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Marathon Details - Carmel Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IN > Carmel > Carmel Marathon

Carmel Marathon

Carmel Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Carmel, IN USA

April 19, 2025

http://www.carmelmarathon.com

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Race Details

SUMMARY: Carmel Marathon is one of the top BQ spring races. Carmel is the north suburb of Indianapolis and is the wealthiest county in the state. And voted the #1 small city in the US by Money Magazine. The course has some rolling hills but fast overall and a perfect Boston Qualifier. Less than a 200 ft elevation change for the entire course. Half marathon attracts close to 2,000 runners. Marathoners and halfs run together the entire 13.1 miles. The second half of the marathon is different from the first.

The Carmel Marathon is an event that invites runners to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Carmel, starting and finishing the race in its picturesque center. This marathon offers participants not only scenic views but also the opportunity to overcome their personal milestones, leaving unforgettable impressions and a deep sense of satisfaction.

The marathon course runs through various areas of Carmel, beginning in cozy residential neighborhoods and winding through beautiful parks and green trails. The flat route with slight elevations makes the race fast and convenient for setting personal records. Participants enjoy views of well-kept homes, shaded streets, and peaceful natural areas, creating a sense of harmony with the surroundings.

The organization of the marathon deserves special attention. Participants receive all necessary information in advance, allowing them to prepare thoroughly for the race. Numerous aid stations with water, electrolytes, and energy gels are positioned along the course. After the finish, runners can enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks, including the famous pancakes that have become a hallmark of the Carmel Marathon.

Finisher medals are of high quality and attractive design, serving as a wonderful reminder of the achievement. Participants also receive stylish shirts and souvenirs that can be worn proudly after the race.

The advantages of the marathon include excellent organization, convenient parking near the start line, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Every runner, regardless of their level of preparation, will find something special in this marathon, making their participation unforgettable and inspiring.

Contact Information

Name:	Jay Druba
Address:	CARMEL, IN
Phone Number:	8124935525
Email:	Email the organizers

More Information

These details were last updated by the race director on 1/24/24 and may be out of date.
Number of Runners:	1,200
Number of Spectators:	8,000
Fees & Deadlines:	$59-95
Start Time:	8:00 AM
Course Highlights:	start and finish in the same location next to the 160 million dollar Palladium at the Center of Performing Arts. VIP area and beer garden overlooking the finish line. Donuts at the finish!
Certified? Certification:	Yes, mixed roads and a paved trail
Race Day Registration:	N/A - expo is last day
Online Registration:	https://raceroster.com/events/2022/49266/12th-annual-carmel-marathon-weekend
Packet Pickup Info:	located at the Carmel High School Freshman Cafeteria on Main Street
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Race Organizer

Carmel Marathon Weekend (12/29/14)

Todd Oliver - President

The Carmel Marathon Weekend offers a marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, 8K and 5K. All races start at 7:30 AM and uses the same start/finish line. Voted Indiana's Best Marathon worth traveling for by TripAdvisor. 2nd largest marathon in Indiana. 4 consecutive years of record growth.

Runner Reviews (75)

