Fishers gears up for expanded Geist Half Marathon Race Series

The City of Fishers is getting ready for its largest community race – the Geist Half Marathon Race Series presented by Meijer – with an expanded event on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The 16th annual waterfront race around Geist Reservoir serves as an iconic community tradition, originally hosted by a group of Geist residents and now managed by the city as part of its Culture of Health initiative.

This year’s event features a half marathon, 5K, and the return of the popular 10K race. Operated in partnership with Vision Event Management, the family-friendly race series showcases the beauty of Geist Reservoir with stunning water views, tree-covered trails, and scenic waterfront bridges. All races are walker-friendly, and participants receive a race shirt, medal, and a free drink at the post-race party.

“We’re excited to host the 16th running of this popular community race and solidify the Geist Half Marathon Race Series as a staple early-fall endurance race in the region,” said Ginny Zimmerman, Race Director of the Geist Half Marathon Race Series and Culture of Health Ambassador for the City of Fishers. “We have reimagined our post-race party and are excited to offer expanded food and drink options that support our local businesses and nonprofits. We listened to the feedback from last year’s participants and brought the 10K course back into the lineup, added age awards for all three races, and pushed back the start time so participants can take in the scenic views as the sun rises over the course. With registration already exceeding last year, we’re elated at the number of residents and regional participants who are returning to the course and for all of our first timers who are using the event to check off their fitness goals.”

New this year, a post-race breakfast will be offered by Hero Hut, a nonprofit that works to build community for veterans and first responders through collaboratives spaces at events nationwide. Breakfast is $10 per person and all funds will directly support Hero Hut’s mission. Tickets for breakfast can be purchased ahead of time or onsite at the event.

Also new at this year’s post-race party, Java House, Smoothie King, and Athletic Brewing will join MashCraft Brewing to provide complimentary refreshments for race participants.

Another new feature in 2024 is the Mental Health Mile, joining the Gold Star Mile as a dedicated mile along the half marathon course.

• The Mental Health Mile at mile five will provide encouragement and support to participants halfway through the race with Aspire and Hamilton Southeastern’s student-led Bring Change to Mind Club cheering on racers. The mile aims to bring together area mental health agencies to support the Fishers Health Department’s ongoing mission to create a Stigma Free Fishers.
• The Gold Star Mile, presented by The Tot Spot and Fishers Armed Services Commission, is designated as mile ten to honor Indiana’s fallen service members and their families. Gold Star race bibs will be available at packet pickup on Friday, Sept. 13.

City officials are recruiting hundreds of volunteers to help with the event, from course marshals and medal distributors to water station volunteers. Opportunities are available for families, groups, and individuals. Visit VolunteerFishers.com to sign up.

Sponsors for the Geist Half Marathon Race Series include Meijer (Presenting Sponsor); IU Health (Photo Sponsor); WTHR-Channel 13 (Bib Sponsor); Java House (Post Race Party sponsor); Stretch Zone (Post Race Party Sponsor); and MashCraft Brewing (Post Race Party Sponsor).

To learn more and register for the event, visit FishersIN.gov/GeistHalf.