Kilts, beer and burgers? Check out these family-friendly running and walking events in the Indianapolis area for September and October.
While the Action Air Team is making sure your home is comfortable for fall, we know you’re looking for family-friendly things to do outdoors. If walking or running is on your list of favorite activities, you’ve got plenty of options.
Fun-runs and competitive races are great community events, and better yet, provide ways to support area non-profits and other organizations who are making a difference in people’s lives. Take a look at these running events going on in central Indiana over the next couple of months. And as always, when you’re ready to have your HVAC system serviced, give us a call. We will get you ready for the colder seasons ahead.
September 16, Fishers
The Choose to Move race supports the Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation and helps Hoosiers with Parkinson’s Disease through their CLIMB exercise programs and other initiatives. This 5K run and 1 mile walk starts at 9:30am, and includes timed chips and USATF sanctioned routes.
St. Vincent Cancer Run/Walk Challenge
September 16, Zionsville
This 3-mile and 6-mile run/walk starts at 8 a.m., and benefits patients at St. Vincent Cancer Care. The St. Vincent Cancer Challenge has raised nearly 2 million dollars to support patients and families facing cancer, and 100% of all funds raised by participants has helped inspire hope by making a variety of programs and services possible.
September 16, Plainfield
The Power Up 5K benefits the United Way, and is “Flippin’ the Switch” on fun, fitness, and philanthropy! This fall evening 5K race & fun run boasts a fast course and will end with an after-party hosted by Bru Burger. All participants in this family-friendly event will receive a T-shirt and medal. In addition, all finishers age 21 and over will receive a free beer from Bru Burger.
September 17, Indianapolis
Part of the 22nd Annual Indy Irish Fest, this mile run starts at 2 p.m. Don your kilt and be cheered on by bagpipes and fans. Trophies will be awarded to top finishers, and additional awards include “Bonniest Knees,” “Best Step Dance in a Kilt,” “Least Likely to Finish,” and “Best Dressed Kilt.”
September 17, Indianapolis
The 4th Annual BACA Bolt for Autism 5K takes place at Fort Harrison State Park, and is hosted by the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA). Proceeds go to benefit BACA Charities. Some of the events funded in the past by BACA Charities are Youth Fun Night, Teen Karaoke Night and Teen Bowling Night, which are all adaptive programs offered at the Monon Community Center in Carmel, Ind. The BACA Bolt is family-friendly, and there will be an activity tent available for children filled with outdoor games and activities from Lakeshore Learning Materials.
September 27, Location is Your Choice
This virtual run event celebrates September 27, which is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. To participate, you complete a race on your own and submit your time to the website. Your medal will be shipped directly to you. Proceeds are donated to GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Services), whose mission is to empower girls and young women, ages 12–24, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential.
September 30, Westfield
Urban Vines and Grand Junction are teaming up to offer the first ever “Grapes and Grains” 5K. Ticket includes 5K run, shirt and one drink after you finish. Runners who prefer wine will start at Grand Junction Taproom and finish at Urban Vines. Runners who prefer beer will start from Urban Vines and finish at Grand Junction Taproom. A shuttle will be provided to transport you back to your car from 10:30 p.m. – noon. This event is not timed and is non-competitive. Children are welcome to run but will still need a ticket.
October 5, Broad Ripple
The Ripple Effect welcomes people of all ages and ability levels, and includes a 5k competitive run (timed), and a 5K non-competitive run/walk (not timed). Proceeds from the event benefit the Broad Ripple Village Association, a nonprofit focused on enriching the community, attracting investment, amplifying public spaces, and improving quality of life.
October 7, Carmel
The Brain Bolt benefits the treatment and care of traumatic brain injuries, and takes place at the Carmel Gazebo at Civic Square in Carmel. It is a family-friendly 5K walk/run that includes the Monon Trail. Participants will also enjoy musical entertainment, local food trucks, and activities for kids. Organizations anticipate more than 300 race participants and family members in attendance.
October 14, Indianapolis
Get Your Rear in Gear includes a 5K run/walk and a kids’ fun run. Event proceeds help raise funds for colon cancer awareness efforts in Indiana. Money raised will stay in the community to encourage screening and education for the nation’s No. 2 cancer killer. Enjoy post-run refreshments, tech shirts for all participants, and marathon quality medals for age group winners. Awards for the Most Creative Team, Largest Team, Top Individual and Top Team Fundraisers, will be given at the event. The event also includes the opportunity to honor survivors and remember those lost to colon cancer.
October 21, Noblesville
“Haul those cans to the bank and your bum to the finish!” The first ever Harvest Haul 5k run and 1.5 mile run/walk is a family-friendly event where participants can enjoy a morning of fun, running, and raffles. All race proceeds support the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank. There is no age minimum, and strollers/pets are welcome. Race cost is $20 and includes an event t-shirt.
October 28, Indianapolis
The Pleasant Run Vampire Run is a 5-mile run, and 3-mile family walk through the streets of Historic Irvington. This event also includes a ‘Little Bat Dash’ kids’ run. The Pleasant Run Vampire Run is part of the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival, a week-long Halloween celebration that is one of the longest running festivals in Indianapolis. Proceeds benefit the programs of the Historic Irvington Community Council, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Irvington.
October 28, Fishers
Treat yourself to the ultimate Halloween 5K Run/Walk at the Four Day Ray Brewery in Downtown Fishers. The 5k course winds through downtown, finishing in style with one of the “biggest and most unique finisher medals in the country – the coveted 16 oz. copper plated mug.” You’ll also enjoy your first couple beers on the Brewery. There will be other post-race goodies for those under 21 – Halloween costumes are encouraged.
For a complete list of fall running events in Indiana, visit the Indy Runners website.