Organizers of the Geist Half Marathon have learned a few things in 2023 – the first year the marathon was moved from May to September – including the need for a slightly later start time because of the dwindling morning light in the fall.
“Last year we started the race at 7 a.m. and many of our participants arrived at the start line and it was still pitch black outside,” said race organizer Ginny Zimmerman. “So we are delaying the start by 30 minutes and working with the Hamilton County Emergency Management System to put more light poles at the start line.”
The Geist Half was founded by a group of Geist residents about 15 years ago. The city of Fishers took over the organization of the event in time for the 2023 race and moved it to the fall to avoid clashing with other major races in central Indiana that take place in May.
Start time this year is September 14th at 7:30am at the north end of the bridge that crosses the Geist Reservoir on Olio Road – approximately 11300 Olio Rd.
Zimmerman is the city’s ambassador for health culture, and her relatively new job includes taking over as the director of the annual race. She said that based on feedback from runners, the city has made some changes to the major event in 2023, including adding a 10K option in addition to the 5K and half marathon races, as well as bringing back awards for certain age groups.
“Last year it was one of those details where you have to add something,” she said. “But we heard from a lot of people who took the post-race survey, ‘Hey, you know, I’m trying to get my age award. I was really pushing.'”
The top three male and three female runners in each race will receive awards in the following age groups: 10 to 14; 15 to 19; 20 to 29; 30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; 60 to 69; 70 to 79 and over 80.
The city is also changing its VIP benefits. Last year, there was an exclusive post-race VIP area for runners who signed up for the experience. But, Zimmerman said, it turns out runners don’t want exclusivity.
“We want everyone to be able to come together and really celebrate their accomplishments,” she said. “So we’ve shifted to offering our VIP attendees more perks like merchandise or an extra drink coupon and a little closer parking – we’re trying to add value to their overall experience rather than making it a completely separate experience from the rest of the group.”
The post-race party features local nonprofits, including Hero Hut, which serves breakfast to runners and spectators.
“The proceeds go directly to Hero Hut,” Zimmerman said. “Their mission is to provide a place for first responders and veterans to come together at events across the country, so it’s their unique way of saying, ‘Hey, everyone is welcome here.'”
At the post-race party, in addition to the regular drink vendors, there will be a vendor offering smoothies and another serving optional non-alcoholic beer.
“We know there is a big push across the country, and especially in our community, to provide more non-alcoholic alternatives for people who are either sober or curious or maybe not celebrating in that way but still want to participate,” Zimmerman said.
Although the post-race party is a major event, Zimmerman said the city is working to make the entire race a fun experience. Entertainment has been organized for some sections of the race course, and she hopes many residents will come out to cheer on the runners.
“(Hamilton Southeastern High School) has a student group called Bring Change to Mind that focuses on breaking the stigma of mental health and really highlighting how we can have more positive interactions around mental health,” she said. “All of our half marathoners between mile 5 and 6 — that’s kind of the point where you get into a rhythm but your body starts talking to you a little bit and so you have to get out of your head — the Bring Change to Mind kids will either be at the water station at mile 5 or kind of spread out throughout miles 5 and 6 to give positive messages and encourage people to get through this difficult period.”
Running coach Jon Wade acknowledged that this section can be a little difficult to complete, but he said the entire race course is more challenging than people who have never run there before might think.
“There are a surprising number of hills,” he said. “That seems to be what people always talk about. The start of the race, because the first mile, well, mile 2, I would say, through Cambridge, it’s a steep downhill stretch and people forget that at mile 11 you come right back up.”
Wade said the course is unique and takes runners through Fisher neighborhoods and across the Geist Reservoir.
“There are several lake views,” he said. “The course is beautiful – I really don’t think there’s another course like it. It definitely has a more intimate feel, I think, especially for people who run a lot of races. It’s nice to get to the start line and not be there with 20,000 people – you only have a couple thousand at most.”
Zimmerman said the Geist Half is a good race for first-time runners, especially if they sign up with a friend or two.
“You can hold each other much more accountable and say, ‘I’m here if you’re here,'” she said.
Race registration prices will increase after August 31st. For more information and to register, visit geisthalf.com.
SIDEBAR:
Geist Half volunteers wanted
The City of Fishers needs numerous volunteers to ensure that Geist Half runs smoothly from start to finish.
Volunteer positions available include marshals, cheerleaders, course maintenance, and cycling teams that ride ahead of the elite runners.
To view the list of volunteer positions and descriptions of each job, visit fishersin.gov/our-city/geist-half-marathon and scroll down to the “Volunteers” link.
