Welcome to the
We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 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.
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? We’d love to have you join us! (After you join or renew, if needed, be sure to come back to register for the STP).
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 3, 2025. 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:
TUESDAY: RUNS/WALKS
WHERE: Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse (Gate 1): 510 West 49th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
WHEN: 6:00pm. Please arrive a little early to allow time to park, and to find others at your pace. Announcements and route explanations start at 6:00pm sharp.
DISTANCE: 3-12+ miles. In peak training, our marathon plans will get up to 15+ miles
Saturday: Long Run/Walk
WHERE: 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 at8:00am sharp.
DISTANCE: 3-12+ miles. In peak training, our marathon plans will get up to 15+ miles
Walkers
You should be capable of walking at least 2 miles at 20 minute/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.
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. We will also continue to spend some time on the Monumental Marathon course to help gain familiarity with the course.
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 1):
510 West 49th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Saturdays
St. Vincent Physician/PT office
(just south of Broad Ripple Avenue)
1001 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220
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.
