Multi-event Indiana Women’s Running Festival will explore Carmel on Aug. 31

The REPORTER

CRRG Events will host the 14^th annual Indiana Women’s Running Festival, the largest women’s running event in the state, on Saturday, Aug. 31 in Carmel.

The event includes the Women’s Half Marathon, Women’s 10K and Get a MOVE on Cancer 5K. All races begin at 7:30 a.m. and will start and finish at Carmel’s Gazebo at Civic Square. Runners will explore popular Carmel attractions such as the Monon Trail, Carmel City Center, Midtown Plaza, the Carmel Arts & Design District, Meadowlark Park and Central Park.

Half-Marathon participants must be 10 years and older. The 10K and 5K are open to participants of all ages, including children in strollers.

Each race in the festival offers cash awards to the top finishers and all race finishers can enjoy music and a cookout at the post-race festival. According to the 2023 post-race survey, participants most enjoy the feeling of camaraderie at this event.

Formerly known as the Indy Women’s Half Marathon, the Indiana Women’s Running Festival began in August 2010 as the first women-only half marathon in Indiana. Today, it is one of the largest women-only half marathons in the United States. Currently there are 24 states and three countries represented among the participants.

“Carmel offered everything we’d need to create a positive experience for our participants – a beautiful green space for our post-race festival within walking distance to shops and restaurants, trails that showcase the beauty of Carmel, and free and easy parking. We love that those perks coupled with our extensive awards program make our event unique.” – Todd Oliver, race director and president of CRRG Events.