We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Indy Runners and Walkers Half-Marathon Spring Training Program (aka, “STP”)! Since 1986, this program has been preparing runners and walkers of all abilities to participate in spring half marathons.
Spring Training Program
We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Indy Runners and Walkers Half-Marathon Spring Training Program (aka, “STP”)! Since 1986, this program has been preparing runners and walkers of all abilities to participate in spring half marathons.
There will be a kick-off expo on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The program will then meet on Saturdays in Broad Ripple (with two exceptions) beginning January 10, 2026 and Tuesdays at Hinkle Fieldhouse (with two exceptions) starting January 13, 2026.
Your Indy Runners and Walkers membership allows you to participate in the program with no extra fee, but you must also register for the STP so we know who to expect.
Not yet a member? It becomes a two-step process:
After you join or renew (if needed), come back to register for the Spring Training Program.
There will be a kick-off expo on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The program will then meet on Saturdays in Broad Ripple (with two exceptions) beginning January 10, 2026 and Tuesdays at Hinkle Fieldhouse (with two exceptions) starting January 13, 2026.
Your Indy Runners and Walkers membership allows you to participate in the program with no extra fee, but you must also register for the STP so we know who to expect.
Not yet a member? It becomes a two-step process:
After you join or renew (if needed), come back to register for the Spring Training Program.
If you’re signed up for a race anytime in the Spring, we encourage you to join us! Our “suggested distances” for each week will target runners and walkers preparing for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 2, 2026. There will also be plenty of folks training beyond these suggested distances for earlier races.
Access to the Spring Training Program is included in your $35 yearly membership fee.
If you’re signed up for a race anytime in the Spring, we encourage you to join us! Our “suggested distances” for each week will target runners and walkers preparing for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 2, 2026. There will also be plenty of folks training beyond these suggested distances for earlier races.
Access to the Spring Training Program is included in your $35 yearly membership fee.
About the Spring Training Program
We meet twice per week, but our plans provide you with workouts throughout the week to help you build base and mileage safely. The training plans assume you have already built a basic training base before beginning the program. A half marathon training base might consist of four to six weeks of running or walking a few 2-4 mile runs/walks each week.
We provide training plans for:
About the Spring Training Program
We meet twice per week, but our plans provide you with workouts throughout the week to help you build base and mileage safely. The training plans assume you have already built a basic training base before beginning the program. A half marathon training base might consist of four to six weeks of running or walking a few 2-4 mile runs/walks each week.
We provide training plans for:
TUESDAY: RUN/WALK
WHERE: Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse (Gate 4): 510 West 49th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
WHEN:
Runners: Announcements and route explanations start at 6:00pm sharp. Run starts immediately after.
Walkers: Announcements and route explanations start at 5:35pm sharp. Walk starts at 5:45pm.
DISTANCE:
Runners: 3-6 miles.
Advanced Runners: 3-8 miles.
Walkers: 3-6 miles.
Saturday: Long Run/Walk
WHERE: Salon Etc. of Broad Ripple (formerly St. Vincent Physician/PT office) (just south of Broad Ripple Avenue): 1001 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220
WHEN: 8:00am. Please arrive a little early to allow time to park, and to find others at your pace. Announcements and route explanations start at 8:00am sharp.
DISTANCE:
Runners: 4-11 miles.
Advanced Runners: 6-15 miles.
Walkers: 3-12 miles.
TUESDAY: RUN/WALK
WHERE: Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse (Gate 4): 510 West 49th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
WHEN:
Runners: Announcements and route explanations start at 6:00pm sharp. Run starts immediately after.
Walkers: Announcements and route explanations start at 5:35pm sharp. Walk starts at 5:45pm.
DISTANCE:
Runners: 3-6 miles.
Advanced Runners: 3-8 miles.
Walkers: 3-6 miles.
Saturday:
Long Run/Walk
WHERE: Salon Etc. of Broad Ripple (formerly St. Vincent Physician/PT office) (just south of Broad Ripple Avenue): 1001 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220
WHEN: 8:00am. Please arrive a little early to allow time to park, and to find others at your pace. Announcements and route explanations start at 8:00am sharp.
DISTANCE:
Runners: 4-11 miles.
Advanced Runners: 6-15 miles.
Walkers: 3-12 miles.
#STP26 Kick-Off Expo
There will be a kick-off expo on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Hinkle Fieldhouse. It will be in the west hall. Enter Gate 4 (not Gate 1 as in the past), immediately turn left, then turn right at the end of the hall. There is no planned walk or run on this evening. You’ll get to meet your program leaders and coaches, attend a seminar that explains what to expect each week and provides some “basic training” information (seminar starts at 6:00 p.m.), and meet our wonderful club sponsors who’ll be giving out swag and discounts!
#STP26 Kick-Off Expo
There will be a kick-off expo on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Hinkle Fieldhouse. It will be in the west hall. Enter Gate 4 (not Gate 1 as in the past), immediately turn left, then turn right at the end of the hall. There is no planned walk or run on this evening. You’ll get to meet your program leaders and coaches, attend a seminar that explains what to expect each week and provides some “basic training” information (seminar starts at 6:00 p.m.), and meet our wonderful club sponsors who’ll be giving out swag and discounts!
