As the weather begins to warm, we're starting to think about outdoor activities! Here's info on upcoming 5Ks and other running events taking place in Morgan County you'll want to get on your calendar for the 2023 season! If you're already an avid runner, or even a beginning walker, these events will keep you outside and moving throughout the year. Most events listed below are 5K courses, but a few have shorter or longer lengths. Many are pet friendly, but be sure to check with each individual event before bringing along your favorite canine companion. On your mark, get set... Go!
Rally in the Valley 5K - June 24
This three-part event features a car and bike show, a motorcycle ride and a 5K Run/Walk. The 5K course takes you from the Morgan County Fairgrounds thorough downtown Martinsville and past lovely historic homes, ending back at the Fairgrounds, which will be lined with historic cars participating in the car and bike show. Also the same weekend as the Rally in the Valley is the Morgan County Antique Machinery Show, so there will be plenty to see and do after the race! This is a unique event that benefits Stability First, a non-profit organization that helps alleviate poverty in Morgan County.
Morgan County Fair & Square 5K - July 8 **CANCELED**
The Morgan County Fair will take place July this year. Morgan County Fair Week always wraps up with the Morgan County Fair and Square 5K! The course will take you through the Morgan County Fairgrounds all the way to the courthouse square in downtown Martinsville, passing gorgeous historic homes along the way.
Artie Fest 5K - July 29
One of our favorite summer runs, the Artie Fest 5K kicks off the Saturday events of this annual festival in downtown Martinsville. Register online or the day of the race. Starting on the festival grounds at the Morgan County Fairgrounds, the Artie Fest 5K course takes you into Martinsville, past beautiful homes and thriving downtown businesses in the heart of the city. Live music the night before and a day full of festival fun after the race make this a don't-miss run!
Flag Town 5K - Aug. 5
Home of the creator of the Indiana State Flag, artist Paul Hadley, Mooresville celebrates that connection to Indiana history each year with the Flag Town 5K. This race is fun for the entire family, and takes place in beautiful Pioneer Park. This event coincides with Mooresville's annual Old Settler's Picnic and Fair, a three day festival with games, rides and more. Participants in the 5K are also encouraged to walk in the Old Settler's Parade.
Colonel Vawter Day 5K Dash - Sept. 16
Morgantown kicks off their annual Colonel Vawter Day celebration with a 5K. The course takes you along Mulberry Street, then out of town on Hickey Road and back, providing scenic views of both small town life and country back roads. This is a casual run/walk event that is open to all ages and is completely free, though donations are accepted.
Harvest Festival 5K - Sept. 16
Kicking off the annual Harvest Festival in Eminence on the third weekend of September, the 5K race is a fun run/walk/bike ride. Don't worry - race organizers start the bicycles first, with runners and walkers setting off 10 minutes later to help keep things separated. The starting line is at the Lions Club on Walters Road, with the course looping out and back. All ages and ability levels are welcome.
Knobstone Trail Mini Marathon - Oct. 14
This annual event is a fundraiser for the Hoosier Hikers Council. Much like the spring race, Run with the Foxes, this fall event also features multiple course lengths to accommodate different levels of runners. Choose from 5K, 10K, 10 mile and half marathon (13.1 mile) courses that wind through the scenic and hilly hardwood forest of Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Register online - registration opens in early June and will close when the 225 participant maximum is reached. Course details are available online.
Fall Foliage Festival 5K - Oct. 15
The annual Fall Foliage Festival 5K Race/Walk is an event for all ages and abilities. The course is the same as the annual parade route through town, beginning at Bell Intermediate School on Columbus Street and looping through downtown Martinsville. After the race, enjoy the parade and carnival on the final day of this annual four-day festival.
Orchard Dash 5K - Oct. 14 (Date unconfirmed)
The Orchard Dash takes place at beautiful Anderson Orchard in Mooresville. The race offers a traditional 5K and an awesome "Lil' Apple Dash" for the little ones! Athletes enjoy the crisp fall air, beautiful leaves and scenic views of the orchard grounds. After the race, indulge in caramel apples, fried apple pie or a fresh cider slushy!
Barbara B Jordan YMCA 5K - Nov. 18 (Unconfirmed)
The annual "Y Run" from the Barbara B Jordan YMCA takes place each year in November on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The course begins at the YMCA on Morgan Street and winds through the beautiful Shireman Estates neighborhood before returning to the YMCA. Runners will see scenic Lake DeTurk and several goldfish ponds along the way! Race winner earns a Thanksgiving turkey!
Tri Kappa Turkey Trot 5K - Thanksgiving Day
Get out and burn some calories before enjoying that Thanksgiving feast! Each year on Thanksgiving morning, Martinsville's chapter of Tri Kappa hosts the Turkey Trot 5K in beautiful Fox Cliff North. The course winds through the residential neighborhood via two equal length courses. Choose the "Hard Way" with a steep challenging hill amid minor hills and flat surfaces, or the "Easy Way" which eliminates the steep hill for less challenging topography.
Come for the Run; Stay for the Fun!
If you decide to visit Morgan County for a race, be sure to check out great places to eat in the area so you can refuel after your run! Make it a weekend with fun things to do around the county - check out overnight lodging options and see our complete event calendar to find other fun events or festivals that may be happening around the same time as your chosen race. In fact, we've got a handy list of 23 Reasons to visit Morgan County in 2023! If there's not a race scheduled when you'll be in town, check out area trails and parks for great running spots.
