Run Happy 50K (and other happy distances)
North Liberty, IN
- 50K, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Run Happy 50k (and other “happy” distances) event will take place at Potato Creek State Park Nature Center in North Liberty, Indiana. This is a fun and relaxed event, great for walkers and runners. It is also perfect for families who want to run different distances all at at … MORE
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Fun Trail Run!
Packet Pickup was very easy logistics, either you could pick up the night before, or on race morning. The cost of this race was really good, I paid $40 for … MORE
Packet Pickup was very easy logistics, either you could pick up the night before, or on race morning. The cost of this race was really good, I paid $40 for 50k, of which all proceeds go to benefit Camp Millhouse, and you could register up until midnight the night before – no price increase.
Race morning, was extremely easy to get to parking and was close to start, or the rental cabins in the state park are cheap and about ½ mile walk to the start.
The 50k was 5 loops, 13.1 was 2 (with a bonus short loop), and 10k was 1 loop, which was 98% trails with some ups and downs. This year it rained most of the week before, and some on race morning (along with some snow) making the trails pretty muddy. The trails were marked with flags on course, and were easy to follow, overall distance was almost perfect especially for a trail run. Aid stations were at mile 3-ish and 6-ish that you passed several times, they had water, Gatorade, and fruit, marshmallows, pretzels. We passed by the lake, old cemetery, and Spring Mill House. Also, conquering Vargo Hill, elevation 885ft, 59 stairs (again climbing 5 times), and a few other good climbs on course. Don’t let they deter you there are a few good drops as well, and the scenery is beautiful (even on a gloomy day).
The volunteers and race director was very friendly, and welcoming, always responsive to questions.
I would certainly do this race again and look forward to running it in not so harsh weather conditions.