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.
September 2026
Wednesday, September 2
🙋Free Workshop on Injury Prevention: Myths vs Reality. 7:00pm at Athletes Acceleration in Carmel. Divergent Rehab & Wellness is teaming up with Athletes Acceleration for this free workshop built for young athletes (ages 8-18) and their parents. Specialists will answer questions like, “Does being sore mean you had a good workout?” and “When should an athlete push through vs. get something checked out?”
Saturday, September 5
👟Color Me Plainfield 5K. 9:00am at Talon Stream Park Shelter in Plainfield. The Color Me Plainfield 5K is a high-energy, family-friendly run where participants get doused in vibrant color at every kilometer. No pressure. No timing. Just color-filled good vibes.
👟It’s More Than A Hill 5K. 8:00am at Lawrence Park in Indianapolis. Hosted by The Hill 317 in partnership with the City of Lawrence through the Live Longer Initiative, this event brings people of all ages and fitness levels together to walk, jog, or run in support of health, wellness, and community.
Sunday, September 6
👟Golden Harvest Half Marathon. 8:00am at White River State Park in Indianapolis. 5k/10k/Half Marathon. The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under.
Monday, September 7
👟Indy Runners Charity XC Challenge. 8:30am at Brebeuf High School Cross Country Course. Join a charity team or create your own! $15 of your entry goes directly to your chosen charity.
👟Blueberry Stomp 5K & 15K. 8:30am in Plymouth. The 52nd annual Blueberry Stomp, a nonprofit race supporting our local ASK Ministries, runs in conjunction with the Marshall County Blueberry Festival. The Blueberry Festival regularly draws a crowd of 200,000+ over the weekend so there are PLENTY of activities leading up to the Monday race.
Saturday, September 12
👟Geist Half Marathon. 7:30am in Fishers. The Geist Half Race Series includes a family-friendly 5K (3.1 miles) and 1 Mile, popular 10K race (6.2 miles), and the iconic half marathon (13.1 miles) where participants will travel across scenic bridges and along tree-covered pathways as they conquer the rolling hills of Geist. The Geist Half Marathon is known around the region for its challenging and scenic course, making it the perfect tune up race before your fall marathon! Use code Brendan10 for 10% off. Thank you @bkstride !!
👟Prairie on Fire. 8:00am at White River Campground in Cicero. Central Indiana's only official Backyard Ultra. The race begins at 8am when you would take off to complete a 4.167mi loop in an hour. If you complete the loop, you can line up at the starting line again at 9am to attempt a second loop of the same distance within the same time limit. If you can complete that, you can line up again at 10am, and so on, until only one person is left standing.
👟Fair on the Square Half Marathon. 8:00am in Danville. This race kicks off the annual Fair on the Square Fall Festival allowing runners to enjoy the festivities and festival offering from traditional small-town vendors. Crafts, foods, apparel and one-of-a-kind offerings will make you smile. One of the most country-scenic Half Marathon courses you can run in the Indianapolis metro area.
👟Colts 5K - Finish at the 50! 8:00am at Lucas Oil Stadium. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just in it for the fun, this iconic season‑kickoff event ends where very few fans ever get to celebrate: on the 50‑yard line at Lucas Oil Stadium.
👟IU Indianapolis Jaguar 5K. 9:00am at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Come support a great cause, and help to raise funds for the Collegiate Recovery Community Scholarship for students in recovery in celebration of National Recovery Month.
👟Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk. 9:00am at Butler University Health & Recreation Complex. This powerful event is hosted by Ovar'coming Together to benefit survivors and caregivers, and create awareness about ovarian cancer.
👟Get Your Rear in Gear 5K. 9:30am at Eagle Creek Park. This event raises funds for the Colon Cancer Coalition. Get Your Rear in Gear grants create and fund programs in communities across North America to remove barriers to screening, educate the public about signs and symptoms, reduce patients’ financial burden, and fund research to fight colon cancer.
👟ARC Fitness 5K Walk/Run. 10:00am at ARC Fitness in Indianapolis. Join the ARC community for a neighborhood walk/run through Garfield Park. Walk, jog, or race for a personal best. This neighborhood tradition supports James Garfield School #31 with all race day profits donated back to the school.
👟Indianapolis Walk Out of the Darkness. 2:30pm opening ceremonies, 3:00pm walk begins at Military Park in Indianapolis. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the goal is to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention research, education, and support.
