
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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
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
Quality Score
Standout756 years running
~366 finishers a year
growing or steady
21% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 9 states
winner 1:10:57
typical high 60°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2020–2025
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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