HalfRuns
Carmel Marathon Weekend

Carmel Marathon Weekend

Carmel Marathon Weekend offers a fast, flat course in a charming Midwestern town.

Race Date

Apr 17, 2027

Location

Carmel, IN

Standout71

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Location
Carmel, Indiana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
20,164

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Spectator SupportWell OrganizedGreat Post Race

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Carmel Marathon Weekend, first run in 2011 and now in its 14th edition, has become a significant event in the Midwest. Attracting runners from approximately 34 states, this race has seen a growing field, with recent editions nearing 4,000 finishers. The half marathon, along with 10K and 5K options, shares a common start and finish line, creating a unified race-day experience in Carmel, Indiana, recognized as a top small-town suburb.

Runners consistently praise the course for its flatness and speed, making it a prime location for achieving personal bests. The USATF-certified course is designed for optimal performance, with net elevation changes that favor quick times. The event's popularity is further evidenced by its repeat-runner loyalty, with about 20% of participants returning in subsequent years.

The atmosphere is enhanced by the shared start/finish area near the Palladium Music Center, offering convenience for participants and spectators alike. Post-race amenities include a beer garden, contributing to a festive conclusion to a well-organized and popular running event.

Race-provided description

One of the 50 largest marathons in the US! Consistently ranks in the top-25 of marathons to BQ (per marathonguide.com) Includes a half marathon, 10K and 5K!      Come to Carmel, Indiana, voted one of the best small town suburbs in the US. Our unique race-day format includes all race distances utilizing the same start AND finish line! This allows participants to arrive, prepare and start together then easily find each other at the finish. Marathon and half marathon runners start together in the south two lanes with the 10K and 5K together in the north two lanes of City Center Boulevard. The four lanes are separated by a grass medium for 300 yards until the first turn where the courses turn in opposite directions. The official start/finish area and all race activities are located next to the Palladium Music Center, at the corner of 3rd Avenue and City Center Drive. Free parking, beer garden and more. Join us! Why should you run Carmel?  Here are the most common answers from our runners when surveyed: One of the flattest and fastest Midwestern marathon and half marathon courses in the SpringA race distance for everyone in your running group (offering a marathon, half marathon, 10K & 5K)All races are on Saturday starting at 8:00 AM (10K and 5K) and 8:10 AM (marathon and half)Marathon course is a USATF Certified Boston Qualifier and has consistently been one of the 50 fastest in the USEvent offers both marathon AND half marathon pacers with marathon pacers running Boston qualifying timesEasy FREE parking at the expo and the start/finish areaGreat fitting, gender specific shirts that actually breathe and are light weightCustom-designed finisher medals unique for each distanceFinish line recovery area features the Indiana Spine Group Pancake Village serving pancakes to runnersOfficial Beer Garden features free beer to celebrate your daySame start and finish location makes it ideal for spectators and familiesWater and Gatorade approximately every 1.5 miles Race Week Details Please click here for all race week information.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, April 17, 2027

Start Time

8:10 AM

Giveaway

Participant Shirt

Start Location

200 City Center Dr., Carmel, IN, 46032

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Small Town

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles6.2 Miles3.1 Miles

USATF Certified Course

IN19022TDK · Carmel Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout71
Methodology
Heritage20/20

15 years running

Size15/15

~2,830 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty11/20

11% returning runners

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 6 timing sources

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:09:13

Weather8/10

typical high 62°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

43°

Afternoon (High)

62°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

15 mph

Wind

63%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 20,164 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

20,164

Median time

2:03:40

Latest turnout

1,140

States

44

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:00p50 median ≈ 2:056:00

Turnout by year

20182026

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Carmel Marathon Weekend?

The Carmel Marathon Weekend is held on Saturday, April 17, 2027, starting at 8:10 AM.

Where does the Carmel Marathon Weekend take place?

It takes place in Carmel, Indiana.

What distances does the Carmel Marathon Weekend offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles.

Is the Carmel Marathon Weekend course flat and good for a PR?

The Carmel Marathon Weekend is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Carmel Marathon Weekend?

HalfRuns has finish records for 20,164 runners who have completed the Carmel Marathon Weekend.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

Explore More Journeys

Can't make it to Carmel? Discover other experiences that match your running style.

Search All Races