Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon, 10k, & Greubel Memorial 5k

Our annual Half Marathon & 10k races are a fundraiser for the Thrive church Mission Team. Between our four races we anticipate 650 signups. Three start lines, one finish line, all three races start at 8:30am. We offer chip timing, super soft ring spun shirts, custom die cast medals to all, trophies to top finishers, plus age division awards. The half marathon and 10k are a point-to-point races and we provide the bus transportation. We added a Greubel Memorial 5k in 2017 to fundraise for three kids in our church and community who tragically lost their parents. Funds from the 5k will go towards college savings plans.

Runners love our courses because they’re flat, fast, and fun! The half marathon starts with a gentle downhill before leveling out to a smooth finish. When you cross the finish line in Carlisle, Iowa, you’ll be welcomed with festive music, mouthwatering pie, biscuits and gravy, chocolate milk, and plenty of other tasty treats—served up by our amazing volunteers. Don’t forget to celebrate by ringing the PR Bell and snapping a few photos at our free, fun photo booth!

Participants can park at the Carlisle High School (430 School Street) and surrounding areas, bus transportation to the Half start line and 10k is provided. Buses begin loading at 6:30 a.m. The last bus will leave Carlisle at 7:45 a.m.

Walkers are allowed and encouraged to start early. Check Athletes email sent race week for details.

Half Marathon

Begins at 8:30am in Indianola, IA and ends in Carlisle, IA

Start line is close to the Indianola High School

Bus transportation to the start line provided

Bag drop at the start and baggage claim at the finish

Awards to top 3 Men & Women in 5-yr age increments.

Trophies to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd overall Man and Woman.

10k Summerset State park to Carlisle point-to-point race 

Race begins at 8:30am in Summerset Park

Bus ride to start line.

Parking available at Carlisle school, Wycoff, and River Bottom Raceway

Bag drop at the start and baggage claim at the finish

Awards to top 2 Men & Women in 5-yr age increments.

Trophies to 1st and 2nd overall Man and Woman.

5k

Race begins at 8:30am near the Summerset Trailhead, Carlisle, IA

Parking available at Carlisle school, Wycoff, and River Bottom Raceway

Bag drop is available for this race too.

Awards to top 2 Men & Women in 5-yr age increments.

Trophies to 1st overall Man and Woman.

Rest Rooms. There are plenty of portables at all the start lines, there are also restrooms at the 1 mile mark for the half. 10k/5k participants will find restrooms at the Start/finish line. For the half Marathon, rest rooms will be available about 1/2 way in summerset state park. Both neighboring towns of Indianola and Carlisle (just southeast of Des Moines, the state capital) are friendly and have plenty of amenities. The Half Marathon start is in the larger city of Indianola, where the trail begins and winds through the city itself for about a mile and a half before striking out into a wilderness of red and white oak trees, owls, and fox.

Please register early to ensure that you receive a medal, shirt, transportation, etc. Shirt sizes are ordered Oct. 22nd, 2026

Race Day packet pick-up and registration starts at 6:30 am. 95 IA-5, Carlisle, IA 50047 The buses for the Half Marathon and 10k will arrive at 6:30 am with the last bus leaving at 7:45.

We offer Hillbilly Bag Drop for both races. Hillbilly Bag Drop = a car with the trunk open and a Hillbilly there taking your bag and writing your bib # on it. You will find the car parked close and convenient to the start line. Our bag drop Hillbillies are so helpful that they are ALSO sweeping the half course to collect discarded clothing that is found in the 1st 1/2 mile prior to entering the trail. They will bring those discarded items to the finish, and you can find that stuff in a pile marked Lost and Found. It will be next to the Finish Line Bag Claim. Bags will be in order by bib number. Bag collection will be loosely monitored, in other words don't put valuables in your bag.

Race packet Pick up and walk-up registration.

Thursday, 11/5 Thrive Church 707 East Euclid, Indianola, IA  5:30-6:30 pm

 Friday, 11/6, from 4-6 pm will be TBD

Saturday, 11/7 From 6:30-7:45 at 95 IA-5, Carlisle, IA 50047