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Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben

Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben offers a fall race with a unique 'Kill the Hill' challenge.

Race Date

Oct 3, 2026

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Runner Favorite85

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K run | kids run
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
39,235

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Well Organized

Course

Fast FlatScenic Route

The Experience

The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben is a well-established fall race, first run in 1996 and now in its 29th edition. It draws runners from around 24 states, with a loyal following where about 30% return each year. The event typically sees around 1086 finishers, with a growing field size indicating its enduring popularity.

The course, located at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, is USATF certified and known for its flat profile, though it includes a notable "Kill the Hill" challenge to test participants. This unique feature adds an element of excitement to the otherwise straightforward road race.

Runners can expect typical fall race conditions, with average temperatures between 56-76°F. The race offers a 5K and kids run alongside the half marathon, making it a potential event for families.

Race-provided description

Join us on October 5, 2024, at the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben - a great fall race with a fun “Kill the Hill” challenge thrown in to keep it interesting.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Indianapolis, IN

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

5K run | kids run

USATF Certified Course

IN20007TDK · Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben - 2020

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Runner Favorite85
Methodology
Heritage20/20

29 years running

Size15/15

~1,086 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

30% returning runners

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 3 photos

National draw8/10

runners from 24 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 0:31:00

Weather0/10

typical high 76°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

56°

Afternoon (High)

76°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

9 mph

Wind

68%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 39,235 finishers actually crossed the line across 29 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

39,235

Median time

2:10:31

Latest turnout

1,086

States

50

10%
25%
75%
90%
0:30p50 median ≈ 2:106:00

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben?

The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben is held on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Where does the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben take place?

It takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What distances does the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K run | kids run.

Is the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben course flat and good for a PR?

The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben is a rolling hills, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben?

HalfRuns has finish records for 39,235 runners who have completed the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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