5K races near Anderson

The Unified Group Services Run/Walk for Cancer is a charity event in Anderson, Indiana, held at Harrah's Hoosier Park, 4500 Dan Patch Circle. It features a 5K run/walk and a one-mile Honor Walk, allowing participants to join regardless of pace or distance. The 5K begins and ends on the racetrack. The walk covers a 7/8-mile lap around the Hoosier Park track. Participants may register individually or as a team. The venue's Jumbotron will feature attendees. Proceeds benefit the Ascension St. Vincent Anderson Foundation, aiding patients and families of the Ascension St. Vincent Anderson Cancer Center.

The Women's Running Festival, a women-only race day in Carmel, Indiana, is held at the Carmel Courthouse Gazebo. It offers half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances, featuring Indiana's original women's half marathon and the state's largest women-only half marathon. The routes follow the Monon Greenway through Midtown and Central Park, then utilize nearby city streets before finishing back at the gazebo. In a recent edition, participants came from over 30 states. The half marathon awards a cash purse to the top 20 finishers. The 10K and 5K races have podiums, and age-group awards are also presented. Runners receive free parking, complimentary food and beverages at the post-race gathering, and support for women-focused charities. The location is adjacent to shops and restaurants.

The Dragon Dash, an annual fun run, celebrates the 80's. The route winds through New Pal's neighborhoods, starting and finishing at Town Hall. It is not professionally timed, offering a laid-back time for runners, walkers, and joggers.

Turkey Trails - Indianapolis is a Thanksgiving-themed trail race held at Washington Township Park in Avon, Indiana, west of Indianapolis. Participants can choose from a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, plus an untimed 1-mile option and a kids dash for those 10 and under. This annual, family-friendly event is centered around the holiday season, encouraging costumes and offering youth pricing for the 5K and 10K. The routes are set within the park's natural terrain, offering a more relaxed trail outing compared to a large city road race. Runners receive chip timing, live results, awards, complimentary photos, a performance shirt, and a custom medal. The finish area provides post-run refreshments. The kids dash is free without the shirt-and-medal package, and a virtual option allows participation remotely while still receiving race merchandise.

Bolt for the Heart is a Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk starting at 9:00 a.m. Eastern, designed as a family event rather than exclusively for runners. The main race welcomes walkers and runners, offering free entry for very young children and older seniors. A virtual 5K option with packet mailing is also available for those participating from afar. The race's purpose is specific: Bolt for the Heart raises funds to equip law enforcement patrol cars with automatic external defibrillators, enabling faster response during cardiac arrest. The program also features a Play for Jake entry, which includes a quarter-zip shirt, a T-shirt, and a donation, connecting the holiday race to a wider lifesaving initiative.

The Candy Cane Course in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a Christmas-themed running event held at White River State Park. It features a Kids Dash, an untimed 1 Mile, timed 5K, 10K, and 15K races. A virtual option is available, along with a Volunteer then Run entry for those wishing to assist and participate. The in-person timed races include chip timing, live results, and awards. The 1 Mile race offers a more relaxed pace. All finishers receive a custom bib, designer shirt, and medal. Free race photos and post-race treats are provided. Youth pricing is available for runners aged 12 and under in the 5K, 10K, and 15K races.

The Holiday Lights @ the Rails 5K & Kids Dash begins at Depot Street Park in Greenfield, Indiana, sending participants along the Pennsy Trail for a winter evening. This 5K trail run/walk includes a separate Kids Dash, catering to adults, families, walkers, and children, not solely competitive runners. The course incorporates Depot Street Park and Brandywine Park, with participants looping between them. Along the way, they will see holiday light displays in Greenfield Parks. Indy Runners and Walkers hosts the event. The race embraces the season with jingle bells and lights on a short course, emphasizing a festive local night out.

Donut holes are available at water stops, not just after the finish, indicating the nature of this 5K. The Donut 5K Holiday Run/Walk is a December event in Carmel, Indiana, centered at Clay Terrace and St. Vincent Sports Performance. Runners and walkers navigate a holiday-themed 5K course. While playful, it's also competitive: the top three male and female finishers receive cash prizes, and the event attracts a strong field for a Central Indiana 5K. Jack's Donuts of Carmel provides donuts throughout the course and at the finish. Age-group winners receive specialty donuts, and each bib offers a buy-one-get-one-free donut deal. The race supports local animal rescues, having donated over $100,000 historically. Dogs are permitted to participate. Packet pickup, vendors, and the post-race gathering are held at St. Vincent Sports Performance. The after-party is a brief walk to Upland Brewing, which opens early for participants with a grab-and-go breakfast option.

The Midwest's flattest, fastest Spring marathon and half marathon consistently ranks in the top-25 for Boston Qualifying. All distances share the same start and finish, ideal for spectators and families. Earn custom finisher medals unique to each distance, then enjoy pancakes and free beer to celebrate.