The Indy Run Down
A monthly roundup of all things running in and around Indianapolis.
I love running, so I’m putting together this list of running related events - races, film premiers, new run clubs, safety talks, seminars, really anything a runner may love. This is shared in the monthly newsletter, “The Huddle”, and on social media @teamaverageathlete.
Add your event.
This month’s IndyRunDown is powered by Christi Dee of @this_blonde _runs - coach, author, and elite-level cheerleader for runners everywhere.
April 2026
Thursday, April 2
🪺 Easter Egg Hunt Walk & Run @ Runners Forum Avon. 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Enjoy🐣 Fun Run/Walk along the Bunny Trail while hunting for Easter eggs 👟 Shoe Demo with ASICS featuring the new Cumulus 28. 🥤 Refreshments and social time after the run/walk
Saturday, April 5
🏃 Easter Egg 5K & Kids Dash. 10:00am start at NIFS in Indianapolis. Run/Walk a 5K on April 4th and Finish right into the Easter Egg Party! Doesn't Matter if You are a Fast Bunny, Slow Bunny or Just a Hoppy Bunny....
Tuesday, April 7
🩼 Athletico Injury Screening @ Runners Forum Greenwood 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with 15-minute individual screening slots. These screenings are ideal for anyone getting back into exercise after winter. Those experiencing minor pain, stiffness, or mobility concerns. Anyone who wants peace of mind before increasing activity levels. Spots are limited—reserve your 15-minute slot today! >>
Thursday, April 9
👟Nike Pegasus 42 Launch Party with Athletic Annex. 6:00pm start at Athletic Annex Nora. Be among the first to try on the new Nike Pegasus 42 — Nike’s legendary all-around workhorse — and join us for an exclusive meet-and-greet with a special guest! We’ll kick off the evening with an optional 30-minute run/walk, followed by food and drinks back at the store.
🩼 Free Injury Screenings with Indiana Performance Rehab at Athletic Annex. 6:00pm start at Athletic Annex Nora. Struggling with an injury and not sure who to see or where to go? Jon Grant from Indiana Performance Rehab will be on hand, Thursday April 9th to help steer you in the right direction.
Click on the "Tickets" to reserve your spot.
🍝 Race Day Nutrition Workshop @ Runners Forum Carmel. 6:00pm start. Heather Fink, RD, CSSD of Nutrition & Wellness Solutions, who will be leading the session. What You’ll Learn:
How to properly fuel and hydrate for race day
What to expect before, during, and after your race
The importance of timing, frequency, and types of fuel
Recovery strategies to maximize performance and prevent fatigue
Spots are limited—reserve yours today! >>
Saturday, April 11
🏁 500 Festival Training Series - 10 Miles. 9:00am start from Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis. You don't need to be registered for the Mini-Marathon to participate. Whether you're preparing for a race or just looking to stay active and achieve your fitness goals, these events are for you.
Use ALLYB26 for registration discounts. Thanks @allytbrett_runs for sharing!
🏃 Butler Bulldog Jog. 8:00am at the Butler University Health and Recreation Complex (HRC)The scenic 5k and 10k routes run through Butler’s campus, while the 1-mile Dawg Walk welcomes family, friends, and furry pals. Strollers are permitted on the 5k route only.
🏃 Dash by the Past. 9:00am start in Indianapolis. Dash by the Past is a family-friendly 5K or 1 mile walk starting at 9:00 a.m. with a scenic route that takes participants past previous Decorators’ Show House and Gardens homes on Meridian Street. This beautiful thoroughfare will be closed to all traffic for this event. The race begins and ends at the Meridian Restaurant & Bar at 5694 N. Meridian Street.
🍺 Indiana Brewery Running Series - Ash & Elm Carmel. 11:00am start from Ash & Elm in Carmel. Start and finish the 5K-ish course from the taproom. No pressure, no timing - just movement, community and a refreshing craft beer waiting for you at the finish line. A portion of proceeds from this event supports Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS).
Thursday, April 16
🏃 Social Walk, Ruck, Run | Broad Ripple Village - Third Thursday. Meet at Fleet Feet at 6:00 PM in Broad Ripple before heading out for a 30-minute walk, ruck, or run along the Monon Trail. Want to give back while you move? Join our plogging option—trash pickup supplies will be provided so you can help clean up the trail as you go. Choose your pace and group:
Social Walk – led by We Walk Indy
Ruck – led by MADabolic Broad Ripple (bring your own weighted vest or pack)
Run – led by Fleet Fleet and Run It By Us
You’ll also have the opportunity to try out a pair of Altras during the event. After we return to the store, stick around for a hands-on plant station where you can create something to take home.
