The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben and 5K is the perfect fall road racing for the whole family. Envision a cool fall morning, fire pits near the start and finish lines, beautiful trees and fall foliage along the course, pre- and post-race festivities inspired by fall in the Midwest, …
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The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben and 5K is the perfect fall road racing for the whole family. Envision a cool fall morning, fire pits near the start and finish lines, beautiful trees and fall foliage along the course, pre- and post-race festivities inspired by fall in the Midwest, and more—all within miles of downtown Indianapolis.
Winding through historic Fort Harrison State Park and the surrounding neighborhoods, the Indy Half Marathon and 5K is nationally recognized by Runner’s World for its stunning, scenic course. There are a few challenging hills along the USATF Certified courses that keep the course fun, along with plenty of flat stretches that allow you to focus on your beautiful surroundings.
The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben and 5K is big enough that you won’t find yourself running alone and yet small enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed by the crowd. It’s not too big and it’s not too small, it’s just right.
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Beautiful State Park Race
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 … MORE
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!
Awesome fall half marathon
I ran this race in 2021 as my 1st half marathon and fell in love (not only with this course but running half marathons)! It can be a little challenging … MORE
I ran this race in 2021 as my 1st half marathon and fell in love (not only with this course but running half marathons)! It can be a little challenging with the hills, but it’s not too hard. I ran again this year and it was easier because I knew the course better. Lot’s of aid stations with water and nuum well stocked. The portions of the race not in the park was lined with people cheering you on. Pre-race and post-race areas are awesome. Bonfires and haybales to sit on before the race. I love that they offer pizza and sandwiches post race, and not just the normal granola bars and bananas (they are available also). I will do this race every year as long as I am able. It’s special to me because it was my 1st half, but also because it’s so well put together and organized. Only issue…womans tshirts run really small.
Beautiful course
This is a beautiful course within an urban state park - hills, yes. trees, absolutely. Great support from start to finish. The pre-race is a cozy atmosphere with fire pits … MORE
This is a beautiful course within an urban state park – hills, yes. trees, absolutely. Great support from start to finish. The pre-race is a cozy atmosphere with fire pits going and hay bales to sit on. PLENTY of portapotties available! The post-race is so relaxed and honestly it’s my favorite race. The whole thing feels like a big group run where everyone supports everyone whether they know them or not.
Great Fall Race
I participated in this event as a pacer. I have to say, it was incredibly well managed, organized, and executed. There are several pace groups for the half marathon, which … MORE
I participated in this event as a pacer. I have to say, it was incredibly well managed, organized, and executed. There are several pace groups for the half marathon, which seemed to be used by quite a few runners. The course is a bit challenging as there definitely are hills, but the pretty fall colors made up for some of the suffering. Aid stations were stocked with water, Nuun and eager volunteers (there is no energy gels). The finish line was fantastic with snacks, water, pizza, a sandwich, and the option to purchase alcohol as well. Oh and the swag, super cute! Quarter Zips – just check the sizing as women’s are very fitted.
Great race!
Although the hills were a bit tough I set a personal best! Plenty of aid stations. The scenery is great! This is on my calendar for next year! MORE
Although the hills were a bit tough I set a personal best! Plenty of aid stations. The scenery is great! This is on my calendar for next year!
Awesome race, support, and swag!
The scenery is beautiful and the support on the course is great! Sure, there are some hills, but they are spaced out. May not set a PR on this course, … MORE
The scenery is beautiful and the support on the course is great! Sure, there are some hills, but they are spaced out. May not set a PR on this course, but you will want to come back next year!
Highly recommend Indy Half marathon
The race has some beautiful scenery as most of it is in the FT Ben State park. Most of the course is in the park, so there’s not much traffic … MORE
The race has some beautiful scenery as most of it is in the FT Ben State park. Most of the course is in the park, so there’s not much traffic to contend with. The first 4 miles has some rolling hills, nothing too difficult. Right after mile 10 or so there is a fairly long hill, which may require a short walk. Race production is first class, medals and shirts are always very nice! Weather is usually mild this time of year, I think at race start it was 50 degrees this year, 2019. Food after the event was a nice bonus as well. I’ve done this race several times, I’ll do it again and I’d recommend it to anyone who asks! A+
Beautiful Course, Hitting Some Hills
This was my first time running this race, but it was a beautiful course! Although it's all on paved paths, you get the feeling of trail running for some portions … MORE
This was my first time running this race, but it was a beautiful course! Although it’s all on paved paths, you get the feeling of trail running for some portions of it. There are some hills to add some variety and keep the course fun and challenging, but nothing too crazy.
