Positive momentum continues with returning champions, large elite field, multi-year partnerships
CARMEL, Ind. (March 7, 2023) – For the third consecutive year, the Carmel Marathon Presented by Franciscan Health has sold out. The 13th annual Carmel Marathon Weekend, held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Carmel, Indiana, also hosts the Carmel Half Marathon, Indiana Spine Group 10K, Indiana Members Credit Union 5K, and a marathon relay.
The Carmel Marathon Weekend has garnered national attention as a fast and flat race, conditions ideal for Boston Marathon qualifying times, personal records and elite runners aiming to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials. In 2021 the entire marathon field had an average finish time of 3:59, a rare result from a non point-to-point course. The 2023 event will host multiple returning champions and includes the largest elite field in its history.
In addition to the elite runners, more than 30 participants will head to the start line keeping their streak alive as finishers in the 12 previous years of the event. The average age of the streakers is 54, with the oldest to be 72 on race day. The Carmel Marathon Weekend streakers will be recognized on race morning during opening ceremonies.
The event has again been awarded with the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Championship designation. This year the largest running association in the United States chose the Carmel Half Marathon as its Central Region Championship event, and the marathon distance will host the 2023 RRCA Indiana State Championship Event for Indiana. RRCA Championship Events are designated annually at the State, Regional, and National level through a competitive bidding process.
The event has also enjoyed the growth of strong corporate partnerships. Franciscan Health, an event partner since 2014, has returned in a multiyear agreement including medical support and presenting sponsor rights for the full marathon. Indiana Spine Group extended its three-year partnership through 2025, continuing its title sponsorship of the 10K event as well as its role as presenting sponsor of the post-race Pancake Village, a free and popular offering for all race participants. Both health organizations have a local presence in Carmel along the race course.
“We’re really excited and thankful about another sellout in our marathon,” said Todd Oliver, race director for the Carmel Marathon Weekend. “There are a lot of spring marathon options so hitting our 1,200-person capacity three years in a row indicates we are on the right track.”
While the full marathon has hit its capacity limit, a waitlist option is available. The Carmel Half Marathon is expected to sell out as well. For more information and registration, please visit CarmelMarathon.com.
About the Carmel Marathon Weekend:
The 13th annual Carmel Marathon Weekend on Saturday, April 8, 2023 will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K, as well as a marathon relay. The Carmel Marathon Presented by Franciscan Health is the second largest marathon in Indiana and the largest running event in the city of Carmel. The event offers a fast course (certified Boston Qualifier) through the popular Indianapolis suburb of Carmel, Indiana. To learn more, please visit CarmelMarathon.com.
