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Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K

Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K

Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon offers a fast, flat course through a vibrant university campus.

Race Date

Oct 24, 2026

Location

West Lafayette, IN

Runner Favorite96

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location
West Lafayette, Indiana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
17,622

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Big Crowd EnergyWell OrganizedGreat Swag

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon, now in its 15th year, is a beloved fixture on the university calendar. Held annually in October, this race draws over 5,000 competitors, with recent editions seeing around 2,377 finishers. Runners hail from approximately 42 states, highlighting its appeal as a destination event.

The USATF-certified course is known for its speed, featuring a net drop of zero and minimal start/finish separation, making it a prime spot for personal bests. The route winds through the scenic Purdue University Campus and parts of West Lafayette, offering a pleasant running environment.

With a repeat-runner loyalty rate of about 29%, the Boilermaker Half-Marathon has cultivated a dedicated following. The typical race-day weather is cool and crisp, with average temperatures between 47–64°F, contributing to a comfortable racing experience.

Race-provided description

BOILER UP on Saturday, October 24 at the 15th Annual Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5k, Presented by the Franciscan OrthoIndy Surgery Center! Join the crowd of 5,000+ competitors at this classic event outside of Ross-Ade Stadium, the home for Purdue football! The thrilling half-marathon course travels through the gorgeous Purdue University Campus and parts of West Lafayette! While the 5k sticks to the beautiful campus!

As always, Purdue students and active/retired Military members get $5.00 off their entry!

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN, 47906

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

3.1 Miles13.1 Miles

USATF Certified Course

IN23009TDK · Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon

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

Quality Score

Runner Favorite96
Methodology
Heritage20/20

14 years running

Size15/15

~2,193 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

29% returning runners

Course & details13/15

USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos

National draw10/10

runners from 42 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:08:59

Weather8/10

typical high 64°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

47°

Afternoon (High)

64°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

66%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 17,622 finishers actually crossed the line across 14 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

17,622

Median time

2:08:46

Latest turnout

2,377

States

49

10%
25%
75%
90%
0:55p50 median ≈ 2:054:05

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 Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K?

The Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K is held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K take place?

It takes place in West Lafayette, Indiana.

What distances does the Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.

Is the Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?

The Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 17,622 runners who have completed the Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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