
Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K
Indiana's largest women-only half marathon offers a big-race feel with small-town hospitality.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Carmel, IN
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Carmel, Indiana
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K, 1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 10,070
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Indiana Women's Running Festival in Carmel offers a unique experience as the largest women-only half marathon in the state. Now in its 13th year, this event has grown to become one of the ten largest female-only half marathons in the U.S., attracting runners from around the country, with 34 states represented recently.
The course winds through Carmel, showcasing fall colors with a scenic route that includes shade, parks, ponds, and trees. While USATF certified and largely flat, it provides a beautiful backdrop for runners. The atmosphere is electric, fueled by women encouraging and supporting women, creating a special camaraderie on race day.
Beyond the run, the festival boasts a lively post-race party in Civic Square, featuring free food, treats, and adult beverages, rivaling even larger events. With competitive fields, top-3 age group awards, and a top-20 cash purse for the half marathon, it’s a destination event that blends performance with community spirit.
Race-provided description
~ 2026 Indiana Women's Running Festival ~ Half Marathon, 10K, & the Inspiring Women 5K! Enjoy the fall colors in Carmel ~ The largest women-only Half Marathon event in Indiana ~ Enjoy the fall colors in Carmel by joining us in one of the three distances offered; half marathon, 10K and 5K. The half marathon is one of the ten largest, female-only half marathons in the US. To show our support for women's sports, it is the ONLY women's half marathon that pays a top-20 cash purse. Known for its big race feel with small town hospitality, the event offers competitive fields, top-3 age group awards in all distances, beautiful courses and electric atmosphere that has attracted ladies from all over the US! 34 states were represented in 2025. Women encouraging and supporting women makes it a special day. Toeing the line with friends and family, participating for themselves or others. The course offers a beautiful run with shade, parks, ponds and trees. The wonderful post-race area party in Civic Square offers more than most larger marathon events including free food, treats and adult beverages. Free parking at the Expo and on race day! Within walking distance shopping, restaurants and more! There is something special at a women-only event. Join us to see what everyone is talking about.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Ladies cut short sleeve or razorback tank
Start Location
3 Civic Square, Carmel, IN, 46032
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IN25007TDK · Indiana Women's Running Festival Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9113 years running
~728 finishers a year
shrinking
23% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 9 photos
runners from 24 states
winner 1:16:26
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
45°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
65%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 10,070 finishers actually crossed the line across 13 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
10,070
Median time
2:15:48
Latest turnout
365
States
42
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K?
The Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K take place?
It takes place in Carmel, Indiana.
What distances does the Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K, 1 Miles.
Is the Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 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 Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 10,070 runners who have completed the Women's Running Festival featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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