INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Ultimate, an urban adventure race in downtown Indianapolis, will feature new elements in the fourth-annual running of the event on Saturday, June 29. 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.
Participants will start the race in the center of the city at Monument 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, stop and get a photo with the 2021 Men’s Final Four trophy, then head to the National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) where they will shoot baskets on Market Square Court and take part in a pull-up contest. From NIFS, participants will run through the White River State Park and 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.
Participants will then make their way to the next stop in the South Parking Lot of Lucas Oil Stadium. They will be greeted with Indiana Pacers Bikeshare bicycles and get to take them for a ride around the lot before heading inside fan favorite Lucas Oil Stadium. There, participants can test their skills as the next Adam Vinatieri and kick a field goal or catch a punt in the endzone. In addition, Indy Eleven and soccer fans will put their skills and accuracy to the test and kick a goal against tough targets (maybe even Indy Eleven mascot Zeke).
From Lucas Oil Stadium, participants will make their way to Georgia Street. On Georgia Street, they will hop on the HandleBar for a lap then head to 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.
After participants get to experience one of the most iconic tastes of Indy, they will head up South Capitol Ave and tour one of the new IndyGo Red Line buses before taking center stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. From the Theatre, they will head east to Richard G. Lugar Plaza where participants’ agility, balance and endurance will be tested at this stop on the route with the November Project.
At the final stop of the race, participants will do an obstacle course and flip tires at the City Market YMCA. From there, they will run through the historic Indianapolis City Market and sample Sun King beer on the stage. While at the City Market, participants will also 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.
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 $59. 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
- Contribute to works of art with the Arts Council
- Complete an obstacle course on the American Legion Mall with the Indiana National Guard
- Stop for photo ops at Phoenix Theatre and the Cultural Trail Headquarters on the Canal Peace Walk
- Test your sports trivia with Indiana Humanities
- Stretch your legs with Indianapolis Ballet
- Ride Paddle Boats in the Canal
- Throw a spear at the Indiana State Museum
- Give your winning smile at the NCAA Hall of Champions with the 2021 NCAA Men’s Final Four Trophy
- Shoot basketballs on Market Square Arena court at NIFS with Freddy Fever, Boomer and the Pacemates
- Explore White River State Park
- Run the bases at Victory Field
- Ride the Pacers Bikeshare
- “Kiss the Bricks” with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium to kick a field goal, catch a football, or kick a soccer ball
- Pedal the HandleBar on Georgia Street
- Take a tour of the new IndyGo Red Line Bus
- Take center stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
- Bang on a drum set or wall of drums with Rhythm Discovery Center
- Participate in November Project at the Richard G Lugar Plaza
- Rehydrate with Circle Kombucha
- Test your skills with YMCA
- Taste Sun King beer (21+ only) at the Sun King Stage on City Market Plaza
- Discover the Catacombs at City Market
- Finish at Monument Circle featuring a post-race party
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About Indiana Sports Corp
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.