As a proud host of one of the oldest racing events in the world, the Indy 500, Indiana knows a thing or two about going fast. Hundreds of running competitions are organized there each year, from near-impossible ultramarathons to entertaining fun runs for the entire family.
In this article, we’ve picked the best races the Hoosier State has to offer and broke them down by distance. These are the cream of the crop of the Indiana running scene; can’t-miss events for the locals worth traveling to from the other 49 states.
Top Indiana Marathons
Editor’s Choice: Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Where: Indianapolis, IN
When: November 5, 2022
Track Difficulty: Medium
After its inaugural event in 2008, the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon quickly gained recognition among professional athletes and casual runners alike, becoming one of the biggest 26-mile races in the country.
The weekend in Indianapolis includes a marathon and its half-brother as well as 5K and wheelchair races. The course takes the runners through multiple city landmarks, such as Monument Square, State Capitol, Butler University, and Lucas Oil Stadium, which all look fantastic in November. However, you will hardly have time to enjoy the scenery because the track is very flat and fast, so you’ll be busy pushing for a new PR.
Dubbed “a beautiful place to set your pace,” Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is an equally great choice for both Boston qualifiers and running newcomers who would like to get a taste of their first major endurance race.
Runner-up: Tecumseh Trail Challenge
Where: Bloomington, IN
When: October 22, 2022
Track Difficulty: Hard
If you feel that traditional road races are too easy and you would like to really up the ante, then you should immediately book a ticket to the city of Bloomington and sign up for the best Indiana trail running event, the Tecumseh Trail Challenge.
This infamous course through the forests of Brown County is a true test of human limits and does not forgive mistakes. Whether you’re going all-in with the 50K event or playing it “safe” with the 6.5-miler, make sure you come prepared, physically and mentally.
The course combines hills and slopes and is covered with dirt, mud, gravel, and natural debris. Forget about personal records – the Tecumseh Trail Challenge is all about survival and getting to the finish line in one piece. Luckily, there are plenty of aid stations that put even the most famous marathons to shame with their variety of snacks and drinks.
At the end of the track, you’ll be rewarded with a bowl of hot soup, an honorary medal, and long-lasting memories of the gorgeous Midwestern nature.
Indiana Marathons – Honorable Mentions:
- Veterans Marathon (Columbia City, IN);
- Beaver Chase Trail Race (North Salem, IN).
Top Half Marathons in Indiana
Editor’s Choice: OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (Indy Mini)
Where: Indianapolis, IN
When: May 6, 2023
Track Difficulty: Easy
As we’ve mentioned in the beginning, the Indianapolis 500 is one of the most iconic sporting events of all time, and it has an equally epic running tie-in: the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
Celebrating the legacy of its motorsport sibling, each May, the Indy Mini attracts thousands of running enthusiasts to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway putting on an unforgettable show for them. Aptly named “the Greatest Spectacle in Running,” the 500 Festival packs the course with cheerleaders, food stations, and music bands that create an incredible atmosphere rivaled only by the actual Indy race.
The event features two distances for adults (21K and 5K) and a dedicated Mini-Mini run for kids, all of which have the privilege to run a full lap around the Speedway track. The main portion of the half marathon goes through the fast streets of downtown Indianapolis where you can show your best time of the year and admire the landscapes of the state capital along the way.
The Indy Mini is not only one of the most popular races in Indiana but in the entire world, so definitely mark the first Saturday of May on your calendar of running events.
Runner-up: Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben
Where: Indianapolis, IN
When: October 1, 2022
Track Difficulty: Hard
Another Indianapolis running race at a historic location, this half marathon takes you on a journey along the peaceful trails of Fort Harison State Park. It has everything you might expect from a fall event in the Midwest: unapologetically beautiful golden canopies, hundreds of friendly volunteers, and a family-like atmosphere at the finish line, where you’ll be greeted with homemade food you can enjoy by the warming fire pit.
And believe us, you’ll need every bit of help during and after the race since the course has more than a few surprises for the less-experienced runners. A personal best might be out of reach for many, but if you manage to beat all the hills, you’ll get a satisfying sense of accomplishment and a neat golden-leaf medal for your efforts. Add some more swag and a free parking spot – and you’ll get one of the coolest spots for racing today in Indiana.
