After a record turnout during an Olympic year in 2024, the Carmel Marathon continues to enjoy tailwinds in Hamilton County. The Carmel Marathon is set for its 15th year Saturday, April 19, beginning with the 5K and 10K runs at 8 a.m. followed shortly thereafter by the half and full marathon events.
About 6,200 runners are coming to Carmel for the events, which has a new title sponsor in Ascension St. Vincent. About 4,200 of those will run in the long events, with about 2,000 running in the 5K and 10K runs.
The race continues to be successful and has become a key event on the national running scene. For serious athletes with an eye on the Olympics, the Carmel Marathon and its fast course is always on the radar.
“A lot of people come out because it’s a fast, flat course. To qualify for Boston you need a fast course and a good time,” said Carmel Marathon Race Director Jay Druba. “We’ve had Olympic qualifiers in our race.”
Other comparable events, like the Kentucky Derby Marathon or the Flying Pig event in Cincinnati, are more hilly, so Carmel is a good place to register for a qualifying time for major international events.
Druba says about 60 Olympic hopefuls will be on the starting line. Just as important are the army of volunteers and supporters that Hamilton County provides for a major event. Druba estimates 500 volunteers will assist with the April 18-19 event.
“We get great support from non-profits in Carmel. We couldn’t have this event without those volunteers and they’re a huge part of our event.”
Druba also highlights the Carmel Marathon’s new charity it supports, the Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide.
“They do great work in the community and we’re really happy to support them the way we do,” he said.
Visit CarmelMarathon.com for more information.
