The Geist Half Marathon will bring new experiences to runners and the community this year, while still providing the same local feel that it always has.
New to the race this year is a common start and finish line, which is just south of Casler’s Kitchen and Bar on 113th street and Olio. According to Geist Half Executive Director Aprill Shelburne, runners will be able to finish just across the Olio bridge this year.
Also new for the 2015 race is the option to run a 10k. “The 10k is designed for runners that want to challenge themselves and get away from 5k’s, but maybe they aren’t quite ready for the half marathon,” said Shelburne. Runners that have already signed up for the 5k may change to the 10k online at www.GeistHalf.com.
Runners and the community will come together during the Runner’s Expo Experience being held at St.Vincent Fishers Hospital.
If runners want the VIP treatment, they should sign up now. “If you sign up to be in the Month of May Club or VIP then you get to enjoy free adult beverages and food from Casler’s, but this will sell out so people should make sure to sign-up early.”
This year will also bring fun for kids, while still providing adults with an atmosphere they can enjoy. “There will be a kid’s play zone area that will feature things like inflatable obstacle courses and face painting. This will allow for a kids and family area to enjoy the day. Adults will still find the beer garden for an adult atmosphere.”
And Shelburne is happy with the results of the new changes. “From this time last year, we are up in registrations by 45 percent,” said Shelburne. “And we have runners from more than the Fishers and Geist areas. We have people registered from eight other states.”
As the numbers of registrations keeps growing, the title of biggest 5k in Indiana gets closer. “We are on the cusp of being the largest 5k in Indiana. We need just 500 more entries to take over the Mini-Marathon’s 5k as the biggest one in Indiana,” said Shelburne. “That would be an awesome title to bring to the Fishers and Geist area.”
To register for the May 16 race, go online to www.Geisthalf.com. Fees vary according to race, a price increase occurs after Feb. 28.