The post-race cookout was an awesome touch, and the swag for this race was ON POINT. The leaf medal was the reason I signed up for this race, and it did not disappoint. The quarter-zip long sleeve technical shirt was also awesome, and I look forward to wearing it for some of my fall runs! I would highly recommend this race for anyone looking for a pretty course to hit up next Fall!
I’ll be back
1. Beautiful course with changing falling leaves. 2. Challenging hills for breakfast 3. Worth it ! 4. Car pooling is the best. 5. Standing in line for port o potty’s … MORE
1. Beautiful course with changing falling leaves.
2. Challenging hills for breakfast
3. Worth it !
4. Car pooling is the best.
5. Standing in line for port o potty’s suck.
6. Sign up for VIP!
7. Those fire pits!!!!!
8. Nothing says fall like bails of straw!
9. Shirt don’t fit… trade it in! I did .
10. Post race party is the bomb!
11. Don’t forget your free stretch too!
Enjoyable race
The scenery is my favorite part of this race and it’s at the perfect time of the year. The swag and medals are also better than a lot of the … MORE
The scenery is my favorite part of this race and it’s at the perfect time of the year. The swag and medals are also better than a lot of the other races I’ve done.
Take the Scenic Route with this race!
Well, first off ... I don't know that I would have registered for this race again - last year was a doozie for me. But then I won a registration … MORE
Well, first off … I don’t know that I would have registered for this race again – last year was a doozie for me. But then I won a registration from RaceRaves so I couldn’t NOT do it! 🙂
Secondly … Personal Record, baby!! Even with a couple massive hills that I had to walk up, I was able to get a half PR on this course!! I know my framily are sick of hearing about it by now but I’m still riding that high.
And thirdly – this is a great race, from production to course to afterwards. Packet pickup was smooth as silk. Race day dawned with the arrival of cooler temps (finally!) and the campfires that were burning were welcome indeed. There are corrals that were clearly marked and seemed to start without a hitch. The course itself runs through neighborhoods, a state park, and some busy roads (course was closed on that side of the road) – there were several lonely parts, but runners were always close by so it’s not like you’re by yourself – just not many spectators along the way. Water stops were plentiful (including portapotties) and included both water and Gatorade. Clif Bars (a localy company) was a sponsor and they provided nutrition along the way too. Great weather and summer training prepared me for this, but the race atmosphere helped me cross the finish line when I did. I wasn’t able to stick around for after, but there’s a cookout for runners (hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers). All in all, a great race! And did I mention I got a PR?? 🙂
Beautiful, well supported course
Overall scenic course. A few hills that make it a bit challenging, but they are spaced out enough to not make it too difficult. Big enough that you won't find … MORE
Overall scenic course. A few hills that make it a bit challenging, but they are spaced out enough to not make it too difficult. Big enough that you won’t find yourself running alone and yet small enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed by the crowd. The weather is the wildcard though. One year you may have a hot, humid day, and the next you may have a perfect cool fall morning, like this year. I ran it on a whim last year and despite the weather being awful, I signed up again this year and plan to again next year.
Scenic and Cookout
Great event! My first time. Loved the swag (quarter zip short and awesome medal), pre-race environment got me pumped up. The course was scenic with a few hills and very … MORE
Great event! My first time. Loved the swag (quarter zip short and awesome medal), pre-race environment got me pumped up. The course was scenic with a few hills and very well marked at turns and mile markers. Spectator support was good and included members on Indiana National Guard. Music played via speakers in several spots along the course. There appeared to be peanty of water/Gatorade stations, but I always carry my own energy gels and water. Once crossing finish line given bottle of water, banana, potato chips and foil blanket. Post race there was a tent for results and tab engraving for medal along with ablility to purchase additional swag item. They have shirts with all participants names on it. Post race cookout included choice of brat, hamburger or cheese pizza and sides included baked beans, coleslaw and a chocolate chip cookie. Beer and drinks available for sale. I love having a meal that fills you up after a long race as we had a 2 1/2 hour hour drive afterwards. My wife (spectator) was able to purchase a cookout meal ticket and eat with me. My wife said she was very entertained at start/finish area. A huge plus she excited to be able to see me twice between the start and finish by only walking a few blocks from start /finish area. She thought this was really awesome. The hotel we stayed at was the Fort Harrison State Park Inn. I was able to walk a short distance to start/finish, grab some food before the race and shower after race before checking out. The rooms are huge and very comfortable beds. I’m not a big fan of running the same race in back to back years, but I will definitely do this race again in 2020.
