Do you have a little one in a stroller but still want to walk/run some 5K (or other distance) races in our Hoosier state? I have a list* for you!
My husband and I just welcomed our newborn to the world three weeks ago. Prior to me getting pregnant (and into the first trimester) I would speed walk + jog 5Ks with my husband (he’d run the whole thing and finish well before my hybrid walk/jog/walk approach). Now, I still want to participate but I have a little passenger in a stroller to account for.
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- Me finishing the Mill Race 5K, about one month pregnant
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- Our newborn son in his stroller at 3 weeks on a walk
There are many races in the Indy and surrounding areas which are family (and stroller) friendly. I tried to find an already made list and while there are some out there they focus more on walking and family vs being a list about strollers. Hopefully this list is helpful to other active parents in Indiana.
April
Carmel Marathon
Location: Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts, Carmel
Events: Marathon, half marathon, 8K and 5K
Register: www.carmelmarathon.com/pages/registration
Summary: All events are walker-friendly. Strollers, wheelchairs, baby joggers, and dogs are allowed in the 5K only. Various music entertainment/performers are placed along the race path.
Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure
Location: Historic Military Park at White River State Park, Indianapolis
Events: 2.5 miles and 1 mile races
Register: http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR?fr_id=7513&pg=entry
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly. Raises funds and awareness for breast cancer.
May
Run with Shears
Location: Indiana State Museum Lawn, Indianapolis
Events: 5K
Register: http://racemaker.org/event/runwithshears5k/
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly. Benefits memorial for emergency medical technicians and paramedics who lost their lives serving our communities.
Taco Run Indy
Location: Daredevil Brewing Co, Speedway
Events: 5K
Register: http://racemaker.org/event/taco-run-indy/
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly. Plus, tacos are tasty.
June
PanCan Purple Stride
Location: White River State Park, Celebration Plaza, Indianapolis
Events: 5K
Register: https://secure.pancan.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=purplestride_event_details&fr_id=1681
Summary: Walker, stroller and wheelchair friendly. The walk to end pancreatic cancer.
Dragon Dash
Location: New Palestine Elementary School, New Palestine
Events: 5K and 1 mile
Register: https://raceroster.com/events/2019/22265/2019-dragon-dash-5k-1-mile-runwalk
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly
July
Carmelfest Freedom Run
Location: Carmel High School, Carmel
Events: 4.5 mile run or a 1.5 mile walk
Register: http://www.tuxbro.com/entry-info/FreedomRun/FreedomRun-Home.php
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly
Bubble Run
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis
Events: 5K
Register: https://bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/indianapolis-in/
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly. And bubbles.
August
Colts Finish on the 50
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Events: 5K, Fun Run
Register: https://www.colts.com/events/5k
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly. Also get a free preseason game ticket.
Donut Judge Me
Location: White River State Park – Indianapolis
Events: 5K
Register: https://131events.com/donut-judge-me-5k/donuts-indianapolis/
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly. Getup to 6 donuts when you finish.
September
Mill Race Marathon
Location: The Commons, Columbus
Events: Marathon, 5K, Half Marathon, Kids Fun Run
Register: http://www.millracemarathon.com/register/
Summary: Walker friendly with time limits (15 minute-per-mile time limit for the Marathon. 17 minute-per-mile time limit for the Half Marathon. 24 minute-per-mile time limit for the 5K). Wheelchair friendly. 5K only is stroller friendly. Run scenic downtown Columbus, plus there’s a Bike giveaway!
Fair on the Square
Location: 1 Courthouse Square, Danville
Events: Half Marathon, 5K
Register: https://www.faironthesquarehalf.com
Summary: Walker friendly. Return for stroller status. Scenic course, fair food, and a ride on the Ferris Wheel.
October
Haunted Hustle 5K
Location: Jordan YMCA , Indianapolis
Events: 5K
Register: https://indymca.org/event/2019-haunted-hustle-5k/
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly. Costumes encouraged.
November
Brown County Hilly Half Marathon
Location: North Gate at Brown County State Park, Nashville
Events: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Register: https://browncountyhillyhalf.com/
Summary: Walker and stroller friendly. Scenic route through Brown County State Park.
*Some races intentionally left off as they repeat location, example White River State Park is a popular location.
Virtual Options
You can always participate in virtual races – get the swag (shirt, medal, etc.) and support a cause but complete the race at your own set date, time, and location. I use ‘Map My Run’ to plot several 5K courses in my area to use as my race path. Sample.
Save the Manatee – Raise awareness about manatees. Proceeds from the 5K go to support the education and conservation work of Save the Manatee Club, a Florida-based, international nonprofit organization.
The Great Pumpkin Run – Celebrate fall with a lightweight tech hoodie, a race bib, and a finisher’s medal. Complete your 3.1 miles anytime between September 1st and November 11th.
Did I miss your favorite stroller-friendly race? Let me know! Looking for another piece of info but I didn’t include it? Suggest it in the comments!
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