Friday, April 17
🛍️ Carmel Marathon Expo. 11:00am - 9:00pm at Pro X Athlete - 651 E. 191st St. in Westfield, IN. The Carmel Marathon Fitness Expo is FREE and open to the public during Registration/Participant Packet Pickup. This is the only location for participants to pick up their packets. Our Fitness Expo has included exhibitors from across the U.S. featuring running apparel, regional running events, running products, specialty food retailers and local charities. Our Expo offers something for runners and non-runners alike.
Saturday, April 18
🏃 Carmel Marathon. 9:00am start from City Center Dr and 3rd Ave in Carmel. The Carmel Marathon Weekend returns for its 15th year in 2025. One of the top Boston Marathon qualifying events, the Carmel Marathon is known for fast times and ideal conditions. Races include Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K.
🏃 Steps for Prevention Run/Walk (Matt Breman Run). 10:30am start from Ohio Street Basin – Downtown Indianapolis. We’re carrying forward the legacy of the Matt Breman Run with a renewed mission: making Indiana a safer, brighter place for every child. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your support fuels vital programs like Safe Tots and Bullying Prevention. We’re aiming for $30,000 this year to help Prevent Child Abuse Indiana (PCAIN) build better childhoods across the state.
🎥 2026 Trail Running Film Festival. 6:30pm at Hawthorne Park in Porter, IN. Doors open at 4:30 pm Central Time. The first 18 minutes of the film fest has global advertiser spots which is about 18 minutes so I will play those beginning 5:30 pm. The official films will begin after that. The first half contains 3 films running for about 1 hour. We will take an intermission for 10 minutes so you can grab beverages, pizza and visit our local sponsor’s tables. We will have our raffle at intermission. The 2nd half has 3 films as well and it is about 55 minutes so we should finish about 8:30 pm. Proceeds from the film festival benefit the Chesterton High School Boys Cross Country Team
Thursday, April 21
🩼 Injury Screening @ Runners Forum Carmel with Divergent. 6:00pm start. Join us for a FREE injury screening with licensed clinician from Divergent at the Runners Forum Carmel location. This event is designed to help you stay active, move comfortably, and address minor issues before they become bigger setbacks. Spots are limited—reserve your 15-minute slot today! >>
Thursday, April 23
🏃 5 Alarm 5K. 6:00pm in the Indianapolis White River Park during FDIC International. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated launch of the 5th annual FCSN 5 Alarm 5K Run to Remember! Open to participants of all levels and backgrounds! It offers a flat, fast, and closed course that winds around the scenic Indianapolis Canal, and gives you the option to be timed.
Saturday, April 25
🏃 Choose to Move 5K and 1M. 9:00am race start from Witten Park, 13256 Saxony Blvd., Fishers, IN 46037. RACE TO BEAT PARKINSON’S DISEASE.
🍩 Alternatives Inc. - 2026 Donut Dash 5K. 9:00am start from Depot Street Park in Greenfield. Join us for a 5K to support domestic & sexual violence survivors. The route will take you down the Pennsy Trail with donuts at the turn around spot (at Brandywine Park) and finish line for you to enjoy. You can register the day of the event in-person. Alternatives Incorporated provides housing and supportive services for domestic and sexual violence survivors. We also provide domestic, dating, and sexual violence prevention programming throughout Hancock County.
🏃 Rock the Block 10K | 5K | Kids Run. Rock the Block is a 10K (timed), 5K walk/run (family-friendly), and a free Kids Run. The event includes scenic courses, food, music, vendors, awards and giveaways-guaranteeing fun for everyone! Proceeds benefit organizations serving youth and families in Johnson County.
🏃 St Vincent de Paul Love your Neighbor 5K. 9:00am start from the Indiana State Museum Lawn.
Sunday, April 26
🍩 DoNot Stop Half Marathon. 8:00am start in Indianapolis. 5k/10k/Half Marathon. Complete the challenge of 12 donut holes on the course + 1 full donut at the finish to earn your challenge pin!
Wednesday, April 29
🏃 Indy Mini Shakeout Run. 6:00PM - 9:00PM Outside Centerpoint Brewing in Indianapolis. Presented by Athletic Annex! This free and fun 30-minute run or walk is the perfect way to loosen up your legs, connect with fellow runners, and soak in the excitement before race day! Participants over 21 will also receive a drink ticket for Centerpoint Brewing. Whether you’re racing the Indy Mini or cheering on friends, come be a part of the celebration!
May 2026
Friday, May 1
🎤 I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein LIVE! 3:30pm at Bottleworks Hotel in Indianapolis. Come join us for a special in-person event at the Bottleworks Hotel hosted by Lindsey Hein and Ally Brettnacher.
