
Carmel Marathon Weekend
Carmel Marathon Weekend offers a fast, flat course in a charming Midwestern town.
Race Date
Apr 17, 2027
Location
Carmel, IN
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IN19022TDK · Carmel Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7115 years running
~2,830 finishers a year
shrinking
11% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:09:13
typical high 62°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2018–2026
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.
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