Race Update

For 2021, the Eagle Creek Trail Marathon will be taking a break while the park catches up on their new trail construction on the west side of the reservoir.  A phrase we’ve all heard thousands of times over the past year – “Due to COVID” – the new trail system will not be usable for this event, and the old trail route is no longer and option.

To help make up for the loss of trail fun in ’21, we’ve added the new DNF “Do No Fall” Trail Run on October 9th.  Registration is open and full details are posted on the website.

 

The 12th Annual Eagle Creek Trail Marathon

The Eagle Creek Trail Marathon remains #1 for urban based trail marathons across the USA. Offering the quarter, half and full marathon distances, this race is one you won’t want to miss!

What You Get at the Race

  • An unforgettable experience running the “Best Urban Based Trail Marathon” in the country (Trail Runner Magazine, 2011)
  • Choose either the super soft short sleeve unisex race tee in triblend black, or the racer favorite women’s racerback tank, also in triblend black. (or save some money and elect the “no shirt” option).
  • Celebrate with 2020 Finisher Medal!  This heavy duty 6″ black matte beauty will be yours when you cross that finish line!
  • Customize the name on your Race Bib (must register by midnight, July 19th)
  • NEW for 2020!  For finishers in the Half and Full Marathon, you’ll cross that line and grab the all new black stainless water bottle, Take It Outside! – Get Up. Get Out. Get Running.
  • Free to download, professional, high-resolution, race photos. If you know us, we’ll have hundreds to choose from.
  • Post-race snacks and beverages!
  • A self gratifying sense of accomplishment that you conquered an event that only a small number of people get to do each year (remember the field is limited and this event will sell out!)
CLOSED

Registration

This race is limited to the first 600 racers to make sure the trails are not overcrowded and parking remains under control.

THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT EVERY YEAR FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS – DO NOT DELAY.

REGISTRATION FOR 2021 WILL OPEN IN MARCH

Need a Hotel Room?

We have a special rate for you at the Courtyard Marriott Indianapolis Carmel.  Use the link below to reserve your room now!

COURTYARD INDIANAPOLIS CARMEL

  • 37 W 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290
Book Your Room

2020 FINISHER MEDAL

You will be amazed at the 2020 Heavy Duty Bling you’ll receive when you cross that finish line!  For the 11th annual race we will be featuring a 6″ finisher medal, extra thick in a black matte finish!

2020 RACE SHIRTS

Choose either the super soft short sleeve unisex race tee in triblend black, or the racer favorite women’s racerback tank, also in triblend black. (or save some money and elect the “no shirt” option).

2020 FINISHER BOTTLE

New for 2020! Finishers in the Half & Full Marathon distances will also receive at the finish line, this all new black stainless water bottle – TAKE IT OUTSIDE! GET UP. GET OUT. GET RUNNING.

Race Details

Schedule & Location

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR 2020 CHANGES TO SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

Start Times – All times APPROXIMATE and designed to help spread out the field. ALL DISTANCES – Please be prepared to start at 7:30am:

  • Full Marathon: 7:30 am (Eastern Time)
  • Half Marathon: 7:35am (Eastern Time)
  • Quarter Marathon: 7:40am (Eastern Time)
  • ALL DISTANCES WILL BE SMALL WAVE STARTS BASED ON ANTICIPATED FINISH TIME. DETAILS WILL BE EXPLAINED AT THE RACE.
  • Masks or face coverings are required before and immediately after the race. You do NOT need to wear a mask while running or walking.
  • Please see modified course information in the tab below.

Race Cutoff time: Full Marathon runners must start their second lap before 10:40am – FULL MARATHON IS NOW 4 LAPS ON THE MODIFIED COURSE. You must begin your 3rd lap by 10:40am.

Location: Eagle Creek Park’s Eagle Crest, Indianapolis Indiana NEW LOCATION: Eagle Creek Park Beach Parking Area

No Early Packet Pickup:

  • Early packet pickup has been canceled to move everything outdoors on race day.

Race Day Packet Pickup – Saturday, August 1st:

  • 6:00am-7:15am
  • Race Start Location at Eagle Creek Park
Course Information

Due to COVID-19 impacts on trail development, the west side of the park is stuck in the middle of construction that should have been completed months ago.  As a result, the previous trail system is no longer accessible and the new trail is not completed and has been deemed unsafe for our event.

After a great deal of discussion with the park staff, we have jointly decided to move this year’s event to the east side of the park on our Winter/Summer/Night trail course.

This means that the half marathon is now 2 laps and the full marathon is 4 laps on this 6.55 mile course.

We will return to the original course in 2021.

Course Map:  View the Course Map

 

Course Description:

The Eagle Creek course is mostly single track through forested park around Eagle Creek Reservoir. About 90% of the course is extremely runnable, but there are a few sections with steep, but short hills with lots of roots. It allows you to open up your stride on the flat sections, yet has just enough technical sections to make it interesting.  
 
There will be a little bit of everything…but mostly single track through the woods going over roots and branches.  There is a grassy open section, and there is spot you will cross over a road and run on pavement for a short distance.
 
The out and back course is 13.1 miles in length, Half Marathoners will run this once and Full course racers will complete the course twice.

All events start and finish at Eagles Crest following the trails to the south, crosses the causeway on 56th Street (street will be closed) and then north into the trail system on the east side of the park.

The Quarter Marathon distance does not cross 56th street, this distance will turn around at the “Big Bear” before the road crossing.

Awards

All racers receive the custom finisher medal.  

NOTE:  Overall Top 3 Awards are presented as soon as the 3rd place finisher in each group finishes.  Age Group awards can be picked up at the awards table after you finish, just check the results screen and look for your place in the Age Group column.

Top 3 Male and Female in all Divisions

Age Groups Male & Female (Awards are 3-deep for fields greater than 100, 1-deep for less than)
Divisions:

  • Under 18
  • 18-24
  • 25-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60+ Masters Division

You will automatically be entered into the correct division based on your age.