Fishers prepares for return of Geist Race Series

The City of Fishers is preparing to host its largest community race, the Geist Race Series, on Saturday, Sept. 12. This year’s event will feature a new race distance, expanded course entertainment, and a new vendor lineup for the post-race party.

The 18th annual waterfront race around Geist Reservoir is an iconic community tradition, attracting both locals and runners from around the country. Last year’s event drew 2,500 participants from 26 states, and race organizers anticipate an even larger crowd this year. It was also the site for a successful Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon in a four-person costume, where four former cross country and track athletes from Anderson University conquered the half marathon dressed in a connected caterpillar costume.

This year’s event features the return of the popular 5K, 10K, and half marathon races, along with a new 1 Mile race. The family friendly, timed race will begin at 9 a.m., 90 minutes after the other three races begin at 7:30 a.m., so 5K and 10K participants have the option to complete a second race if desired. All races are walker and stroller-friendly, so the whole family can race the reservoir. For the 10K and half-marathon course, only jogging strollers are permitted.

All participants will receive a race shirt and free drink at the post-race party, along with a finisher medal at the completion of their race. This year’s race shirt was designed recent Fishers High School graduate McKenzie Bowen, whose design was selected by the community during a student design contest earlier this year, hosted in conjunction with Fishers Arts Council. This year’s race also features the return of the VIP Perks package including reserved race day parking, signature swag, an extra drink ticket, and more for an additional $58.99.

The city has expanded course entertainment this year with The Andy Schomburg Band, Glenn Seland, and Six o’Clock Strangers performing throughout the half-marathon course. This year will also feature a new water station spirit contest, where 10K and half-marathon water stations will be voted on by participants.

The 2026 post-race party will feature local vendors, including MashCraft Brewing, Athletic Brewing, Java House, Pure Green, Eiffel Waffle Creamery, and Ghost Mobile Kitchen. All participants will receive a drink ticket for a complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage to redeem at the post-race party.

The half-marathon course will once again feature the Mental Health Mile and Gold Star Mile, designed to encourage participants as they run the race. At Mile 5, the Mental Health Mile, presented by Aspire, will motivate participants while supporting Fishers Health Department’s Stigma Free Fishers initiative. At Mile 10, the Gold Star Mile, presented by the Fishers Armed Services Commission, will honor Indiana’s fallen service members and their families. Gold Star race bibs will be available for pickup Friday, Sept. 11.

Sponsors for the 2026 Geist Half Race Series include IU Health (Medical Sponsor) along with MashCraft Brewing, Towne Post, WTHR Channel 13, and Meijer (Gold Sponsors).

Registration is open until Friday, Sept. 11, however prices will increase on Wednesday, Aug. 26, so lock in the lowest price now at GeistHalf.com. Volunteer opportunities are still available for the start/finish line and parking attendants. Visit VolunteerFishers.com to sign up.

To view course maps, road closures, and to register for the event, visit GeistHalf.com.