Below are some of the questions we are asked most often. If you don't find the information you're looking for, drop us a note.

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Is there a chance the event will sell out? 

Yes, each event distance has a capacity limit of the following:

• Marathon = 1,200

• Half Marathon = 1,800

• Indiana Spine Group 10K = 1,000

• Indiana Members Credit Union 5K = 700 

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What events will the Carmel Marathon Weekend offer? 

The 2023 Carmel Marathon Weekend offers the Carmel Marathon Presented by Franciscan Health, Carmel Half Marathon, Indiana Spine Group 10K,  and Indiana Members Credit Union 5K.  All events will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2023. 

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• Opening Ceremonies - 7:45 a.m.

• National Anthem - 7:50 a.m.

• Final Pre-Race Announcements - 7:55 a.m.
• Start of 5K and 10K - 8:00 a.m.
• Start of Marathon and Half Marathon - 8:10 a.m.
• 5K Awards Ceremony - 9:00 a.m.
• 10K Awards Ceremony - 9:30 a.m.
• Half Marathon Awards Ceremony - 11:00 a.m.

Cash Awards Ceremony will take place next to the Results tent at the Carmel Marathon photo backdrop stage. Age group awards will be distributed at the Results Tent.

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Are the event courses certified and where are the maps?

The marathon (#IN9002TDK), half marathon (#IN9001TDK) and 10K are all USATF certified. The 10K and 5K will begin at 8:00 a.m., and the Marathon and the Half Marathon will begin at 8:10 a.m.. All races will begin and finish at the Palladium at the corner of 3rd Avenue and City Center Drive. View the course maps here.

For historical purposes, the certification for the marathon course from 2011-2016 was IN11008GAN. The 2017 course was certified as IN17003TDK. The 2018 marathon course was certified as IN18005TDK, and the half marathon was IN18006TDK.

 

The USATF Sanction number is 19-16-021.

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Is there a marathon disabilities or wheelchair division?

No, we discontinued these divisions due to the narrowness of the course during the park sections.
 

Are there finisher medals?

Yes, finishers of every race distance will receive a medal.

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Will pacers be provided for the half marathon?

We are pleased to again offer pacers for the marathon and half marathon. Our experienced pace team is designed to help runners reach their goals. All marathon pacers will run Boston Qualifying times. For more information about pace times click here.

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When will I receive the final packet pickup information?

We will begin sending the Participant Newsletter to registered runners and walkers in March with increased frequency as we near race weekend. Our Fitness Expo page includes all the details you need about packet pickup and the expo. 
 

Will there be entertainment?

Traditionally, bands and cheer groups have set up along the course. We encourage interested music groups to contact us as we are always seeking more.
 

Are there time limits for each race?

Yes.  The marathon, half marathon and 10K have a minimum pace time limit.  The maximum overall time for the marathon is 6.5 hours or roughly a 15:00/mile pace. Half marathoners need to maintain the same pace (15:00/mile) through mile 11.  10K participants need to maintain a 16:00 minute/mile pace, while 5K participants need to maintain a 20:00 minute/mile pace.

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May I use an iPod or other device for music?

iPod or other music devices are allowed but we ask that you stay safe and aware by keeping volumes at a low level in case of emergency. Rule 144.3 of USA Track and Field enables race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races. The only exception to this new rule is that those elite athletes competing for money are not allowed to use iPods or music devices.
 

When/where can I register for the event?

Click here for registration, race changes, transfers, and to confirm a prior registration.
 

Where do I pick up my bib number and race packet? 

Packet pickup is located at the Fitness Expo, hosted at the 

Carmel High School Fieldhouse. The Expo is free and open to the public on Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; packet pickup also will remain open until 9 p.m. There will be NO packet pickup or registration on race day. See the Fitness Expo page for further details.

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Can a friend pick up my Participant Race Packet?

Yes, just bring a copy of your friend's race confirmation, or a copy of their driver's license.
 

What if I am not able to participate in 2023? Are refunds or deferrals available? 

Refunds are not available. Deferrals are available for $25. Please click here and log in to complete your deferral.

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Can I transfer to a different event? 

Yes; however you must make your transfer prior to the close of the Expo. Please click here and log in to complete your transfer. Downgrades to a shorter race are free. No money will be refunded for changing to a shorter event. To upgrade to a longer event, you will be credited with what you’ve already paid toward the current price of the upgraded distance. You will pay the difference for the upgrade.

