What is the Indy Women’s Half Marathon?

The Indy 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. In its 9 years 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 Indy Women’s Half Marathon is a special race with a special atmosphere.

Where and when is the Indianapolis Women’s Half Marathon?

The Indianapolis Women’s Half Marathon & 5K will be held on September 25, 2021. Start and Finish activities will be held at IUPUI Michael Carroll Stadium.

Why is the race for women only?

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

Can men participate?

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.

Can I walk the Indianapolis Women’s Half Marathon?

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.

Are jogging strollers allowed in the Indy Women’s Half Marathon or 5K?

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

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

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 Military Park on Friday, Sept. 24th at Packet Pickup, or on race morning from 6:00 am-7:30 pm, prior to the race. If you are participating virtually, there is no need to pick up your race packet- it will be mailed to you after you submit your virtual results.

When and where is packet pick-up?

Packets must be picked up during the pre-race event on Friday, September 24th at the Indy Women's Half Packet pickup. Due to COVID-19 Health and Safety regulations, there will be a smaller expo-type packet pickup on Friday, September 24th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Michael Carroll Stadium on the IUPUI Campus. We will also hold Packet Pickup on Saturday morning, prior to the race, from 6:00 am until 7:30 am.

What are parking options for the Expo/Packet Pickup?

Parking for packet pickup is permitted on city streets around the IUPUI campus.

May I switch my registration from one race to another?

Yes! You may upgrade (5K to half marathon) or downgrade (half marathon to 5K) your registration using the online registration form. Given the uncertainty of COVID-19 we will also allow you to transfer your registration to the Virtual option at no cost until September 1st. To upgrade, you'll just need to pay the difference between the cost of the 5K and the Half Marathon registration fees. You may downgrade to the 5K at no cost.

May I switch my registration to another person?

Yes but all transfers must go through Race Headquarters. Transfer fees include a $10 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 $10 (transfer) + $25 (difference in fee) = $35 + processing. To initiate a transfer, email Race Headquarters HERE with the new participant’s email

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

The Race Director, Official Medical Director, and Indianapolis 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. (For 2021 ONLY- Should the event be forced to cancel due to City or State COVID-19 Health & Safety guidelines, 2021 registrations may be subject to deferral, virtual option transfers or refunds. If the race is held, refunds are not available, however you can contact race staff to defer to 2022 or transfer to the virtual option.)

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

You may confirm your online registration here.

How can I volunteer to help with the Indianapolis Women’s Half Marathon?

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, click here.

Are there pacers for the half marathon?

Yes, the Indy 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.

*Note - Due to possible COVID-19 restrictions, pacers may not be available for 2021.

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

Yes! You can register for the Virtual Race through our registration site. Virtual racers receive an Indy Women’s Half and 5K tank top and a medal. Simply submit proof of your run within our Virtual Results link (you may also upload a screenshot of photo of your tracking device) and we will send you a shirt and a medal. You may complete this run anytime after September 18th. Shirts and medals will be mailed on a weekly basis starting a week after the completion of the race. Virtual runs must be completed and proof of distance/time submitted prior to December 1, 2021.

What kind of shirt is available for race participants? Can I get a short sleeve shirt?

The official race shirt for the 2020 Indy Women's Half Marathon and 5K is a super soft tank. All participants will receive this tank. A handful of early registrants who signed up for the race prior to 8/21 were given the special option to order a short-sleeve t-shirt but the official race shirt remains a tank. *2021 Shirt Information Coming Soon

How do I register?

Click here to register online.

Will post-race massages be available?

Yes! Complimentary massage services will be provided by Pinnacle Chiropractic and Wellness. (Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, we reserve the right to cancel this portion of the post-race celebrations.)

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

We offer both water and Gatorade at every water stop. In addition, we’ll have PowerBar gels available at mile 10.

Are there port-o-lets on the course?

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.

What Health and Safety Guidelines are being implemented due to COVID-19

This year's race will be capped at 1000 total participants between the Half Marathon and the 5K. In addition, there will not be a traditional Fitness Expo, but a scaled down version along with an outdoor packet pickup. Packet pickup will also be available race morning. The 5K will start 10 minutes prior to the Half Marathon, and we'll have a wave start, with 250 participants per wave. All volunteers and staff will have temperature checks and will be required to wear masks and/or gloves when social distancing is not available. Runners will need to wear masks to packet pickup and pre/post race, but not during the race itself. We appreciate all of your support during this uncertain time, and ask that you politely follow all health and safety guidelines.

What parking is available on race day?

Parking at the IUPUI surface lots #58 & #80 will be free race morning. This lots are directly across the street (north) from the race start/finish area. Click here for a map