Does your New Year's Resolution involve being more active? We've got you covered - from January first through next December, we've got the info on 20+ events you'll want to get on your calendar in 2020! 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. There are even a few casual hiking events to enjoy! 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!
Gateway 5K - Mar. 7
This 5K run is a fundraiser for the Knobstone Trail, a 150-mile trail that will have its northern trailhead in Martinsville, north of Morgan-Monroe State Forest, once it's complete. The Gateway 5K will take place on March 7 at Jimmy Nash City Park. The course will include Nash Trail, which does have some hills and is a natural trail surface. All ages are welcome - there's even a special family rate!
Wildflower Walks - March 21, April 4 & May 17
Join local Master Naturalist David Mow for these fun walks featuring native Indiana wildflowers. Learn more about Morgan County Parks and the wildflowers that grown there. Participants meet at Burkhart Creek Park and hikes begin promptly at 1 pm. Please dress for the weather. All ages are welcome.
Feline Frolic Color Run - April 18
A fundraiser for the Morgan County Humane Society, the Feline Frolic is a Martinsville tradition! You'll love the relatively flat course that takes you though downtown Martinsville and past beautiful historic homes. Color stations are set up throughout the race and runners of all ages are welcome, as are four-legged companions. Participants can also avoid the color stations, if preferred. Stay tuned for specific dates and times.
Doggie Dash 5K - April
The Doggie Dash 5K is typically held in mid-April at Old Town Waverly Park. This fun event is open to all, including (or maybe especially) canine companions. The Doggie Dash is a fundraiser for the Martinsville High School FFA Club.
17th Annual Fallen Officer 5K - May 9
This year's Morgan County Annual Fallen Officer 5K will be held on May 9. This event is held in honor of Morgan County's fallen local, state and federal law enforcement officers and has become a local tradition. The race is kid friendly and is held just south of Martinsville at Liberty Christian Church.
Run with the Foxes Trail Run - May 16
A trail run tradition, this fun event features three course lengths - 5K, 8 mile, 10 mile and 13.1 (half marathon). Presented by the Hoosier Hikers Council, the Run with the Foxes features courses that traverse a natural foot trail meandering through mature hardwood forests at Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Registration for the 2020 race begins in January and closes when the 300 participant maximum is reached. The trails feature long, level stretches with several steep hills, tempered by switchbacks.
Roadrunner Rally in the Valley 5K - June 13
This three-part event features a car and bike show, a motorcycle ride and a 5K Run/Walk. The 5K course takes you thorough downtown Martinsville and past lovely historic homes, ending on Washington Street, which will be lined with historic cars participating in the car and bike show. This is a unique event that benefits Stability First, a non-profit organization that helps alleviate poverty in Morgan County.
YMCA Fun Run Series - June-Oct.
Join the Barbara B Jordan YMCA for a monthly series of 5K fun runs that take you to parks and other natural areas throughout Morgan County. See our website for specific dates, times and which locations will be featured each month. These are free, informal events that are open to all ages. The free five-run series leads up to the annual Y Run in November.
Artie Fest 5K - July 11
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 Courthouse square on Washington Street, the Artie Fest 5K course takes you past beautiful homes and thriving downtown businesses in the heart of Martinsville. Live music the night before and a day full of festival fun after the race make this a don't-miss run!
Morgan County Fair & Square 5K - Aug. 8
The Morgan County Fair will take place July 31 to Aug. 8 this year. The fair kicks off with live music at the grandstand and 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.
Flag Town 5K - Aug. 9
Home of the Indiana State Flag, 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 is the kick-off event for 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 on Aug. 10.
Colonel Vawter Day 5K Dash - mid-Sept.
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. 20
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.
Home Sweet Hope 5K - Date TBA
The Morgan County Division of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors presents their annual Home Sweet Hope 5K event at beautiful Bradford Woods. The course takes you through scenic natural trails and offers a rare opportunity for the public to enjoy the beauty of the Bradford Woods property. All funds from this event support local charities, including Churches in Mission, Desert Rose Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, HandiCapable Camp, League of Miracles, Stability First, the Martinsville Youth Development Center, Mooresville Boys and Girls Club, Realtor Foundation and Wellspring Center.
Knobstone Trail Mini Marathon - Oct. 10
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 will close when the 225 participant maximum is reached. Course details are available online.
Orchard Dash 5K - mid-Oct.
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!
Fall Foliage Festival 5K - Oct. 11
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.
Barbara B Jordan YMCA 5K - Nov. 21
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 - 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.
Blizzard Blitz 5K and Fun Run/Walk - First Saturday in Dec.
A relatively new race on the Morgan County 5K schedule, the Blizzard Blitz 5K and Fun Run/Walk is held in December on the Martinsville High School campus. Choose from the 5K run or a one mile Fun Run/Walk. The course will begin and end on the Martinsville High School Track and the entire route tales place on MSD of Martinsville grounds. Proceeds from this event benefit the Student Activity Fund which assists with student initiatives not covered by book fees, including field trips!
Beyond Running:
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 check our event calendar other fun festivals and events that may be happening around the same time as your chosen race. In fact, we've got a handy list of 20+ great events to plan a visit around!