Course 4.1

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.0

Write a review

Number of comments: 75 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

J. H. from Ohio (4/12/2022) "Nice small flat marathon to qualify for Boston" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 If you are looking for a nice flat race to qualify for Boston with a small town feel and a reasonable price, this is the place. The expo was small and at the local high school. It had what you needed, a couple of sales on running clothes/nutrition, and some other races advertising future races. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. Race day was well organized. I stayed at a hotel that offered free busing to the start line. The first bus sent to our hotel broke down but a new one was at the hotel within 10 minutes so no issues. The race was close to the hotel anyways. We were dropped off 1/4 mile from the start and walked down to the start line. I dropped off my bag with no issues and got in line for the bathrooms. They had a decent amount of bathrooms. While waiting, the snow starting coming down. It was like we were in a snow globe. It wasn't the kind of snow that would stick but I was worried about footing. The race started and on the first corner, a guy completely slipped and fell hard. I made sure to take it easy on any turns for the next couple of miles. As the race progressed, the weather wasn't fantastic. Lots of wind and some periodic sleet. By mile 9-10, that stopped and was fine the rest of the way. Overall, the course itself was very unremarkable. We ran on roads, we ran on trails, we ran through industrial parks. I wish they had used the cute city of Carmel more honestly. The crowd support was completely lacking which probably wasn't helped by the weather. The course itself was mostly flat but the wind from about mile 18-22 was not great. The finish line food was good-chocolate milk, donut holes, bags of chips, and homemade pancakes on the grill with a to go bag and syrup. It was a nice perk. They also had massages too. Overall, there were good and bad parts, but I was able to PR by 7 seconds on a rough weather day. If you like small cheap races and don't care if you see more than 100 people on the race, this is the race for you.
S. C. from Portland Oregon (4/9/2022) "Nice course in a nice town." (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was snowing at the start line. WOW. I still loved this run. Camel is a very cool town. Route is super and very well supported. Real good expo. Number 212 for me and I highly recommend it.
J. B. from Cincinnati (4/14/2021) "Highly Recommended" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Carmel Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've done over 400 races of various distances and this ranks right up there at the top. I ran the half this year. In the 30s, sunny start. Had a friend pickup my bib so didn't attend the expo. Race was well organized, free parking in parking garage near the start\finish, plenty of fluid on course, nice after race layout, plenty of drinks and snacks with pancakes. Course is mostly flat with some grades. Really only one short hill at about mile 11-12. It was a bit congested for the first mile or two but then thinned out. My only complaint was with some of my fellow runners, who couldn't be bothered to wear a mask in the corrals despite being asked to do so. I would guess about 90% complied. Unsure why the other 10% could not show the race organization, the City of Carmel, and their fellow runners who complied some courtesy by wearing a mask in the start corrals. I really appreciate the race director, his organization and the City of Carmel for having an in-person event, they did a fantastic job pulling this off.
R. P. from Northern Illinois (4/5/2021) "Nice Midwest Marathon" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Carmel Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 A pleasant marathon with great support.
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (4/4/2021) "A Beautiful Community Nestled in the Northern Subu" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a beautiful little city tucked in the northern suburbs of Indianapolis. I came into town through Indianapolis to drop my dog off at her sitter's house, and I felt like I never left the city, driving north. There was a parkway - like an expressway - going north, and then cross- street bridges every mile or so. It looks like they had just under 1,100 marathon runners, but it seemed a lot bigger than that to me. The Expo was all outside, and lasted well into the evening. I did my business there and then left. But there was still a pretty large array of stuff that was out for the runners to see & buy. There were multiple parking garages nearby, and parking was free during the race. It was forecast to start out cold (near freezing) - and was to warm to about 60 during the day. That is pretty much how it worked. We had to wear a mask until crossing the start-line, then they provided masks again at the finish line (it is tough to eat and drink afterwards while wearing a mask). Anyway, the typical runner just dropper their mask on the ground across the start line, and it almost looked like blue paving stones. No worries, they got it all cleaned up - thanks to the volunteers. The course was two big loops - each one 13.1 miles long, with each loop ending at the finish line -loops with square corners. The first loop was to the east of town, and went counter-clockwise. We