Marathon adds new distance, State Championship Designation

The ninth annual Carmel Marathon, which has grown to be Indiana’s second largest marathon and Carmel’s largest running event, is scheduled for Saturday, March 30. The event, owned and operated by CRRG Events of Carmel, includes a marathon, half marathon, the Indiana Spine Group 10K, the Indiana Members Credit Union 5K and a marathon relay.

The 10K replaces the existing 8K that has been run since the event’s inception in 2011 when it hosted the USA Track & Field Men’s 8K National Championship. In addition, the marathon event distance has been awarded the 2019 State Championship race designation by the Road Runners Club of America (RCCA), the largest running-based membership organization in the United States.

One of the major changes for this year’s event is the addition of the Indiana Spine Group 10K, which is taking the place of the 8k race. Race organizers opted to change the race distance because of the growing popularity of the 10K among runners both locally and nationally. The 10K is one of the two fastest growing race distances in the United States and aligns well with training plans of later spring races.

In addition, the change from the 8K to the 10K offers increased safety to race participants. The previous 8K course took runners onto Keystone Avenue, which has experienced increased traffic in recent years. The new 10K course stays away from busy streets and uses the same final mile of the half marathon and marathon course.

The Carmel Marathon Weekend courses were all designed to highlight the vibrant Carmel community, with the start and finish of all races taking place at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, one of the focal points of the Carmel Arts and Design District. All events start at 8 a.m. and utilize the same start and finish lines, giving spectators the opportunity to see their friends and family start and finish without leaving the area.

Last year’s Carmel Marathon saw a record number of participants, attracting runners from 42 states and five countries. More than 500 volunteers from more than 50 charitable groups help bring the event to life!

To learn more about the Carmel Marathon Weekend or to register visit www.carmelmarathon.com. CRRG Events is also accepting volunteers for March 29 and March 30 at CarmelMarathon.com/volunteer.