Largest endurance running event in Central Indiana sees 30 percent growth and max-capacity fields
CARMEL, Ind. (July 9, 2024) – The 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race and Cat Nap 5K, the largest endurance running race in Central Indiana, returns on Saturday, July 13 with a sold-out field for the fifth consecutive year and registrants from 15 states. Event organizers CRRG Events increased event capacity by 28 percent yet again broke registration records with 30 percent growth over 2023. The 8-Hour Dream is the second sold-out CRRG Events race of the year. Taking place in the shadows of Butler University’s historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the event gives participants eight hours to run, walk or stroll as far as they can before celebrating with friends, food and music.
The fixed duration event includes four divisions: SOLO, TEAM, RC (Running Club) Cup and, new for 2024, FC (Fitness Club) Cup. The unique format of the popular event offers long (3.1 miles) and short (1.89 miles) course loops on a combination of pavement and dirt towpath as well as “Bulldog’s Revenge,” an infamous hill on traditional trail surface. The Cat Nap 5K gives participants the option to race one lap of the long course. The race is scored based on the total distance covered during the eight-hour time frame. Participants chose which course to run each lap based on strategy against competition, course conditions and weather conditions.
Current course record holder (53.58 miles) and 2023 overall race winner Bibo Gao will be at the start line looking to increase her mileage over the eight hours, with a valid challenger in current male SOLO course record holder Aaron Kremer. Lauren Manuel will also return with an impressive ten consecutive podium finishes. Fishers Running Club will race to defend their RC Cup title against a record number of entrants, while ten teams will challenge each other to take home the inaugural FC Cup.
The course starts and ends at the tent village outside Hinkle Fieldhouse, allowing for participants to refuel throughout the event. Spectators are welcome to cheer on racers and provide support throughout the eight hours. All events begin at 10 a.m. Eastern, finishing at 6 p.m. culminating with award presentations, a complimentary cookout, beer garden and live band.
Course maps, race day schedules and more information are available at 8HourDream.com.