ran on some pretty major arterial roads that had been closed. About mile post 8 we entered and ran through some neighborhoods. The last 1-1/2 miles or so was on a paved foot & bike path. Marathon runners then exited the area and continued on the same foot and bike path for several miles to the south. Just past mile post 16, we exited the bike path and returned to running on roads again - now on the west side of town. The course now meandered north. Eventually, around mile post 23 we rejoined the same foot and bike path - now back on the north side of town. The last couple of miles were the same for both loops - the foot & bike path - with one common water station there. The course was pretty flat - with one or two short hills going up. So it was a pretty fast course. The sun was out all day, but it never got hot; pleasant weather for running, but not hot. The course crossed a lot of intersections. Some roads were closed. Some roads had one lane open and the other lane closed for the runners, and many cross-streets were open. And the course went into several neighboring communities. But law enforcement was out in number controlling traffic and keeping the runners safe. More-so early on there were several traffic back-ups where traffic was just stopped to accommodate the runners. During the first loop, I was with other runners almost constantly. After the half marathoners finished and exited the course, I was alone much of the second half. Though at some point I met up with Mike Swanson - a board member of the 50 States Marathon Club, and ran with Mike briefly. Just past mile post 22, the 5:45 pacer past me (by then he was running alone). I stayed with him briefly, but was about three minutes behind him before finishing. There was a good variety of snacks and fluids available afterwards. And the medal was one of the larger ones that I have in my collection: It is 4-1/2 inches in diameter and is pretty heavy duty brass - with a "Carmel Marathon" banner across the front, with runners above the banner, and city hall below. Very nice. I want to say a word of appreciation for Todd Oliver and for his staff and volunteers, for bringing this race to fruition this year. Many of us registered to run last year and the race was cancelled because of the China Virus. Those opting to were deferred to this year, and there is still a lot of fear out there for race directors and race boards about hosting their event in 2021. These folks all did a great job, and the runner (some that I talked to anyway) were thrilled to be running on a course again with other runners.
J. P. from South Dakota (12/9/2018) "Nice Indiana marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Carmel puts on a fine event and is a good choice for those wanting to run an Indiana marathon. Packet pickup was well run, expo average, course security very good. Could be more porta potties on the first half of the course IMO.
T. R. from Iowa (5/29/2018) "Go here for a fast time" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Basically this is a good marathon if you want to post a fast time, because the weather is likely to be cool (it was around 40 at start this year) and the course is fairly flat--not pancake flat, just a few rollers and quite a few false flats. The first half of the course is residential and reasonably scenic. Miles 17-23 go through a large stretch of office parks and the like and is kind of desolate. And not well-shielded from the wind. This year (2018) wind was from the south, but a north wind would make that course very difficult because of that 17-23 stretch. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. Community support was basically nil--almost no spectators. Swag was pretty minimal, and yes the shirt is pretty, um, aesthetically challenged. Basically I ran this course to hit a BQ-5 (having missed entry into 2017 BM by 19 seconds) and accomplished that. So nothing else really mattered much to me, and I suspect that's true for a fairly decent fraction of the field. Done 4 standalone marathons plus 1 IM.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (4/15/2018) "Flat course, bring your own GU" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Carmel Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The course is great, not a lot of races this time of year so to say its the second largest is because where else are you going to run? I did really like the race BUT they need to have nutrition on the course. Ugly shirt but cool medal Flat fast course No spectators or entertainment for as large of a race it is (if you care about that kind of thing) Good race to run to fine tune for your spring race
P. P. from Nashville, TN (4/6/2018) "Great event" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a well organized & well run event. The course is touted as flat, but I'd say it's more of rolling hills. The worst thing was after finishing the first loop of the marathon, we had to run under the finisher's arch.....that was kind of a bummer.
C. D. from IL (4/3/2018) "Good race, but below average after party." (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Weather was almost ideal. Needed more porta pots. Organization was very good. Never running alone, even on the marathon. I averaged a 7:36/mile. The route was flat and slightly rolling hills. Carmel is a richie area. The after party was the biggest disappointment. Parking was free and close. I have run 2 marathons, and probably 25 halfs.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]



