple in Chesterton, Indiana, is now in its sixth edition, consistently drawing runners from across the region. This race is part of the Race the Region series, offering a certified half marathon course that begins and ends at Dogwood Park, primarily utilizing the paved Duneland bike trail.

Runners can expect a flat and fast race, ideal for achieving personal bests, with typical winning times around 71 minutes. The event has seen steady growth, with recent editions attracting around 400 finishers. While the majority of participants hail from Indiana, the race also draws runners from about nine states, showcasing its regional appeal.

The atmosphere is bolstered by well-organized logistics, including chip timing and clear course markings. Participants receive a long-sleeve shirt and a custom finisher's medal, with awards presented to overall and age-group winners. The event's loyalty rate hovers around 21%, indicating a solid base of returning runners who appreciate the straightforward, efficient race day experience.

Race-provided description

This will be Race #10 in the Race the Region series  Race features include: Certified Half Marathon Racecourse (5K is not certified)Custom race shirtCustom Finishers medalsTiming mats at the Starting Line and Chip Timing for Finish ResultsLive results via text and email messagingAll turns will have directional signsNo processing fee for online signup Awards: Overall & Age Group Awards Half Marathon - Top Overall Male & Female, Top Masters Male & Female (40 and over), and Top 3 Male and Female in the following age groups: 14 and under,15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and up.  5K - Top Overall Male and Female, Top Masters Male and Female (40 and over) and Top 3 Male and Female in the following age groups: 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and up. Finishers in both races will qualify for Race the Region Series points. Race Course: The race will start and end at Dogwood Park and will be primarily on the Duneland bike trail. Half Marathon certification #IN20016TDK Race Registration Fees: Half Marathon:  Early registration before 10/12 - $45 with race shirt, $40 without a shirt.  Late registration after 10/12 - $50 with shirt, $45 without a shirt. Race Day - $55 with race shirt, $50 without a shirt. 5K: Early registration before 10/12 - $30 with race shirt, $25 without a shirt.  Late registration after 10/12 - $35 with shirt, $30 without a shirt.  Race Day - $40 with shirt, $35 without a shirt. Shirt sizes and availability only guaranteed if registered by Oct. 10th Pre-Race Packet Pick Up:  Early packet pick-up will be available at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. from October 23th and 24th from 10:00AM - 5PM.  RACE DAY On site packet pick-up opens at 6:30 a.m. ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY.  Online registration will remain open until the start of each race.  Participants wanting to register on race day should do so at home before heading to the race site. Each participant’s start time will be recorded as they cross the starting line.  Participants in the Half Marathon must start between 8:00AM to 8:05AM.  Participants in the 5K must start between 8:10AM to 8:15AM.   Runners failing to start within the assigned starting times for each race will be assigned the gun time for the start of their race and are subject to disqualification.  As participants finish, they will receive a text message and/or email with their finishing time.  A list of overall finishing times for all competitors will be continually updated at www.thtiming.com while the race is in progress. There is a 3 hour, 30 minute time limit for the half marathon.  All runner support will conclude at 11:30AM

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Long Sleeve Shirt

Start Location

1415 S. 23rd St., Chesterton, IN, 46304

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

3.1 Miles

Quality Score

Standout75
Methodology
Heritage12/20

6 years running

Size13/15

~366 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

21% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw6/10

runners from 9 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:10:57

Weather10/10

typical high 60°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

45°

Afternoon (High)

60°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.2"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

72%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,127 finishers actually crossed the line across 6 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

1,127

Median time

1:59:42

Latest turnout

206

States

18

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:003:35

Turnout by year

20202025

'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Duneland Half Marathon and 5K?

The Duneland Half Marathon and 5K is held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Duneland Half Marathon and 5K take place?

It takes place in Chesterton, Indiana.

What distances does the Duneland Half Marathon and 5K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.

Is the Duneland Half Marathon and 5K course flat and good for a PR?

The Duneland Half Marathon and 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Duneland Half Marathon and 5K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,127 runners who have completed the Duneland Half Marathon and 5K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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