INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Ultimate, an urban adventure race in downtown Indianapolis, will feature new elements in the third-annual running of the event. The Indiana Sports Corp event will showcase the city’s most iconic sports, military and cultural venues, while winding through downtown over the course of five miles. The Central Indiana Community Foundation returns as the presenting sponsor of the race, set for Saturday, September 8.
Participants will start the race in the center of the city at Monumental Circle and the first focus of the event will be the military attractions. They will head to the American Legion Mall where members of the Indiana National Guard will help “cheer them on” as they tackle the obstacles such as a spider web climb and a low fence crawl.
After conquering the obstacles, runners will head west to the Phoenix Theatre before taking on the beautiful Indianapolis Canal Walk. There, participants will experience the sights and sounds of the canal and get to ride in paddle boats in groups up to four. In addition, the Indianapolis Ballet returns along the canal showing participants what life is like in the performing arts industry as a ballet dancer.
Runners will hop off the canal and head to the nation’s largest swimming facility, the IU Natatorium. From the Natatorium, participants will get to run through the White River State Park as they make their way to Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians. At Victory Field, participants will run the bases, have plenty of opportunities for selfies and even see themselves on the video board.
Fan favorite Lucas Oil Stadium is back on the route this year. There, participants can test their skills as the next Adam Vinatieri and kick a field goal or use their arm strength in a football toss. In addition, Indy Eleven and soccer fans will put their skills and accuracy to the test and kick a goal against tough targets.
Participants will make their way to the next stop in the South Parking Lot of Lucas Oil Stadium. In celebration of Indiana’s racing culture, this location will feature an opportunity to have a drag style race on the HandleBar bikes. Each group will be timed for some additional friendly competition and there will be plenty of photo opportunities with drag race paraphernalia.
From Lucas Oil Stadium, participants will make their way to Georgia Street. On Georgia Street, there will be several activations including the St. Elmo Steakhouse “Run Through Fire.” There, participants will get to sample their world-famous shrimp cocktail sauce and see if they can handle the heat. In addition, Indianapolis-based craft brewery Sun King will be giving out samples of some of their most popular beers.
After participants get to experience some most iconic tastes of Indy, the next stop is at Bankers Life Fieldhouse where everyone’s basketball skills will be put to the test. For the first time at the Indy Ultimate, participants will get to go down to the court and shoot a basket right where the Indiana Pacers and Fever play their home games. On top of getting to shoot a basket, Freddy Fever and several Pacemates will be on the court for pictures.
Participant’s agility, balance and endurance will be tested at the next stop on the route, at the City Market YMCA, a unique facility in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. At this location, obstacles will be set up including hurdles, speed ladder drills and a tire flip.
At the final stop of the race, participants will run through the historic Indianapolis City Market. While at the City Market, participants will get to explore the amazing, long-hidden ruin beneath the Whistler Plaza, the City Market Catacombs. The catacombs are the remains of Tomlinson Hall which burned in a blazing fire in 1958. The brick barrel-vaulted arches from the basement are one of the only things that remain from the building.
Contestants will cross the finish line in the heart of the city, Monument Circle, and receive their finishers medal and one complimentary adult beverage (must be 21 or older). All can then enjoy a game of cornhole, giveaways, music, a photo booth and much more.
Contestants will also get some deals to other Indianapolis events along with their Indy Ultimate entry from our partners. A limited number of Brickyard 400 Flex Seat Tickets will be offered on a first come first served basis. There will be a buy one get one free promotion by Sun King for their annual CANvitational. Participants can also receive a discounted Penrod Arts Fair Ticket and 50 percent off Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Happy Hour on September 20.
Social media is a big part of the Indy Ultimate, with opportunities for selfies and photos throughout the course. The hashtag is #ConquerIndy and prizes will be awarded for best photos shared using the hashtag. There will also be course entertainment along the route, including bands and interactive activations.
Registration rate is $65. For those not wanting to participate in the race but would still like to be involved, volunteer positions are available. For more information, a course map, video, volunteer opportunities and registration, go to www.indyultimate.com.
Indy Ultimate Route:
- Start at Monument Circle (New)
- American Legion Mall obstacle course featuring Indiana National Guard
- Phoenix Theatre actor experience (New)
- Indianapolis Canal Walk
- Paddle Boats in Canal (New)
- Indianapolis Ballet on Canal
- IU Natatorium run through, awards podium (New)
- White River State Park
- Victory Field running the bases
- Lucas Oil Stadium kicking a field goal, football toss, soccer goal kick
- Lucas Oil Stadium South Parking Lot HandleBar drag race (New)
- Georgia Street St. Elmo “Run Through Fire” and Sun King Samples (New)
- Bankers Life Fieldhouse court and basketball shot (New)
- City Market YMCA obstacle run through (New)
- City Market run through (New)
- City Market Catacombs (New)
- Finish at Monument Circle featuring post-race party (New)
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Founded in 1979 as the nation’s first sports commission, Indiana Sports Corp is a not-for-profit organization focused on bringing premier sporting events to Indiana to drive economic vitality, facilitate a vibrant community with civic pride and garner positive media attention. Because of this, Indiana Sports Corp is able to provide positive, sports-related opportunities for youth in the community. For more information, please visit IndianaSportsCorp.org.