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.
The race will start in the center of the city at Monumental Circle and the first focus of the event will be the military attractions. Participants will run, walk or jog to the Indiana War Memorial and run up, around and down the steps where they can capture some of the best views of downtown Indianapolis. Participants will then face an obstacle course at the American Legion Mall where members of the Indiana National Guard will help ‘cheer them on’ as they tackle obstacles such as a spider web, wall climb and a low fence crawl.
After conquering the obstacles, runners will head west to the brand new Phoenix Theatre, which is a 35-year-old theatre company that focuses on contemporary theatre aiming to produce shows that have not been seen before in Indianapolis. Participants will have the opportunity to experience life as an actor with plenty of opportunities to take selfies on Russel Stage at this added stop on the route.
From the Phoenix Theatre, the runners will take on the beautiful Indianapolis Canal Walk. There, participants will experience the sights and sounds of the canal and get to take a ride in paddle boats in groups up to four for the first time in this event. Each pedal mechanism on the paddle boats is independently controlled, so riders will have the option to either pedal for a strenuous leg workout or to take a relaxed trip around the canal.
Runners will hop off the canal and head to a new addition to the route, the nation’s largest swimming facility, the IU Natatorium. The Natatorium is located on the campus of IUPUI and is home to 18 world records and the site of 13 Olympic Trials. Participants will get to run through the iconic venue that has witnessed the swimming greats Michael Phelps, Lilly King, among others and will have an opportunity to take a selfie on the world-class awards podium.
From the Natatorium, participants will get to run through 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 giant 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 try out their arm strength in a football toss. In addition, Indy Eleven and soccer fans will put their skills and accuracy to the test on their new home field and kick goals against tough targets.
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 will be $55 through early July and then will increase to $65. For those not wanting to participate in the race but would still like to be involved, volunteer positions will be available. More route activations will be announced at a later date.
For more information, a course map, highlight video, future volunteer opportunities and registration, go to www.indyultimate.com.
Indy Ultimate Route:
- Monument Circle (start and finish) featuring post race party
- Indiana War Memorial staircase climb
- American Legion Mall obstacle course featuring Indiana National Guard
- Phoenix Theatre actor experience (new)
- Indianapolis Canal Walk
- Paddle Boats in Canal (new)
- 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 (new)
**More activations to be announced at a later date.
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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.