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J. H. from Ohio (4/12/2022) "Nice small flat marathon to qualify for Boston" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 If you are looking for a nice flat race to qualify for Boston with a small town feel and a reasonable price, this is the place. The expo was small and at the local high school. It had what you needed, a couple of sales on running clothes/nutrition, and some other races advertising future races. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. Race day was well organized. I stayed at a hotel that offered free busing to the start line. The first bus sent to our hotel broke down but a new one was at the hotel within 10 minutes so no issues. The race was close to the hotel anyways. We were dropped off 1/4 mile from the start and walked down to the start line. I dropped off my bag with no issues and got in line for the bathrooms. They had a decent amount of bathrooms. While waiting, the snow starting coming down. It was like we were in a snow globe. It wasn't the kind of snow that would stick but I was worried about footing. The race started and on the first corner, a guy completely slipped and fell hard. I made sure to take it easy on any turns for the next couple of miles. As the race progressed, the weather wasn't fantastic. Lots of wind and some periodic sleet. By mile 9-10, that stopped and was fine the rest of the way. Overall, the course itself was very unremarkable. We ran on roads, we ran on trails, we ran through industrial parks. I wish they had used the cute city of Carmel more honestly. The crowd support was completely lacking which probably wasn't helped by the weather. The course itself was mostly flat but the wind from about mile 18-22 was not great. The finish line food was good-chocolate milk, donut holes, bags of chips, and homemade pancakes on the grill with a to go bag and syrup. It was a nice perk. They also had massages too. Overall, there were good and bad parts, but I was able to PR by 7 seconds on a rough weather day. If you like small cheap races and don't care if you see more than 100 people on the race, this is the race for you.
S. C. from Portland Oregon (4/9/2022) "Nice course in a nice town." (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was snowing at the start line. WOW. I still loved this run. Camel is a very cool town. Route is super and very well supported. Real good expo. Number 212 for me and I highly recommend it.
J. B. from Cincinnati (4/14/2021) "Highly Recommended" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Carmel Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've done over 400 races of various distances and this ranks right up there at the top. I ran the half this year. In the 30s, sunny start. Had a friend pickup my bib so didn't attend the expo. Race was well organized, free parking in parking garage near the start\finish, plenty of fluid on course, nice after race layout, plenty of drinks and snacks with pancakes. Course is mostly flat with some grades. Really only one short hill at about mile 11-12. It was a bit congested for the first mile or two but then thinned out. My only complaint was with some of my fellow runners, who couldn't be bothered to wear a mask in the corrals despite being asked to do so. I would guess about 90% complied. Unsure why the other 10% could not show the race organization, the City of Carmel, and their fellow runners who complied some courtesy by wearing a mask in the start corrals. I really appreciate the race director, his organization and the City of Carmel for having an in-person event, they did a fantastic job pulling this off.
R. P. from Northern Illinois (4/5/2021) "Nice Midwest Marathon" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Carmel Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 A pleasant marathon with great support.
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (4/4/2021) "A Beautiful Community Nestled in the Northern Subu" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a beautiful little city tucked in the northern suburbs of Indianapolis. I came into town through Indianapolis to drop my dog off at her sitter's house, and I felt like I never left the city, driving north. There was a parkway - like an expressway - going north, and then cross- street bridges every mile or so. It looks like they had just under 1,100 marathon runners, but it seemed a lot bigger than that to me. The Expo was all outside, and lasted well into the evening. I did my business there and then left. But there was still a pretty large array of stuff that was out for the runners to see & buy. There were multiple parking garages nearby, and parking was free during the race. It was forecast to start out cold (near freezing) - and was to warm to about 60 during the day. That is pretty much how it worked. We had to wear a mask until crossing the start-line, then they provided masks again at the finish line (it is tough to eat and drink afterwards while wearing a mask). Anyway, the typical runner just dropper their mask on the ground across the start line, and it almost looked like blue paving stones. No worries, they got it all cleaned up - thanks to the volunteers. The course was two big loops - each one 13.1 miles long, with each loop ending at the finish line -loops with square corners. The first loop was to the east of town, and went counter-clockwise. We ran on some pretty major arterial roads that had been closed. About mile post 8 we entered and