7 events in Carmel, Indiana

Ready to get your run and groove on? Join us for the Opening Act 5K run/walk positioned to kick off Carmel PorchFest. You will be "part of the show" by participating. Strategically timed with a 10:30 AM start on Sunday, you will have time to finish, socialize then walk through MidTown to the start of PorchFest, just three blocks away. MidTown is in the DORA district so if you partake in an adult beverage, you are free to walk around MidTown with the special cup we provide. Enjoy post-race refreshments, music and more with specials from MidTown restaurants.

This timed 5K will include age group awards, medals and official event shirt. The course starts and finishes on the Monon Blvd at MidTown and takes runners north on the Monon, west towards Meadowlark Park then south to City Center Drive then back north to the finish.

THE BIG NEWS! This is where you are a part of the show! A jazz band will arrive at 11:45 AM and march the group north on the Monon to the start of PorchFest!! Think Mardi Gras fun coming to Carmel.

Proceeds benefit the Carmel PorchFest Grant Program, the program created to provide financial support to students interested in the musical arts to cover such items as new instruments, lessons, schooling, musical opportunities, etc. in exchange for volunteer hours.

Join us for this inaugural event to make it a tradition of running, music and fun!

~ 2026 Indiana Women's Running Festival ~

Half Marathon, 10K, & the Inspiring Women 5K!

Enjoy the fall colors in Carmel

~ The largest women-only Half Marathon event in Indiana ~

Enjoy the fall colors in Carmel by joining us in 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 us to see what everyone is talking about.

20th Annual Donut 5K Holiday Run/Walk!!

The Donut 5K is BACK in Carmel at St. Vincent Sports Performance in Clay Terrace for the 20th ANNIVERSARY. All of the holiday magic and fun is back Jack's Donuts of Carmel back on the course!

• Jack's Donuts on the course and at the finish line, over 7,000 donut holes to be served!

• Buy one get one free donut from Jack's of Carmel on every bib

• Event will again benefit local animal rescues. Over 100K has been donated over the years

• Cash purse to the top-3 male and female finishers + Age Group Awards

• All participants will receive the official event shirt and medal shown below

• The first 1,500 registered will receive the now famous DONUT ME stocking hat (2026 design below)

• Raceday Packet Pickup, vendors and post-race party will be inside St. Vincent Sports Performance large training room

• Dogs are once-again allowed to participate in the event

• Plenty of free parking in the Clay Terrace mall parking lots

• After Party will be located at Upland Brewing, a 5 minute walk from the finish line. Upland will open at 10 AM just for Donut 5K participants with a special grab-and-go breakfast of burritos and breakfast sandwiches. Upland is open to all ages but those 21+ can enjoy a free beverage from Upland or our Official Beer Partner, Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams, Truly, Angry Orchard and Twisted Tea)

• Awards for the best dressed pups in their holiday gear

• New 5K age means Course Records for all age group winners

The most fun holiday run/walk in central Indiana. We hope you join us.