FAQ
Get the latest answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Indy Women's Half Marathon & 5k.
What is the Indy Women’s Half Marathon?
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 Military Park.
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.)
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.
What are parking options for the Expo/Packet Pickup?
Parking for packet pickup is permitted on city streets around Military Park and 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.
May I switch my registration to another person?
Yes! You can transfer your entry to another participant online for a $10 transfer fee plus the cost of the difference in registration rates and processing fees. For example, if you registered at a discounted “early bird” rate, the person you are transferring to will be charged the difference between the early bird rate and the current registration price.
To transfer an entry, select the "Transfer” option on the online registration form. After you transfer out, you will receive a transfer code. The new registrant must use your transfer code to transfer in, and can only register for the same race distance you transferred out of.
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.
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.
Will post-race massages be available?
Yes! Complimentary massage services will be provided by Pinnacle Chiropractic and Wellness.
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.