Tuesday Schedule Deviations
On January 20, 2026 and March 31, 2026, we will move to:
Fleet Feet – Broad Ripple
1079 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220
The walkers will still meet at 5:35pm, and the runners will still meet at 6:00pm.
Tuesday Schedule Deviations
On January 20, 2026 and March 31, 2026, we will move to:
Fleet Feet – Broad Ripple
1079 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220
The walkers will still meet at 5:35pm, and the runners will still meet at 6:00pm.
Saturday Schedule Deviations
There will be no official training run/walk on Saturday, March 21, 2026 as we’re holding the Sam Costa Half and Quarter Marathons that day. We strongly encourage you to participate in our flagship race.
There will be no official training run/walk on Saturday, April 11, 2026 as we’re holding the Bulldog Jog race that day. Again, we strongly encourage you to participate in this fun race we direct with Butler University.
Saturday Schedule Deviations
There will be no official training run/walk on Saturday, March 21, 2026 as we’re holding the Sam Costa Half and Quarter Marathons that day. We strongly encourage you to participate in our flagship race.
There will be no official training run/walk on Saturday, April 11, 2026 as we’re holding the Bulldog Jog race that day. Again, we strongly encourage you to participate in this fun race we direct with Butler University.
Walkers
Walkers
You should be capable of walking at least 2 miles at 20 minutes/mile pace or faster before the program begins (40 minutes for 2 miles). Unsure of your pace? Time yourself on the Monon Trail (miles are marked) or an outdoor track (4 laps to a mile in lane one). Identify your pace then work on distance and speed over the fall and winter.
We want to assure anyone who has dreamed of completing a spring half marathon that we have a roadmap for you. We firmly believe that everyone who completes the walking program will surpass the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon requirement of 18:18 minutes/mile for a 4 hour half marathon. You may start out slower, but we are confident our training will quicken your pace as you become accustomed to the longer walks. If you are walking another spring half marathon, be sure to note the minimum pace required so that we can assist you to be prepared to walk that pace.
You should be capable of walking at least 2 miles at 20 minutes/mile pace or faster before the program begins (40 minutes for 2 miles). Unsure of your pace? Time yourself on the Monon Trail (miles are marked) or an outdoor track (4 laps to a mile in lane one). Identify your pace then work on distance and speed over the fall and winter.
We want to assure anyone who has dreamed of completing a spring half marathon that we have a roadmap for you. We firmly believe that everyone who completes the walking program will surpass the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon requirement of 18:18 minutes/mile for a 4 hour half marathon. You may start out slower, but we are confident our training will quicken your pace as you become accustomed to the longer walks. If you are walking another spring half marathon, be sure to note the minimum pace required so that we can assist you to be prepared to walk that pace.
Training Program Cost
This training program is INCLUDED with your 12-month Indy Runners and Walkers membership.
Non-members who are interested are asked to join the club. Individual dues cover 12 months and are just $35! Not sure if we’re right for you? We offer a 30 day free trial membership.
Check out our membership page for the full details.
Training Program Cost
This training program is INCLUDED with your 12-month Indy Runners and Walkers membership.
Non-members who are interested are asked to join the club. Individual dues cover 12 months and are just $35! Not sure if we’re right for you? We offer a 30 day free trial membership.
Check out our membership page for the full details.
Routes and Hydration Stations
For both Tuesdays and Saturdays, we’ll continue our fun exploration of different running routes including the Monon Trail, Central Canal Towpath, rolling hills through Williams Creek, and Butler University.
Water and sports drink will generally be stationed along the route for all but the shortest runs/walks. In addition, we typically provide water, a sports drink and light snacks at the end of each workout.
Several folks chip in to help set out coolers on the course, bring coolers to the starting point, and mark the courses. If you would like to help, please email Mark Nickerson at springtraining@indyrunners.org.
parking locations
Routes and Hydration Stations
For both Tuesdays and Saturdays, we’ll continue our fun exploration of different running routes including the Monon Trail, Central Canal Towpath, rolling hills through Williams Creek, and Butler University.
Water and sports drink will generally be stationed along the route for all but the shortest runs/walks. In addition, we typically provide water, a sports drink and light snacks at the end of each workout.
Several folks chip in to help set out coolers on the course, bring coolers to the starting point, and mark the courses. If you would like to help, please email Mark Nickerson at springtraining@indyrunners.org.
parking locations
Tuesdays
Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse
(Gate 4):
510 West 49th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Saturdays
Salon Etc. of Broad Ripple (formerly St. Vincent Physician/PT office)
(just south of Broad Ripple Avenue)
1001 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Tuesdays
Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse
(Gate 4):
510 West 49th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Saturdays
Salon Etc. of Broad Ripple (formerly St. Vincent Physician/PT office)
(just south of Broad Ripple Avenue)
1001 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Who is the program for?