Saturday, May 2
Tuesday, May 5
🏃 Cinco de Mayo 5K. 6:30pm start at Half Liter in Indianapolis. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festive Inaugural Cinco de Mayo 5K packed with color, culture, and community! Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to hit the course for a lively 3.1-mile run filled with music, high energy, and plenty of fiesta vibes. Participants will receive a themed race shirt, a festive finisher medal, and a free Lucha Lima Beer at Half Liter BBQ to keep the celebration going after the finish line. Dress in your brightest colors or favorite Cinco de Mayo gear and join us for a evening of fitness, fun, and fiesta spirit. ¡Vamos!
Saturday, May 9
🏁 500 Festival Rookie Run. Indiana’s youngest runners are hitting the street. This non-competitive fun run allows children ages 3 – 10 the fun opportunity to get active and experience the excitement of a running event, complete with a start and finish line production, cheering section, participant bib, and finisher medal.
🏳️🌈 Indy Pride 5K. 9:00 AM start on the Cultural Trail in front of the NCAA building Indianapolis. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or somewhere in between, everyone is welcome to participate and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, the race moves to White River State Park, following the beautiful and scenic White River trail system and finishing in the heart of Indy Pride Fest’s new expanded home.
🍺 Indiana Brewery Running Series - Chilly Water Brewing . 11:00am start from Chilly Water Brewing in Indianapolis. Start and finish the 5K-ish course from the taproom. No pressure, no timing - just movement, community and a refreshing craft beer waiting for you at the finish line. This event benefits IPS #39 William McKinley School Art Department.
Saturday, May 16
🏃 Big 4 Trail High-Five Classic 4, 8, & 12 Miler. 8:00am start from Big 4 Lebanon Sam Ralston Trail Head. Choose your distance: 4, 8, or 12 miles, and experience a course that blends wooded areas and paved rail-to-trail with open views that showcase the beauty of the Big 4 Trail Lebanon corridor. Community vibe, high-fives, and encouragement on the out-and-back course as friends and fellow runners cheer you on at key points throughout the course.
Use TEAMAVERAGE15 for 15% off registration.
🏃 Run with Shears 5K. 9:30am start. Next to the Indiana Statehouse, firefighters and police officers from across the state who gave their lives in the line of duty are memorialized. Join fellow EMS professionals to create an addition to this memorial for emergency medical technicians and paramedics who lost their lives serving our communities. Help us continue to raise funds for this project and kick-off National EMS Week by joining us for the eighth annual Run With Shears on May 16, 2026. You will love our fast and flat USATF sanctioned course with elite awards, medals, and shirts. Children, and strollers are also welcome. Again this year we’ve added the Kid’s 911 Yard Dash. Bring the kid’s and get them moving. You may register your kid for $5. Kids participating will receive a medal.
🏃 Race for Roofs 4K/8K: Indianapolis. 8:30 am start at Brookside Park Indianapolis. We’re committed to helping residents stay in their homes during hardship. Our eviction prevention fund supports those struggling with rent through payment plans, rent forgiveness, and personalized solutions. Proceeds from this event make that work possible.
🏃 Red Devil Dash. 9:00am start. The Pike Distance Devils in conjunction with Pike Township Wellness presents the 2025 Red Devil Dash. This year's race features two distances for your racing pleasure - 1K & 5K. The race will be held on the Pike Township Cross Country course located behind Eastbrook Elementary.
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
Saturday, September 19
🏃 Arsenal 5k Run/Walk. 9:00am start at Arsenal Tech's Campus in Indianapolis. Since its inception in 2000, the Arsenal 5K Run/Walk has donated more than $65,000 in college scholarships to Near Eastside high school seniors, and has recently begun awarding funds to extracurricular clubs at Arsenal Technical High School. This volunteer-organized, family-friendly, fun 5K Run/Walk takes place on the beautiful, historic campus of IPS Arsenal Technical High School and aims to combine health, history and a sense of community. First-time 5k runners, young runners and children are encouraged to participate. It is a casual, mixed-terrain 5k course (asphalt, concrete, brick, grass, gravel). Race starts at 9:00 a.m., and on-site registration and bib pickup start at 8:00 a.m. Use code "Average" for $5 off adult registration
October 2026
Saturday, October 17
🏃 Outlast - One 5K. Every Hour. For 6 Hours. 9:00am start at CERA Sports Park & Campground in Columbus, IN. OUTLAST is a 6-hour trail endurance challenge where runners complete a 5K every hour, on the hour. Each lap must be finished within the hour to stay in the event. If you finish early, you rest until the next round. Miss a lap, and you’re out.