 

Can I transfer my registration to another individual? 

Yes. Please click here and log in to complete your transfer. The fee to transfer a registration to another participant is $25. Please contact the Race Director with any questions.

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Where can I find a pre-race pasta meal?

Visit the Plan Your Trip page to find dining options in Carmel and Hamilton County.

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What if I can’t finish the race?

We’ll help you out! There will be a vehicle following the marathon and half marathon. Anyone who cannot finish or cannot keep the minimum pace will enjoy a free ride back to the post-race area.
 

What type of timing system is the event using?

The Carmel Marathon Weekend will be using MyLaps disposable timing tags. Participants must wear their pre-assigned bib number in a visible spot throughout the race.
 

Are there any age minimums?

Participants must be at least 12 years of age on race day to register for the Half Marathon and 16 years of age to register for the Marathon. There are no age minimums for the 10K or 5K but all youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and all those under the age of 16 must have a parental waiver signed.
 

Are baby joggers, strollers, roller blades, or bicycles allowed in any event?

Baby joggers are allowed in the 5K and 10K only. There are no exceptions for the Marathon or Half Marathon. 

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Participants with baby joggers must start at the back of the field for safety. 

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Wheelchairs are allowed on the course; there are no racing wheelchairs or handcycle divisions.

Only registered participants are allowed on the courses. Anyone participating without a bib is subject to potential removal from the course.

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Can I run with my dog?

Due to course changes, and the number of participants, dogs are not allowed in any of the race distances.

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May I exchange my event shirt for a different size at the Expo?

Our event shirts are gender specific! If you need to exchange sizes, we may have additional sizes available at the Expo Shirt Exchange or the apparel trailer onsite parked in the finish line area.

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What are the cross streets of the start/finish line area?

• Carmel Marathon Expo: Carmel High Cafeteria, Freshman Center, Door 16, 520 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032. 

• Start/Finish for all events: 3rd Avenue and City Center Drive

• Event Parking: Parking garage and open areas south of the finish line on 3rd Avenue, College Drive, and Congressional Blvd in Carmel, Indiana

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Will there be shuttles available?

Hotel Shuttle Info: Complimentary shuttles are available on race day to/from the Home2Suites and Renaissance Hotel. Participants staying at the Hilton Garden Inn are encouraged to use the shuttle at the nearby Renaissance Hotel. Shuttles will run on race day to the Start/Finish area from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All buses will drop-off runners at Gradle Drive and 3rd Avenue (2 blocks south of the Start/Finish line). These shuttles will run on a continuous basis. After 8 a.m. the shuttle will run approximately once per hour through 2:30 p.m. Only participants staying in the official hotels are allowed to use the shuttles

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Will there be a gear check?

Yes. The gear check will be located just west of the Center Green on 3rd Avenue (at the end of the finish chute). The drop off and pick up will be at the same location.
 

Will there be start line corrals?

No. For participants will line up with their pace groups.
 

What is the course elevation and terrain like?

Each course is slightly rolling but fast and scenic with less than 400 foot elevation change over the entire distance. There are long but rolling straights, scenic running/walking paths through parks, various urban and semi-rural landscapes and a finish you will not forget!
 

Will there be aid stations, medical and port-o-lets on the course?

Each water station will contain water, Gatorade and port-o-lets. Check our Course Maps for aid station locations. Aid stations will not offer chews, gels, etc.; we encourage you to race with the products you've trained with. The aid stations will be staffed with medical personnel from Franciscan Health Carmel.
 

Will there be runner tracking?

Live Participant Tracking Available for 2023 Carmel Marathon Weekend
Track your favorite runners and walkers during the 2023 Carmel Marathon Weekend with the Race Day Events app! Click on the links below to download the app. Live participant tracking and results will also be available on race day online here.

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• Download Race Day Events app in the Apple App Store for iPhone users
• Download Race Day Events app in the Google Play Store for Android users

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Please note: app users will be able to add participants after their bibs are assigned at the Fitness Expo on Friday, April 7. Questions about your results? Please email results@racedayevents.com for assistance.

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Will GU be offered on the course?

No. Water and Gatorade will be available at multiple spots along the course. We encourage participants to use the nutrition they trained with.

 

Disabilities Division Discontinued

We have tried separate formats for a disabilities division in previous years, and unfortunately neither worked based on our course open and closure restrictions with the city of Carmel. Therefore, the Disabilities Division has been unfortunately discontinued since 2016.