The OPSF50|50 begins at the Horse Campground off Fish Creek Road in Owen-Putnam State Forest, near Poland, Indiana, approximately one hour from Indianapolis. This low-key trail series, organized by the nonprofit Indiana Trail Running Association, offers 10K, 14-mile, 50K, and 50-mile distances on a rugged forest course. The longer races commence early in the morning, reflecting an old-school trail running ethos rather than a polished, large-scale event production.
The course winds through a 6,500-acre state forest, featuring about 90 percent single-track trail with some fire-road sections. The route, shaped like a lollipop from the campground, passes two aid stations, ensuring participants spend most of their time on woodland trails. The 50-mile race includes over 6,500 feet of climbing, earning the event its reputation as Indiana’s toughest trail race. It provides local runners an opportunity to challenge themselves on a less-traveled Indiana trail system, which includes hiking paths, horse trails, ponds, and campgrounds.