Carol Johnson | Southern Indiana Business Report
ORLEANS – If you haven’t checked out the new Monon South Trail yet, several trail 5Ks are on the schedule this spring and summer that are a great opportunity for runners and walkers to explore this new recreational trail.
In 2025, several towns organized successful 5K races that are back on the calendar this year. Orleans, New Pekin and Borden will have 5Ks on the trail in April and May.
Sadie Miskuf, program director of Magnificent Monon South, a regional Main Street initiative focused on the communities along the trail, said it’s exciting to see communities embracing the Monon South Trail.
“These upcoming 5K events are a great example of how the trail creates opportunities for our communities to come together, stay active, and experience the unique character of each town along the route,” Miskuf said. “For runners and walkers who may not have visited the trail yet, they can expect a welcoming atmosphere, scenic small-town surroundings, and a chance to see how our trailheads connect directly to our downtowns and local businesses.”
The Monon South Trail is a 57-mile developing trail between Mitchell and the Clark/Floyd County border that connects eight local communities in Lawrence, Orange, Washington and Clark counties. Phase 1 construction completed 20 miles of paved and aggregate surface in the communities of Mitchell, Orleans, Campbellsburg, Salem, Borden and New Pekin. Trailheads with restrooms have been completed in Orleans, Campbellsburg, Salem and New Pekin.
The Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University estimates that the completed Monon South Trail will attract between 25,000 and 93,000 non-local users per year. With an anticipated daily spending of $42-$103 by non-local users, those visitors will have a significant impact on the nine communities located along the trail.
Races and recreational walks are a few of the ways communities can attract people to their portions of the trail.
“These races are about more than recreation, they are also about community and economic growth. Through our partnership with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, we are exploring the potential of the trail to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for our communities,” added Miskiuf. “Events like these help bring people to the trail, introduce them to our towns, and show the positive impact trail development can have across the region.”
Run for the Tulips in New Pekin
When: April 18
Registration: 8:15 a.m.
Race time: 9 a.m.
Where: Monon South Trailhead. Parking available at Pekin Town Hall.
Orleans Festival Dogwood 5K
The Dogwood 5K on April 25 is held during the Orleans Dogwood Festival. This year’s race will embrace the festival’s “America’s 250” theme. Participants are encouraged to show their patriotic spirit by wearing their best red, white and blue. A special prize will be awarded for the most patriotic outfit.
The event features a 5K run/walk and kids’ fun run.
When: April 25.
Registration: 7 a.m.
Race time: 8 a.m. and kids’ run at 9 a.m.
Where: Monon South Trailhead, intersection of Jefferson and Franklin streets.
Early sign-up: https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/IN/Orleans/DogwoodRun
Star Valley Berry Run in Borden
The Star Valley Berry Run/Walk 5K is part of Borden’s Star Valley STrawberry Festival, a one-day festival that features live music, vendor market and a build-your-own strawberry shortcake bar.
When: May 23
Registration: 8 a.m. start
Where: Race begins & ends at Borden High School
Early sign-up:https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Borden/StarValleyKBerryRun