Honorable Mentions:
- Purdue Boilermaker Half Marathon & 5K (West Lafayette, IN);
- Downtown Doubler (New Albany, IN).
Top 10K Races in Indiana
Editor’s Choice: Carmel Marathon Weekend
Where: Carmel, IN
When: April 8, 2023
Track Difficulty: Medium
If you’re tired of big city events where you need to leave your car miles away from the starting point, then we welcome you to Carmel, Indiana, for its renowned Marathon Weekend.
This surprisingly large-scale event with thousands of participants doesn’t sacrifice the charm and cool perks usually found in a small town like this, including amazing scenery, free parking, and famous Indiana hospitality with beer and hot pancakes.
Carmel’s course is certified for Boston Marathon qualification and is considered one of the fastest in the country. Our personal favorite event is the 10K race which is just long enough to enjoy the views and short enough to get it done quickly and proceed to the pancake part. However, it doesn’t matter what race you choose, because in any case, you’re in for a treat.
Runner-up: Sunburst Races South Bend
Where: South Bend, IN
When: June 2023
Track Difficulty: Medium
Running is great, but running for a good cause takes it to another level. The mission of the Sunburst Races is to raise money for Beacon Children’s Hospital and promote a healthy lifestyle among Indiana youth.
You can choose from 21K, 10K, or 5K distances, all of which will lead you to the historic Notre Dame Stadium football field packed with cheering locals. But before you get there, you’ll need to conquer a slightly hilly but very scenic track through downtown South Bend.
The Sunburst Races check all the marks for a good running event: the cause is noble, the organization is meticulous, the course is beautiful, and the medal is shiny. What more can you ask for?
Honorable Mentions:
- Brown County YMCA Hilly Half Marathon & 10K (Nashville, IN);
- Fort4Fitness Fall Festival (Fort Wayne, IN).
Top 5K Races in Indiana
Editor’s Choice: Indy Women’s Half Marathon & 5K
Where: Carmel, IN
When: October 21, 2023
Track Difficulty: Medium
We’re back to Indianapolis for an electric female-only event held annually in mid-October. Girls from all over the US flock here to bond together and compete in two disciplines: half marathon and 5K.
However, after 10 successful years in the state capital, the organizers decided to move the race to Carmel, which will host its first Indy Women’s Half in 2023. As it’s been proven by the Carmel Marathon Weekend, they couldn’t have found a better place.
The Indy Women’s team is bringing their valuable organizational experience and larger-than-life spirit, and Carmel is ready to meet them with warm small-town hugs and a spectacular fall track. This is a match made in heaven, and we’re all for it.
Runner-up: Mill Race Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Where: Columbus, IN
When: September 24, 2022
Track Difficulty: Easy
If you’re looking to improve your 42K, 21K, or 5K PR, there’s a good chance you can do it during the Mill Race series in Columbus, Indiana. The course has hardly any elevation; the only real challenge you may face is the hot September sun.
Columbus is a fun city to explore, and the track design plays its cards right by drawing you to several interesting spots that tourists usually miss. After the race, you can scoop a nice-looking medal, grab a drink, listen to some music, and maybe even win a pickup truck (available only to marathon and half marathon finishers).
Honorable Mentions:
- Fair on the Square Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K (Danville, IN);
- Tour de la Porte (La Porte, IN).
Top Fun Run Events in Indiana
Choosing the best fun runs in Indiana is a near-impossible feat due to their typical one-time nature, so we’ve decided to give you a list of some of the most unusual or family-oriented events for the 2022/23 season in no particular order:
- IRONKIDS Indiana Fun Run (October 1, 2022 – Muncle, IN);
- Wacky Wine Run… Walk… Stumble (September 10, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN);
- Easley’s Uncorked Wine 5K (September 17, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN);
- Turkey Day 5K (November 24, 2022 – Greenfield, IN);
- Colts 5K (August 24, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN);
- Haunted Dash (October 30, 2022 – Plainfield, IN);
- No Luck Run (March 13, 2023 – Plainfield, IN);
- Santa Hustle Indy Half Marathon & 5K (December 18, 2022 –Indianapolis, IN);
- The Great Squirrel Stampede Fun Run (September 17, 2022 – Carmel, IN).
