
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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Park
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Quality Score
Solid Pick463 years running
~50 finishers a year
small race — neutral
16% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 6 states
winner 1:37:25
typical high 49°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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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