Question 1

What is the Indiana Women’s Running Festival?

Accepted Answer

The Indiana Women’s Half Marathon was introduced to the central Indiana running community in August 2010 as the first women’s-only half marathon in Indiana. Since 2010 it has become the largest women's only half marathon in the state, and as of 2019, one of the largest Women's Half Marathons in the United States. 
 
Some participants enter this race to run competitively, some run for charities, and some run for loved ones. Many women join us just to have fun and spend a day running with their friends. But whatever the reason, the Indiana Women’s Half Marathon is a special race with a special atmosphere.

Question 2

Where and when is the Indiana Women’s Running Festival?

Accepted Answer

The Indiana Women’s Running Festival will be held on October 17, 2026. Start and Finish activities will be held at the:

Carmel Gazebo
3 Civic Square
Carmel, IN  46032

Question 3

Why is the race for women only?

Accepted Answer

We host a women’s-only event to showcase and honor the strides women have made in the sport of running & walking.

Question 4

Can men participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We encourage you to be a spectator in supporting and cheering on your wife, sister, mother, friend and others. We encourage you to become a volunteer for the event – not just to support women, but to help the sport of running & walking.

Question 5

Can I walk the Indiana Women’s Running Festival?

Accepted Answer

All of our events are walker friendly. Please remember the course time limit for the half marathon is 4 hours, roughly an 18:15/mile pace.

Question 6

Are jogging strollers allowed in the Indiana Women’s Running Festival?

Accepted Answer

Jogging strollers are allowed for the 5K only. Strollers should begin at the back of the race behind the runners.

Question 7

Are there pacers for the half marathon?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Indiana Women's Half offers a great group of experienced pacers who can help you reach your goals! We have pacers available at the following times: 1:45, 1:50. 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00, 3:30, and 4:00. See the Pacers (https://www.womensrunningfestival.com/pacers)page for details.

Question 8

Can my friend or family member pick up my race packet for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The person picking up the participant's packet must have a copy of the participant's driver's license, or a copy of the participant's confirmation email (sent via email when they registered.)
 
Packets can be picked up at the Expo or race morning. See the Event Schedule (https://www.womensrunningfestival.com/event-schedule)for details.

Question 9

When and where is packet pick-up?

Accepted Answer

Check the Event Schedule (https://www.indywomenshalfmarathon.com/event-schedule)page for dates and times.

Packets must be picked up during the pre-race event on Friday the day before the event at the Indiana Women's Running Festival Expo:

Location coming soon.

Packet pick-up is also available race morning from:

Civic Square
Gazebo
3 Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032

Question 10

May I switch my registration from one race to another?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You may upgrade or downgrade (event distance) your registration using the online registration form.  
 
To upgrade, you'll just need to pay the difference between the cost of the event 
registration fees.  You may downgrade at no cost.

Distance upgrades and downgrades are available until the end of the Expo on Friday, August 29.

Question 11

May I switch my registration to another person?

Accepted Answer

Yes but all transfers must go through Race Headquarters.  Transfer fees include a $25 fee to transfer + the difference in registration fee based on the cost when originally registered and the current cost of registration.  For example, you registered for the half during the ‘early bird’ at $50 but want to transfer it to a new person now.  The current registration fee now is $75 therefore the new participant will pay $25 (transfer) + $25 (difference in fee) = $50 + processing.  To initiate a transfer, email Race Headquarters HERE w(mailto:taoliver66@gmail.com)ith the new participant’s email

Question 12

Can I defer or transfer my race entry?

Accepted Answer

The last day to defer your race entry to next year or to transfer to another person is Sunday, August 25.

Question 13

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

Accepted Answer

The Race Director, Official Medical Director, and Carmel Police have the authority to cancel or delay the event for any reason such as extreme weather, accidents, city emergency, health risks, etc. No refunds or deferrals are allowed.

Question 14

Can I change my race entry to another distance?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Event distance upgrades and downgrades are available until the end of the Expo on Friday, August 30.

Question 15

I want to make sure I am signed up. How do I confirm this?

Accepted Answer

You may confirm your online registration here.(https://runsignup.com/Race/FindARunner/?raceId=132285)

Question 16

How can I volunteer to help with the Indiana Women’s Running Festival?

Accepted Answer

Our volunteers help make this event possible. Volunteer opportunities are available in the days leading up to the race, at the Expo and on race day! To learn more and join our volunteer crew email volunteer@carmelmarathon.com.(mailto:volunteer@carmelmarathon.com?subject=Volunteer%20Group)

Question 17

I can’t make it to the race. Do you offer a virtual race option?

Accepted Answer

Yes! See our Virtual Race (https://www.womensrunningfestival.com/virtual-run)page for more information.

Question 18

What kind of shirt is available for race participants?

Accepted Answer

The official race shirt for the  Indiana Women's Half Marathon and 5K is a short sleeve t-shirt. All participants will receive this shirt.

Question 19

Where can I park on race morning?

Accepted Answer

Along with street parking, several parking garages are within a few minutes walk to the start/finish area. See the Parking Garage Map (https://6759b0d0-c918-4fc6-a9fd-82c63250f132.usrfiles.com/ugd/6759b0_9397bb2ef7574370b7603989599396ca.pdf)for details.

Question 20

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

Click here (https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Carmel/WomensHalfMarathon)to register online.

Question 21

Will post-race massages be available?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time, but we are working on securing new massage partners.

Question 22

What kind of nutrition is available on the course during the race?

Accepted Answer

We offer both water and Gatorade at every water stop.

Question 23

Are there port-o-lets on the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There are port-o-lets located throughout the course.  There is a minimum of one Port-o-let located near each of the water stops throughout the course. Water stops are located approximately every mile.

Question 24

Can I run with my dog?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are only allowed in the 5K and not in the half marathon.  This is due to insurance and safety reasons. Dogs mush remain on a leash no longer than 4 feet.