Monday, September 14
👟9 Run Run. 6:00pm at Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers. 911 Telecommunicators are the first, first responders to help you in your time of need. Join us in celebrating the heroes behind the headset at our second annual 5K to benefit Indiana 911 Telecommunicators. All proceeds will go towards providing new and creative training sessions for these individuals who always serve, but are never seen.
Thursday, September 17
👟Broad Ripple Village Walk, Ruck, Run. 6:00pm at Fleet Feet in Broad Ripple. Head out for a 30-minute walk, ruck, or run along the Monon Trail. 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
👟Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Demo at Athletic Annex. 6:00pm at Athletic Annex in Nora. Be some of the first to demo the all new Nike Pegasus Plus 2! Every. Day. Speed.
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
👟Monumental Kids 5K at Lucas Oil Stadium. This event celebrates the students participating in their school-based running clubs. Get your school involved or sign up to volunteer to help make this a great day for the kids in our community.
👟Aspire 5K. 8:30am at Conner Prairie in Fishers. This family friendly event has both 5K and 1 Mile course options. Hosted at Conner Prairie, the event brings together runners, walkers, mental health advocates, corporate teams and families in a high-energy, inclusive environment. Lace up and join us to help generate meaningful charitable support for Aspire's mental health services, crisis services, and Rely Center programs.
👟Back Your Badge KIDS RUN. 9:00am in Plainfield. Free event for ages 0-11. Parents may join in. There is a 0.5 mile and 1 mile course.
👟DNA 5K. 9:00am at Half Liter BBQ in Indianapolis. Hosted by The DNA Research Alliance In Partnership with Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana. We aim to raise money for advanced DNA testing to uncover crucial answers, and ensure that the pursuit of justice continues for those who no longer have a voice.
👟Hog Jog 5K Run/Walk. 10:00am at St Malachy Catholic Church in Brownsburg, IN. Run through St. Malachy's campus and the Country Fair fairgrounds in the cool morning air. Reward yourself with some freshly cooked bacon at the finish line and drink tickets for the Country Fair Beer Garden!
👟Indiana Brewery Running Series - Four Day Ray Brewing. 11:00am start from Four Day Ray Brewing in Fishers. A 5K-ish fun run. No pressure, no timing… just movement, community, and a refreshing craft beverage waiting for you at the finish line. 🎉
👟Aruna Run. 8:30am at Fowling Warehouse in Indianapolis. 100% of registration fees and donations help free trafficked women.
👟The Mike Holman Marian Mile. 9:00am at Marian University in Indianapolis. The 3rd Annual Mike Holman Marian Mile will be a fast, downhill finish road Mile through the beautiful campus of Marian University. This point-to-point race will finish directly in front of Historic Allison Mansion. This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. There will be separate Elite and Open divisions. Proceeds from the event will go directly to support the Marian University Cross Country program.
💪 Strength in Our Streets. 9:00am at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis. Strength In Our Streets is a one-day Indiana Fitness Competition that will host an estimated 40, 12 person teams (480 athletes) from CrossFit affiliates and various gyms across Indiana. 100% of the proceeds benefit the work of Wheeler Mission, Indiana’s largest homeless service provider.
👟DINO Adventure Trail Ultras - 50M, 50K, 25K, 50M Relay. O'Bannon Woods State Park is a rugged, scenic trail race featuring a 50 Miler (+ Relay), 50K, and 25K built around the rugged Adventure Trail system. Experience the best of southern Indiana as you traverse rolling ridgelines, deep forests, rocky trails, creek crossings, and everything in between. Every mile delivers a new challenge and a new reason to keep exploring.
📣 Flashrock XC Invitational 2026. 9:00am at Northview Church XC Course in Carmel. Flashrock is one of Central Indiana’s major high school cross country invitationals, bringing athletes, parents, teams, and spectators to Northview Church XC Course in Carmel. A cool event to cheer for these high school athletes!
🌲 ITRA Trail Maintenance Event. 10:00am at Yellowwood State Forest. Are you passionate about running and the great outdoors? Join us for two exciting opportunities to give back to the trails you love! The Indiana Trail Running Association (ITRA) is hosting Trail Maintenance Volunteer Days at the beautiful Yellowwood State Forest, and we need your help! Whether you're an experienced trail runner or a beginner, your efforts will make a huge difference in keeping our trails safe and enjoyable for everyone. We’ll work on clearing debris, overgrowth, and fallen trees to ensure the trails are in top shape for the season ahead.
