Ann Z's Staging Area

This is a wonderful spring race, and the proceeds support IndyHumane, the Indianapolis humane society, a very worthwhile cause. Both humans and their furry friends (dogs) are welcome, and there are awards and swag for both. There were a ton of adorable, friendly dogs at the race site, and actually running with people and the (leashed) lively and ecstatic dogs provided fun and unique experiences throughout the race, even though I did not have a dog to run with. (One example – A running friend was passed by THREE dachshunds going lickety-split on those short little legs, which he described as “a real confidence builder ” lol)The run was scenic – we started at Military park downtown and ran by and across the white river. It did not feel overcrowded and the exuberant dogs and their people appeared to be having a blast! Organization and pre race communication were excellent and the medal was beautiful and perfect for a St Patrick’s race. This can be run as a competitive or relaxed race. This race is strongly recommended as an original and lively start to the year’s running season.

Highly recommended! This race runs partly through Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, and is scenic and a lot of fun! Packet pickup is easy at a nearby school, and I stayed at the park inn which was a little pricey but a ten minute walk from the start and finish. The volunteers were friendly and helpful. The 10k started with the first two miles downhill – I just ran with it and let it roll! Then, to paraphrase the old spinning wheel song -what goes down must go up (although I don’t think that song was about runner’s high lol). So …Mile 3 and mile 5 took some work – and required more than a few walk breaks! I could have sworn I saw the mile 4 sign twice and it was close to the mile 5 sign, so it got confusing for a little bit but I kept going and apparently was on the right path! The run was very scenic – it was a road race but the park scenery made it look like a rustic trail race – the best of both worlds! The trees and path were lush and beautiful and perfect for a crisp fall morning! The swag and after party were great and fit with the state park theme – there is nothing like sitting by a fire pit on a hay bale on a crisp cool morning feeling the fire warm my tired legs after a run, and admiring all the cute dogs prancing around at the after party. I will say though – either the shirts ran small or I’ve been carb loading too much. I definitely want to run this again and would recommend it!

Notre Dame University is a beautiful campus, highlighted by this fun race! Packet pickup was at the University the day before, and every student I saw was super helpful and friendly. We started at St Stefan Center, which was easy to find, ran past ornate buildings, tangled masses of pink and white spring flowers just bursting out of the trees, a scenic trail through a woodsy area passing by a beautiful lake, and passed “touchdown Jesus” on our way back! The atmosphere was friendly, fun and encouraging without being too crowded- they have a strict cut off number, so sign up early. The money goes to very worthwhile charities including Girls on the Run Michiana, a center for homeless teens, and a school in the Sudan. I stayed in a wonderful air B and B on washington street, just a few blocks from campus, which was super clean and decorated with an artist’s work and elegant old fashioned furniture- for much less than local hotels. Great vegan food selections at local restaurants also. Actually since the half runs the same route twice and the 10k once this would be a good race to try the 10k distance if you are so inclined. I got a PR even though I started out too fast and toasted my legs too early overall, lol. Highly recommended!

The best way to describe this race – a Big Ol’ Party! It is an Indiana spring tradition- a large, festive race through Indianapolis with a big expo, a ton of fun and energetic bands along the course with a variety of types of music, and a crowd of people and dogs along the way cheering the runners on! The best part is clearly the lap around the Indianapolis speedway – it is exciting to run in the same place as the Indy 500. Many people stop, kneel and kiss the bricks as a tradition but I did not due to concern about Covid. This year they had a number of people standing on the speedway silently holding pictures of young people who had bravely served in the military- it was surprising, and very moving. At the end they had a “PR” bell which I was delighted to get to ring. This race is just plain fun and I would highly recommend it. For me it was the start of my quest to run a half marathon in every state after age 60 (two per year to keep costs reasonable) and it was a great way to start!