ran through some neighborhoods. The last 1-1/2 miles or so was on a paved foot & bike path. Marathon runners then exited the area and continued on the same foot and bike path for several miles to the south. Just past mile post 16, we exited the bike path and returned to running on roads again - now on the west side of town. The course now meandered north. Eventually, around mile post 23 we rejoined the same foot and bike path - now back on the north side of town. The last couple of miles were the same for both loops - the foot & bike path - with one common water station there. The course was pretty flat - with one or two short hills going up. So it was a pretty fast course. The sun was out all day, but it never got hot; pleasant weather for running, but not hot. The course crossed a lot of intersections. Some roads were closed. Some roads had one lane open and the other lane closed for the runners, and many cross-streets were open. And the course went into several neighboring communities. But law enforcement was out in number controlling traffic and keeping the runners safe. More-so early on there were several traffic back-ups where traffic was just stopped to accommodate the runners. During the first loop, I was with other runners almost constantly. After the half marathoners finished and exited the course, I was alone much of the second half. Though at some point I met up with Mike Swanson - a board member of the 50 States Marathon Club, and ran with Mike briefly. Just past mile post 22, the 5:45 pacer past me (by then he was running alone). I stayed with him briefly, but was about three minutes behind him before finishing. There was a good variety of snacks and fluids available afterwards. And the medal was one of the larger ones that I have in my collection: It is 4-1/2 inches in diameter and is pretty heavy duty brass - with a "Carmel Marathon" banner across the front, with runners above the banner, and city hall below. Very nice. I want to say a word of appreciation for Todd Oliver and for his staff and volunteers, for bringing this race to fruition this year. Many of us registered to run last year and the race was cancelled because of the China Virus. Those opting to were deferred to this year, and there is still a lot of fear out there for race directors and race boards about hosting their event in 2021. These folks all did a great job, and the runner (some that I talked to anyway) were thrilled to be running on a course again with other runners.
J. P. from South Dakota (12/9/2018) "Nice Indiana marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Carmel puts on a fine event and is a good choice for those wanting to run an Indiana marathon. Packet pickup was well run, expo average, course security very good. Could be more porta potties on the first half of the course IMO.
T. R. from Iowa (5/29/2018) "Go here for a fast time" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Basically this is a good marathon if you want to post a fast time, because the weather is likely to be cool (it was around 40 at start this year) and the course is fairly flat--not pancake flat, just a few rollers and quite a few false flats. The first half of the course is residential and reasonably scenic. Miles 17-23 go through a large stretch of office parks and the like and is kind of desolate. And not well-shielded from the wind. This year (2018) wind was from the south, but a north wind would make that course very difficult because of that 17-23 stretch. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. Community support was basically nil--almost no spectators. Swag was pretty minimal, and yes the shirt is pretty, um, aesthetically challenged. Basically I ran this course to hit a BQ-5 (having missed entry into 2017 BM by 19 seconds) and accomplished that. So nothing else really mattered much to me, and I suspect that's true for a fairly decent fraction of the field. Done 4 standalone marathons plus 1 IM.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (4/15/2018) "Flat course, bring your own GU" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Carmel Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The course is great, not a lot of races this time of year so to say its the second largest is because where else are you going to run? I did really like the race BUT they need to have nutrition on the course. Ugly shirt but cool medal Flat fast course No spectators or entertainment for as large of a race it is (if you care about that kind of thing) Good race to run to fine tune for your spring race
P. P. from Nashville, TN (4/6/2018) "Great event" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a well organized & well run event. The course is touted as flat, but I'd say it's more of rolling hills. The worst thing was after finishing the first loop of the marathon, we had to run under the finisher's arch.....that was kind of a bummer.
C. D. from IL (4/3/2018) "Good race, but below average after party." (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Carmel Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Weather was almost ideal. Needed more porta pots. Organization was very good. Never running alone, even on the marathon. I averaged a 7:36/mile. The route was flat and slightly rolling hills. Carmel is a richie area. The after party was the biggest disappointment. Parking was free and close. I have run 2 marathons, and probably 25 halfs.

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Marathon Details - Carmel Marathon