Some of the Midwest’s fastest women will be lacing up their running shoes and getting ready to compete on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5K. Since its start in 2010, the Indy Women’s Half Marathon has grown to be the largest women’s-only running event in Indiana and the seventh largest women’s half marathon in the United States. With a unique lineup of elite female runners, as well as thousands of others who are running for a personal best, running to honor a loved one, or just running for fun, the Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5k celebrates the strides made in women’s running and walking. The event is owned and produced by Carmel-based CRRG Events.
The new starting line for the Indy Women’s Half Marathon is located at the intersection of Meridian and Vermont Street next to University Park. Both the half marathon and the 5K have a 7:30 a.m. start time. Runners and walkers enjoy a flat and fast course, passing a number of Indianapolis landmarks along the way. The half marathon makes its way through downtown and alongside the White River and Riverside Park before returning to downtown. The finish line is on Vermont Street with post-race celebration taking place in University Park.
After the race, all participants will be treated to an array of entertainment and treats, including water and snacks, mimosas and beer. For the first time ever, finishers will be treated to warm pancakes fresh off the griddle at the “Indiana Spine Group Pancake Tent.”
In addition to the race, the Indy Women’s Half and 5K offers a number of educational and informative opportunities at the Indy Women’s Race Expo, being held on Friday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Westin Indianapolis. This year’s expo will include everything from sponsor booths and dozens of vendors to wine, champagne and chocolate tastings.
“We love the vibe and camaraderie of this event,” said Race Director Todd Oliver. “Not only do you feel the unique support in the air, but this race has grown to be extremely competitive and we have an amazing lineup of elite competitors joining us this year. The event also attracts women who run for so many different reasons and we look forward to cheering each and every one of them on from the start to the finish.”
Honoring Trailblazing Women: Since 2016, the Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5K has recognized three women each year with the “Phenomenal Women Award” as a way to celebrate the strength of women overcoming barriers while connecting to running and walking. In 2018, race organizers have changed the name of the award to the “Indy Women’s Trailblazer Award” to better reflect how the honorees blaze a trail for women who come after them.
A woman who is recognized by the Trailblazer Award meets one of three criteria: she is an advocate for women’s running, she has changed her community for the better or she has overcome personal or physical adversity. Award winners will be announced prior to the race and will be recognized at the race expo and on race morning.
The Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5K will once again support the I.W.I.N. Foundation, which provides assistance to individuals statewide who are currently receiving treatment for breast cancer by relieving emotional, physical, and financial burdens. The race also supports Back on My Feet, an organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living.
“This race weekend celebrates all that is good about the women’s running community and the smiles, perseverance, determination and community joy you see throughout the course and at the finish line stay with you forever,” said Oliver. “We love being able to give back to organizations that make a positive impact on our community. The Indy Women’s Half Marathon is a great example of how running positively impacts a community in a wide variety of ways.”
About Indy Women’s Half Marathon & 5K: The Indy Women’s Half Marathon was introduced to the central Indiana running community in August 2010 as the first women’s only half marathon in Indiana. In just a few years, it has become the largest women’s running event in the state and the seventh largest women's half marathon in the country. A women’s-only race offers a unique atmosphere, emotion and camaraderie from women of all ages and abilities. According to a 2014 Running USA industry report, there are 8.6 million female runners in the U.S. Within that group, half marathons are the fastest growing race distance. For more information or to register for either the Half Marathon or 5K go to www.indywomenshalfmarathon.com.
About CRRG Events: CRRG Events is a sponsorship and event management company with a history of delivering results through experience, integrity and passion. Based in Carmel, Ind., CRRG Events offers professional, full-service event management for associations or charities interested in conducting runs and walks. For more information, please contact Todd Oliver at todd@carmelmarathon.com. Find us at www.carmelroadracinggroup.com or on Facebook.com/CarmelRoadRacing and on Twitter @CRRGevents.
There are no comments
Please login to post comments