7 walking events in Carmel, Indiana
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find walking events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Carmel
7 events in Carmel-
Sat, Mar 21, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
The Oldest Race in the State of Indiana and the Flagship Race of our club - Indy Runners and Walkers! Initiated in 1970 by educators and coaches from Carmel High School, and managed by our volunteer led, not-for-profit club since the early 80's, Sam Costa has the legacy, charm, and friendly participant experience you would expect from a race put on by runners for runners. The Half is a test of early season fitness for those who train all winter. The Quarter provides a distance to build on for those with aspirations for longer events later in the Spring. Either way, the Sam Costa has a place for you! There is a 3-hour time limit for the Costa. This equates to a 13:44 pace for the Half Marathon (27:28 for the Quarter). Walkers are strongly encouraged to select the Quarter Marathon.
The Sam Costa is brought to you by Indy Runners and Walkers, Indiana's largest RRCA-affiliated running and walking club. All net proceeds from the race benefit the Indianapolis running and walking community by providing high school scholarships, the healthy promotion of walking and running as a lifestyle activity and competitive sport, seasonal training programs, community runs/walks, and so much more.
Special thanks to our hosts at Northview Church in Carmel, the Costa venue since 2006, for their hospitality and for providing a warm indoor space in their Student Activity Center for pre-race and post-race activities.
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Sat, Mar 28, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
You've trained all winter. Now, it's time for the last long run before the Carmel Marathon (register here!).
This event is free for Carmel Runners Club members (see your newsletter for a discount code) and $15 for nonmembers (join CRC now to get this discount and more!).
On Saturday, March 28th at 8am (announcements at 7:45) at Union Brewing Co, join Carmel Runners Club for a preview run of the Carmel Marathon Weekend races. There will be a 20 mile preview course for full marathon, an 11 mile preview course for the half marathon, and a shorter option on the Monon Trail for 10k and 5k participants or anyone looking to get in a few miles that day. These are un-timed fun runs. Each route will cover as much of the respective course as possible. These events will be open course, and roads will NOT be closed. Please use caution and stay on sidewalks or the Monon Trail while running.
Check out the courses below:
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20 Mile: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7779040
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11 Mile: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7700874
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Short Course (3 mile): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7700884
The event includes the run, as well as the post-run social where food and one beverage will be provided by CRC, UBC, and the Carmel Marathon. This is always a great event. You won’t want to miss out!
Learn more about Carmel Runners Club and join the club at http://www.carmelrunners.net/
This event will run per the Carmel Runners Club weather policy, with no refunds will be offered for cancellations due to weather or other reasons.
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Sat, Jul 04, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Kick off your Independence Day weekend at the patriotic Carmel Freedom Run 4.5-mile and 1.5-miler! Raceday is Friday, July 4th in the beautiful city of Carmel, IN! NEW FOR 2025, we are excited to host the event at Upland Brewing and Pies & Pints in Clay Terrace!
Join the fun with your friends and family at this classic run/walk, then enjoy some post-race refreshments! In addition to water, Gatorade and snack options, all finishers (21+) can use their FREE drink ticket for a beer at Upland Brewing or Pies & Pints! Java House will also be on-site with Sweet Coffee treats available (first come first served or while supplies last).
Soft-style shirts are included for all, and for the first time we will be offering FINISHER MEDALS for the 4.5-milers and 1.5-milers! We also offer overall and age-group awards to our faster competitors!
This year's race features new and exciting 4.5-mile and 1.5-mile courses that start/finish at Upland Brewing, and utilizing the beautiful streets of downtown Carmel and Monon Trail. There is also a FREE FUN RUN for kids 10 and under. Bring the whole family out, as we offer a discounted rate for families of 3+!
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Sun, Sep 20, 2026 at 10:30 AMSee full details
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!
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Thu, Sep 24, 2026 at 12:00 AMSee full details
The RUN(317) Series celebrates the unique people, neighborhoods, businesses and charities of the (317)! RUN(317) Carmel Village of WestClay is the second in the 5 race Series. Participants can register for as many races in the series as their schedules allow them. Each Thursday Night run is followed by a high energy post-race party sponsored by Arthur Murray Dance Center featuring a DJ, local craft beer, food, games and community partners.
On Thursday, September 24th, we are excited to have runners/walkers from all over the Indianapolis area spend their evening in Carmel Village of WestClay. The race starts at 7 p.m.
Participants can choose to run/walk or virtually do a 3.17 mile course through the streets of the Carmel Village of West Clay. Starting and ending on beautiful Meeting House Road, this flat, fast courses feature views of this unique Northside neighborhood and the Coxhall Gardens.
Each participant will receive:
Awesome One of Kind RUN(317) Carmel Village of WestClay Medal
2 FREE Beer/Wine/Seltzer Tickets (in person participants only)
Penn Station Free Sandwich Coupon
RUN(317) will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the Carmel Village of WestClay event to the A Kid Again.
For those joining us virtually, we will be using the Free RaceJoy App to instantly upload your RUN(317) miles! Run, utilizing the RaceJoy App, September 24th, 2026, or utilize your favorite monitoring device and manually upload your results. Only times uploaded through RaceJoy will qualify for the Beat the Clock competition.
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Sat, Oct 17, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
~ 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.
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Sat, Dec 19, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
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!
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Jack's Donuts on the course and at the finish line, over 7,000 donut holes to be served!
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Buy one get one free donut from Jack's of Carmel on every bib
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Event will again benefit local animal rescues. Over 100K has been donated over the years
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Cash purse to the top-3 male and female finishers + Age Group Awards
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All participants will receive the official event shirt and medal shown below
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The first 1,500 registered will receive the now famous DONUT ME stocking hat (2026 design below)
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Raceday Packet Pickup, vendors and post-race party will be inside St. Vincent Sports Performance large training room
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Dogs are once-again allowed to participate in the event
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Plenty of free parking in the Clay Terrace mall parking lots
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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)
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Awards for the best dressed pups in their holiday gear
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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.
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Local Clubs & Organizations
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Club
USA Swimming Club. Club Excellence: Gold. Safe Sport Recognized. 620 members.
[email protected] +1 317-575-8244 -
Club[email protected] (812) 208-2318
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Club[email protected] (317) 345-6200