• Beginning walkers and runners who wish to complete a half-marathon.
• Experienced walkers and runners who would just like to have fun and train for another half marathon, whether or not they wish to do a race.
• Experienced runners and walkers who have completed at least one half-marathon and want to get faster.
What does it look like?
• Running or Walking! Meet for runs/walks on Tuesdays and Saturdays leading up to the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 2, 2026.
• Learning! Gain a wealth of knowledge from experienced runners and walkers. These volunteers can provide both encouragement and advice. The program also includes expert-led seminars twice per month.
• Socializing! Get to know others during runs/walks and over snacks, etc. and build your community.
Who is the program for?
• Beginning walkers and runners who wish to complete a half-marathon.
• Experienced walkers and runners who would just like to have fun and train for another half marathon, whether or not they wish to do a race.
• Experienced runners and walkers who have completed at least one half-marathon and want to get faster.
What does it look like?
• Running or Walking! Meet for runs/walks on Tuesdays and Saturdays leading up to the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 2, 2026.
• Learning! Gain a wealth of knowledge from experienced runners and walkers. These volunteers can provide both encouragement and advice. The program also includes expert-led seminars twice per month.
• Socializing! Get to know others during runs/walks and over snacks, etc. and build your community.
What makes our program great?
• History of supporting runners and walkers of all levels since 1986.
• Largest training program in Indiana (250+ participants per year). You’ll find someone at your pace!
• Tuesday runs/walks held along the Central Canal Towpath (“softer” crushed limestone path) and on the Butler University campus.
• Saturday runs/walks include various routes starting in Broad Ripple.
• Training runs/walks are led by experienced runners/walkers in a wide array of paces. Team-up with volunteers and participants running or walking at a similar pace.
• Recovery snacks after runs/walks.
• Knowledgeable guest speakers delivering informative seminars.
• Opportunity for consultation with sports medicine professionals and experienced runners/walkers during scheduled Injury Checks.
• Accountability! Our past participants have told us how important accountability is in helping them be successful in the program. We use attendance sheets for all program registrants.
• Scheduled Shoe and Apparel Demos.
• Social events and pizza nights.
• Printable training schedules with the perfect workouts for you, no matter what your personal running or walking goals are! Plans have been developed by, and the program is led by, Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Level 1 Certified Coaches.
What makes our program great?
• History of supporting runners and walkers of all levels since 1986.
• Largest training program in Indiana (250+ participants per year). You’ll find someone at your pace!
• Tuesday runs/walks held along the Central Canal Towpath (“softer” crushed limestone path) and on the Butler University campus.
• Saturday runs/walks include various routes starting in Broad Ripple.
• Training runs/walks are led by experienced runners/walkers in a wide array of paces. Team-up with volunteers and participants running or walking at a similar pace.
• Recovery snacks after runs/walks.
• Knowledgeable guest speakers delivering informative seminars.
• Opportunity for consultation with sports medicine professionals and experienced runners/walkers during scheduled Injury Checks.
• Accountability! Our past participants have told us how important accountability is in helping them be successful in the program. We use attendance sheets for all program registrants.
• Scheduled Shoe and Apparel Demos.
• Social events and pizza nights.
• Printable training schedules with the perfect workouts for you, no matter what your personal running or walking goals are! Plans have been developed by, and the program is led by, Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Level 1 Certified Coaches.
A place for every pace.
Training Program Paces
These weekly runs and walks will be mileage based. We have participants with a wide variety of paces and experience levels. Your program leaders are also happy to provide advice to help you meet your goal!
We will place pace cards (7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, etc. up to 13:00) on the ground or wall to help you gather at the pace closest to your current pace. Say “Hi” to everyone – don’t be shy. This is a building block in assembling your community and support system.
As a club member, you are also invited to join in our other group runs and walks on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
A place for every pace.
Training Program Paces
These weekly runs and walks will be mileage based. We have participants with a wide variety of paces and experience levels. Your program leaders are also happy to provide advice to help you meet your goal!
We will place pace cards (7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, etc. up to 13:00) on the ground or wall to help you gather at the pace closest to your current pace. Say “Hi” to everyone – don’t be shy. This is a building block in assembling your community and support system.
As a club member, you are also invited to join in our other group runs and walks on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Training Resources
Weather Policy
Runs/walks will be canceled (likely with no make-up) if the conditions are too dangerous. A cancellation notice will typically be posted on the Indy Runners and Walkers Facebook page and Instagram account as early as possible. Unless we announce a weather-based cancellation, expect to run/walk. Rain will typically not cancel a training run/walk. However, a thunderstorm, winter storm warning, or wind chill below 0 degrees will.
Training Resources
Weather Policy
Runs/walks will be canceled (likely with no make-up) if the conditions are too dangerous. A cancellation notice will typically be posted on the Indy Runners and Walkers Facebook page and Instagram account as early as possible. Unless we announce a weather-based cancellation, expect to run/walk. Rain will typically not cancel a training run/walk. However, a thunderstorm, winter storm warning, or wind chill below 0 degrees will.
