Carmel, Indiana, United States
The Carmel Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April on a suburban road in Carmel, United States. It is notable for how smoothly the course runs through Carmel's distinctive roundabout network. The route passes Monon Trail-adjacent streets, roundabout-lined boulevards, and manicured suburban neighborhoods. The course is very flat throughout.
Carmel Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Carmel Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Starts and finishes in Carmel's Arts & Design District. The route passes Monon Trail-adjacent streets, roundabout-lined boulevards, and manicured suburban neighborhoods. The course is built for metronomic pacing, with families cheering at roundabouts and the Monon Trail crossings.
The Carmel Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Carmel Marathon uses open online registration at carmelmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the April race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Carmel.
The Indianapolis Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Indianapolis, United States. The course starts and finishes at Monument Circle. The route passes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway area and the Canal Walk. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
The Flying Pig Marathon is Cincinnati's beloved spring race, drawing about 10,000 finishers through the city's seven hills and across the Ohio River. Named for Cincinnati's pork-industry heritage, the Pig features enthusiastic local crowds, a tour of downtown, Eden Park, and the riverfront, and a finish festival at Sawyer Point. May weather and rolling terrain make it a challenging but festive Midwest marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Newport Rhode Races Marathon draws approximately 1,099 finishers each April on a scenic coastal road in Newport, United States. It pairs Atlantic coastal scenery with a competitive New England field on one of Rhode Island's premier road-race weekends. The course follows Newport's Ocean Drive past Gilded Age mansions, coastal cliffs, and Narragansett Bay vistas. Coastal rollers add character to an otherwise moderate profile.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers each April through Louisville in the lead-up to the famous horse race. The course passes Churchill Downs, the Ohio River waterfront, and the Cherokee Park loop on rolling Kentucky terrain. April's Derby-season atmosphere and the mini-marathon tradition make it one of America's most festive spring marathons.
Next race: Saturday, 24 April 2027
The Cape Cod Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Falmouth, United States. Its autumn timing captures Cape scenery after summer crowds fade. The route passes sea inlets, cranberry-country roads, and breezy sections with Buzzards Bay views. Sea inlets and cranberry-country roads climb with breezy Buzzards Bay views after summer crowds fade from this classic October Cape course.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Read guide →
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
Read guide →
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Read guide →