Enjoy the fall colors in Carmel by joining one of the three distances offered; half marathon, 10K and 5K. The half marathon is one of the ten largest, female-only half marathons in the US. To show our support for women’s sports, it is the ONLY women’s half marathon that pays …
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Enjoy the fall colors in Carmel by joining one of the three distances offered; half marathon, 10K and 5K. The half marathon is one of the ten largest, female-only half marathons in the US. To show our support for women’s sports, it is the ONLY women’s half marathon that pays a top-20 cash purse. Known for its big race feel with small town hospitality, the event offers competitive fields, top-3 age group awards in all distances, beautiful courses and electric atmosphere that has attracted ladies from all over the US! 34 states were represented in 2025.
Women encouraging and supporting women makes it a special day. Toeing the line with friends and family, participating for themselves or others. The course offers a beautiful run with shade, parks, ponds and trees. The wonderful post-race area party in Civic Square offers more than most larger marathon events including free food, treats and adult beverages. Free parking at the Expo and on race day! Within walking distance shopping, restaurants and more! There is something special at a women-only event. Join to see what everyone is talking about.
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A fun race!
I came into this one not very well prepared and was not expecting much - but I was pleasantly surprised. I ended up joining a pacer (Amy) who was a … MORE
I came into this one not very well prepared and was not expecting much – but I was pleasantly surprised. I ended up joining a pacer (Amy) who was a hoot. Between her and the other ladies who ran with her I found myself talking and laughing the whole time, and before I knew it the race was over. It was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had on a half. The course was mostly flat and much of it went through a park so it was shaded and pretty.
As for the race production, it was well done. The hotel was great (and offered a dinner for runners the night before), and everything was communicated well. The expo was small but fine, and parking was easy near the starting line. Plenty of restrooms, and a lot of food and drinks at the finish. Normally I complain because the back of the pack runners don’t get the same race experience, but this one was better than most. Plenty of burgers and drinks still available and every finisher got a rose. Really my only critique was that it looked like things were shutting down about half an hour before the cutoff time…I always figure if someone runs for 4 hours they need a massage at least as much as anyone else!
Swag – the medal was pretty and I like the shirt. Overall I’d do this one again.
Need Indiana...Great race
Women's Running Festival is hosted in Carmel Indiana by some seasoned runners and running company. They do such a great job supporting runners. Downside: all distances start at the same … MORE
Women’s Running Festival is hosted in Carmel Indiana by some seasoned runners and running company. They do such a great job supporting runners. Downside: all distances start at the same time and split off after the 3 mile mark…so half, 10k and 5k all run together that makes for a crowded path for the first 3 miles
Not very scenic..its mostly neighborhood running path and running through neighborhoods.
Low crowd support
Positive:
Great post race support including massage, food, wine/beer and great vendors
Great support and a new course
I was glad to get back to this race after the year-that-shall-not-be-named. It was on a new course - start line was about the same place, but the course was … MORE
I was glad to get back to this race after the year-that-shall-not-be-named. It was on a new course – start line was about the same place, but the course was two 6.5-ish mile loops that then ended on the track inside IUPUI’s soccer stadium – I loved it! The first loop was a good way for me to get warmed up and acclimated to the live race experience again, and then the 2nd loop gave me a chance to remember what was coming up. The weather was just perfect – a bit of rain that ended right at the start so cool temps. The race company is top-notch and they know how to take care of their runners and walkers. I loved the finish line being inside the stadium – which also meant real bathrooms to use along with portapotties along the way. The finish line party was small, but very nice and the swag received before at packet pickup plus after during the finish line party is always my favorite – again, this race company takes care of their runners! As in, a slingbag full of goodies and samples plus plenty of snacks available for the after-run munchies. I will definitely continue running this one! Highly recommend … and as the race title implies – it’s for women only.
Great support for a women-only race
This is the 3rd time I've done this race and the 1st time it wasn't raining during any of it - with the heat, I was actually hoping for some … MORE
This is the 3rd time I’ve done this race and the 1st time it wasn’t raining during any of it – with the heat, I was actually hoping for some rain! There was also a course change from the previous two years (I skipped 2018, so I don’t know when the course was changed) – I definitely prefer this route to the one from 2016 and 2017. As mentioned in the title, great support for a women-only race. Water and Gatorade at all the water stops that were placed at every 1.5 miles. Portapotties aplenty too. Swag included choice of a tech tank or t-shirt, large medal, and backpack with some coupons/samples. Great way to see parts of the city that aren’t included in some of the other races I’ve run there (Indy Mini, CNO Monumental).
Amazing race
This is a well organized race. The swag is fantastic and great post race snacks. The race is supported by wonderful volunteers and aid stations. MORE
This is a well organized race. The swag is fantastic and great post race snacks. The race is supported by wonderful volunteers and aid stations.
fast race
I tried so hard and I thought I was about to collapse at the finish. I did feel very good afterward and it was great to run with women and … MORE
I tried so hard and I thought I was about to collapse at the finish. I did feel very good afterward and it was great to run with women and having guys at the finishing to hand out roses.
Great race for any woman
If it’s your 10th half or first, this one is great for any female. The comrade is amazing as we all join together to race through downtown Indianapolis. It’s a … MORE
If it’s your 10th half or first, this one is great for any female. The comrade is amazing as we all join together to race through downtown Indianapolis. It’s a very flat course with lots of room to spread out and enjoy the fun. They also have a 5K for anyone who wants a shorter distance.