Races

The Oldest Race in the State of Indiana and the Flagship Race of our club - Indy Runners and Walkers!  Initiated in 1970 by educators and coaches from Carmel High School, and managed by our volunteer led, not-for-profit club since the early 80's, Sam Costa has the legacy, charm, and friendly participant experience you would expect from a race put on by runners for runners.  The Half is a test of early season fitness for those who train all winter. The Quarter provides a distance to build on for those with aspirations for longer events later in the Spring. Either way, the Sam Costa has a place for you! There is a 3-hour time limit for the Costa. This equates to a 13:44 pace for the Half Marathon (27:28 for the Quarter).  Walkers are strongly encouraged to select the Quarter Marathon. The Sam Costa is brought to you by Indy Runners and Walkers, Indiana's largest RRCA-affiliated running and walking club. All net proceeds from the race benefit the Indianapolis running and walking c

You've trained all winter. Now, it's time for the last long run before the Carmel Marathon (register here!). This event is free for Carmel Runners Club members (see your newsletter for a discount code) and $15 for nonmembers (join CRC now to get this discount and more!). On Saturday, March 28th at 8am (announcements at 7:45) at Union Brewing Co, join Carmel Runners Club for a preview run of the Carmel Marathon Weekend races. There will be a 20 mile preview course for full marathon, an 11 mile preview course for the half marathon, and a shorter option on the Monon Trail for 10k and 5k participants or anyone looking to get in a few miles that day. These are un-timed fun runs. Each route will cover as much of the respective course as possible. These events will be open course, and roads will NOT be closed. Please use caution and stay on sidewalks or the Monon Trail while running.  Check out the courses below: 20 Mile: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/777904011 Mil

Saturday, April 18, 2026 One of the 50 largest marathons in the US! Consistently ranks in the top-25 of marathons to BQ (per marathonguide.com) Includes a half marathon, 10K and 5K!      Come to Carmel, Indiana, voted one of the best small town suburbs in the US. Our unique race-day format includes all race distances utilizing the same start AND finish line! This allows participants to arrive, prepare and start together then easily find each other at the finish. Marathon and half marathon runners start together in the south two lanes with the 10K and 5K together in the north two lanes of City Center Boulevard. The four lanes are separated by a grass medium for 300 yards until the first turn where the courses turn in opposite directions. The official start/finish area and all race activities are located next to the Palladium Music Center, at the corner of 3rd Avenue and City Center Drive. Free parking, beer garden and more. Join us! Why should you run Carmel?  Here are the most common a

Join us for an exciting and scenic summer adventure across the parks! Each week we’ll explore one of Carmel’s beautiful parks, one trail at a time. Whether you're a runner or walker looking for a new fitness challenge, or you simply enjoy a good stroll through the park, this is your chance to discover new spots and support your local parks—all at your own pace!

Kick off your Independence Day weekend at the patriotic Carmel Freedom Run 4.5-mile and 1.5-miler! Raceday is Friday, July 4th in the beautiful city of Carmel, IN! NEW FOR 2025, we are excited to host the event at Upland Brewing and Pies & Pints in Clay Terrace! Join the fun with your friends and family at this classic run/walk, then enjoy some post-race refreshments! In addition to water, Gatorade and snack options, all finishers (21+) can use their FREE drink ticket for a beer at Upland Brewing or Pies & Pints! Java House will also be on-site with Sweet Coffee treats available (first come first served or while supplies last). Soft-style shirts are included for all, and for the first time we will be offering FINISHER MEDALS for the 4.5-milers and 1.5-milers! We also offer overall and age-group awards to our faster competitors! This year's race features new and exciting 4.5-mile and 1.5-mile courses that start/finish at Upland Brewing, and utilizing the beautiful stree

Ready to get your run and groove on? Join us for the Opening Act 5K run/walk positioned to kick off Carmel PorchFest. You will be "part of the show" by participating. Strategically timed with a 10:30 AM start on Sunday, you will have time to finish, socialize then walk through MidTown to the start of PorchFest, just three blocks away. MidTown is in the DORA district so if you partake in an adult beverage, you are free to walk around MidTown with the special cup we provide.  Enjoy post-race refreshments, music and more with specials from MidTown restaurants. This timed 5K will include age group awards, medals and official event shirt. The course starts and finishes on the Monon Blvd at MidTown and takes runners north on the Monon, west towards Meadowlark Park then south to City Center Drive then back north to the finish. THE BIG NEWS!  This is where you are a part of the show! A jazz band will arrive at 11:45 AM and march the group north on the Monon to the start of PorchFest!!

The RUN(317) Series celebrates the unique people, neighborhoods, businesses and charities of the (317)!  RUN(317) Carmel Village of WestClay is the second in the 5 race Series. Participants can register for as many races in the series as their schedules allow them. Each Thursday Night run is followed by a high energy post-race party sponsored by Arthur Murray Dance Center featuring a DJ, local craft beer, food, games and community partners.  On Thursday, September 24th, we are excited to have runners/walkers from all over the Indianapolis area spend their evening in Carmel Village of WestClay.  The race starts at 7 p.m.  Participants can choose to run/walk or virtually do a 3.17 mile course through the streets of the Carmel Village of West Clay. Starting and ending on beautiful Meeting House Road, this flat, fast courses feature views of this unique Northside neighborhood and the Coxhall Gardens.  Each participant will receive: Awesome One of Kind RUN(317) Carmel Village of WestClay Me

~ 2026 Indiana Women's Running Festival ~ Half Marathon, 10K, & the Inspiring Women 5K! Enjoy the fall colors in Carmel ~ The largest women-only Half Marathon event in Indiana ~ Enjoy the fall colors in Carmel by joining us in one of the three distances offered; half marathon, 10K and 5K. The half marathon is one of the ten largest, female-only half marathons in the US.  To show our support for women's sports, it is the ONLY women's half marathon that pays a top-20 cash purse. Known for its big race feel with small town hospitality, the event offers competitive fields, top-3 age group awards in all distances, beautiful courses and electric atmosphere that has attracted ladies from all over the US! 34 states were represented in 2025.  Women encouraging and supporting women makes it a special day. Toeing the line with friends and family, participating for themselves or others. The course offers a beautiful run with shade, parks, ponds and trees.  The wonderful post-race a

20th Annual Donut 5K Holiday Run/Walk!!   The Donut 5K is BACK in Carmel at St. Vincent Sports Performance in Clay Terrace for the 20th ANNIVERSARY. All of the holiday magic and fun is back Jack's Donuts of Carmel back on the course! Jack's Donuts on the course and at the finish line, over 7,000 donut holes to be served!Buy one get one free donut from Jack's of Carmel on every bibEvent will again benefit local animal rescues.  Over 100K has been donated over the yearsCash purse to the top-3 male and female finishers + Age Group AwardsAll participants will receive the official event shirt and medal shown belowThe first 1,500 registered will receive the now famous DONUT ME stocking hat (2026 design below)Raceday Packet Pickup, vendors and post-race party will be inside St. Vincent Sports Performance large training roomDogs are once-again allowed to participate in the eventPlenty of free parking in the Clay Terrace mall parking lotsAfter Party will be located at Upland Bre