Christmas in July Half Marathon and 5K (Indianapolis)

Indianapolis's Christmas in July Half Marathon brings a quirky, festive twist to summer running. Held annually in July, this event offers a refreshing break from the usual holiday season, complete with a "Christmas in July" theme. Runners can expect a relatively flat and fast course, ideal for those chasing personal bests.

Now in its 10th year, the race has drawn participants from around 20 states, with a median field size of about 586 finishers. While the field has seen a slight decrease in recent years, a dedicated core of about 18% of runners return year after year, highlighting its loyal following. The event kicks off with a 7:00 AM start, followed by a post-race Christmas party beginning at 8:30 AM, complete with summer holiday cheer.

Participants receive a lightweight tech shirt as part of their race swag. The event also includes a 5K option, making it accessible for a range of runners. Typical race-day temperatures hover in the comfortable 68–87°F range, offering a pleasant running environment.