Sunday, September 20
👟Back Your Badge Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K. 7:20am in Plainfield. The Back Your Badge Marathon is a premier running event proudly sponsored by the Town of Plainfield to honor and support all Public Safety Agencies — Police, Fire, and Communications. Each participant chooses an agency to represent, and every mile completed adds to that agency’s total. The team with the most combined miles will earn bragging rights and the coveted traveling trophy. The marathon is a certified Boston Qualifying Course.
👟Baby on the Way 5K. 9:00am at Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville. Hosted by The O'Connor House, a home in Carmel that provides shelter, food, clothing, and other support services to single, pregnant women and their children experiencing homelessness.
👟Run, Walk, Roll 5K & 10-Mile Race. 8:00am at Eagle Creek Park. Proceeds from the event support Joseph Maley Foundation programming that empowers youth to build communities where everyone feels heard, valued, and accepted.
👟The Opening Act 5K. 10:30am in Carmel. 2nd Annual Opening Act 5K run/walk on a Sunday before PorchFest, Carmel's all-day free music festival. 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. Proceeds benefit local animal rescues. Hosted by Salt ‘n Spice Run Club.
Monday, September 21
👟Hylo Athletics Shoe Demo with Indy Social Run Club at Athletic Annex. 6:00pm at the Nora location. Free and open to all fitness levels. Come test out Hylo Athletics shoes.
Thursday, September 24
👟RUN(317) Carmel Village of West Clay. 7:00pm in Carmel Village of West Clay. Thursday Night is filled with fun, running or walking and a rockin' post-race party featuring DJ Iman, local craft beer, food, games, and community partners. This run is benefiting Ketchup to Cancer. Not up for running this race? Volunteer! Ketchup to Cancer is looking for 20 more volunteers to help with this race - sign up here.
Saturday, September 26
👟Zionsville Farmers Market Run/Walk Series with Runners’ Forum. 7:30am on Main Street in Zionsville. Lace up your sneakers and join us for a fun and active morning in beautiful Zionsville at 340 S Main St. We will meet up at the corner of Main and Pine in Downtown Zionsville.
👟Oktoberfest 5K. 10:45 am at Big Lug Canteen in Indianapolis. Enjoy a shady out-and-back course along the scenic Monon Trail before crossing the finish line into a true Oktoberfest celebration at Big Lug Canteen. Your registration includes an awesome race shirt, a collectible finisher medal, chip-timed results, and one complimentary Big Lug beer (21+ with valid ID). Stick around after the race for delicious German-inspired food, music, games, and a festive atmosphere.
👟Shannon Smiles 5K. 7:45am at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Fishers. The Shannon Smiles 5K family run/walk honors the memory of St. Louis de Montfort teacher, Shannon O'Malia Hall. The 5K celebrates her zest for life, her positive outlook on all she encountered, her passion for running, and her continued contribution to our community. A portion of all registrations will provide support to her sons through a donation to the Connor and Danny Hall Trust Fund, while the overall proceeds benefit the St. Nicholas Fund which helps families in need.
👟Wine at the Line 5K. 2pm start at Mallow Run Winery in Bargersville. The event starts and finishes at the winery, and travels through the scenic countryside around the Mallow Run vineyards.
Tuesday, September 29
👟Athletic Annex Monthly Miles Featuring the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro. 6:00pm at Athletic Annex in Nora. More Details to come on this one! Meet us at Athletic Annex Nora Plaza when we welcome in Puma, and the Deviate Pure Nitro for our Monthly Miles. We will also be jamming to DJ Fly Ty!
October 2026
Saturday, October 3
🏃 Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben.
Saturday, October 10
🏃 Hustle in the Heartland 8hr Run/Walk. 8:00am at Memorial Park in Lebanon. Embark on an extraordinary journey at the Hustle in the Heartland 8-Hour Run/Walk, where endurance meets community spirit in the heart of Indiana. This unique event invites participants of all fitness levels to challenge themselves on a looped course, aiming to cover as much distance as possible within an 8-hour timeframe. Use code AverageAthlete26 for 15%off.
🏃 The Big BO 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K. Stay Obsessed. and the B&O Trail Association are proud to welcome you to the First Annual Big BO 50K Ultramarathon. The journey begins at Daredevil Brewing Co. in the heart of Speedway — the Racing Capital of the World — and covers the entire length of the B&O trail through Marion and Hendricks County. You’ll Head east toward downtown Indy for a few miles before turning around head out to rural Hendricks County before making the return trip back to Speedway.
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.