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St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run

St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run

St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run offers a scenic, charitable race through St. Patrick's County Park.

Race Date

Nov 14, 2026

Location

South Bend, IN

Solid Pick46

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Location
South Bend, Indiana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell OrganizedGreat Post Race

Course

Shaded

The Experience

The St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run invites participants to explore the scenic trails of St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend, Indiana. This event, which has been held for at least three editions, offers multiple distances including a 5K, 10K, and a half marathon, making it accessible for runners of all levels. The course is noted as beginner-friendly, with the half marathon consisting of four loops, and a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Rhyme & Reason Ministry.

Runners can expect a beautiful natural setting within the park, with the half marathon course being a combination of loops and an out-and-back segment. The event typically sees around 50 finishers, with approximately 16% returning for subsequent editions, indicating a loyal participant base. The race is held in late autumn, with typical race-day temperatures ranging from 36-48°F, offering a crisp running experience.

Race-provided description

Enjoy the beautiful trails at St. Patrick's County Park in St. Joseph County with a 1-mile, 5k, 10k or Half Marathon event. All proceeds from this event will go to Rhyme & Reason Ministry to help their work serving people with developmental disabilities, cognitive delays, and social skill deficits, as well as foster and adopted youth. This is a great event for people of all ages! The trails are beginner-friendly, and the scenery is beautiful. COURSE DETAILS The 1-mile participants will complete an "out and back" route.5k runners will complete 1 loop.10K runners will complete 2 loops.Half Marathon runners will complete 4 loops (followed by the 1 mile "out and back" route to get the full 13.1 mile distance).  RULES & GUIDELINES Pets are welcome to spectate but cannot run the course with runners/walkers ("ruff!" we aren't insured for this).All half-marathon participants must begin their 4th and last lap by 12:00 pm EST.No same-day signs up this year. VOLUNTEER Please contact us if you'd like to volunteer. PACKET PICK-UP Packet pick up is available at St. Patricks County Park (50651 Laurel Rd, South Bend, IN 46637). This is the same location as the event.Pick up your pack either on Friday, November 13 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Or, pick up your packet on event day, Saturday, November 14, before the event starts. If you pickup your packet on event day, please arrive 30 minutes before your event begins to allow time for packet pickup, bathroom break, finding the start area, etc. IMPORTANT NOTES Register by October 20th, 2026 to be able to purchase this year's race T-shirt ($7.50 per shirt).All distances will be chip-timed by Watts My Time.  INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY Please note: in the event of lightning, or other inclement weather, race directors can pause, resume, or cancel the event at their discretion.  See our full inclement weather policy at this link.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Start Time

8:40 AM

Start Location

50651 Laurel Rd, South Bend, IN, 46637

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Park

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Quality Score

Solid Pick46
Methodology
Heritage6/20

3 years running

Size8/15

~50 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty16/20

16% returning runners

Course & details3/15

5 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 6 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:37:25

Weather5/10

typical high 49°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

36°

Afternoon (High)

49°

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

74%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run?

The St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run is held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, starting at 8:40 AM.

Where does the St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run take place?

It takes place in South Bend, Indiana.

What distances does the St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run course flat and good for a PR?

The St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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