Spectacular Race
I loved the course and the beautiful scenery. I will definitely attend again. The race was well organized. Packet pick up was quick and easy and the volunteers were very … MORE
I loved the course and the beautiful scenery. I will definitely attend again. The race was well organized. Packet pick up was quick and easy and the volunteers were very friendly and helpful. There was a great turnout and after talking to some racers they say they are repeat racers.
Beautiful course, definite hills!
This was a pretty course and the weather was beautiful this year! Mile 3 was hilly but mile 11 was a beast. The crew was great at the water stations … MORE
This was a pretty course and the weather was beautiful this year! Mile 3 was hilly but mile 11 was a beast. The crew was great at the water stations but be aware that there is practically no spectator support along the course because it’s in the park. Much of the course was shaded and that was wonderful! Not the best place to PR but a good one to try. Biggest downside was no runner tracking for this race- they said they were looking into it for the future and I really hope they invest in that! I would do it again but probably pick flatter courses first!
I love the scenery of this race.
The scenery is awesome, it's not overcrowded. The course is not flat, some small hills. I did my personal best which I didn't think I would since it's hilly. And … MORE
The scenery is awesome, it’s not overcrowded. The course is not flat, some small hills. I did my personal best which I didn’t think I would since it’s hilly. And they have a cookout afterwards!
Loved this course
This was a perfect race on a perfect day. Smooth course with a few hills that I enjoyed. Was using as a training run but nearly PRd. Race support was … MORE
This was a perfect race on a perfect day. Smooth course with a few hills that I enjoyed. Was using as a training run but nearly PRd. Race support was amazing! Great medal!!
My Favorite Race of all times!!!
This is my favorite half I’ve ever done! The per and post race set ups are awesome, parking is easy and the race itself and an amazing holly challenge for … MORE
This is my favorite half I’ve ever done! The per and post race set ups are awesome, parking is easy and the race itself and an amazing holly challenge for an Indianapolis destination! It’s not too big, but not too small. The volunteers all rock and the army national guard people are amazing and encouraging during the run!!! I look forward to this one every ear whether I do the half or 5K I love every minute of it!!! I had some sad person yell at me during the race about playing my music out loud (nothing offense, just random pandora) and I felt encouraged after other runners told her to “run faster” and that they loved my music!! I finished just behind a couple of nice ladies who said the music was fun and they wish more people would play music, lol! 🙂 thanks for a great race and already looking forward to next year!!!
Excellent race, great weather
For this time of year you can’t beat this venue. Fort Harrison and the surrounding area is just beautiful. Foliage is still pretty green this year but to start and … MORE
For this time of year you can’t beat this venue. Fort Harrison and the surrounding area is just beautiful. Foliage is still pretty green this year but to start and finish at the Fort is just stunning. Pre-race fire pits to keep warm and the post race cookout were excellent touches. The long sleeve half zip shirt was an excellent and unique choice too.
Indy Half at Fort Ben did not disappoint
This was my first time running The Indy Half at Fort Ben. I’ve done many halves throughout my 10 years of running. This race was one of my favorites. It … MORE
This was my first time running The Indy Half at Fort Ben. I’ve done many halves throughout my 10 years of running. This race was one of my favorites. It IS challenging as there was a lot of hills and turns, but the scenery and race support was top notch. There was an awesome downhill at around mile 7ish to 8ish that was a lot fun. The atmosphere was energetic. The race organizers really took care of the participants. I loved the fire pit areas to keep spectators and athletes warm. This is definitely a race I would consider doing again!!