Knobstone Trail Run Half Marathon 10M 10K & 5K

To get there, take U.S. Highway 37 south from Indianapolis to Martinsville, and proceed 4 miles south from town until you see the signs for the state forest and the race. From the starting line, the race takes a mostly counter-clockwise route along an out-and-back loop course through the forest, taking runners over flat stretches like Tincher Ridge, Gorley Ridge and Shipman Ridge, as well as plenty of challenging uphill and downhill stretches in between. The race finishes with a final loop along the State Forest service road, as runners end back at the starting line at Mason Ridge. The trail for the race is reportedly a “well-groomed” trail, and the race is generally clearly marked each year with five water stations and radio communications dispersed throughout the course. While you’re in town, there’s plenty of camping, hiking and outdoors to enjoy — many runners camp overnight in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest, or stay in nearby Martinsville or Nashville. Participants who don’t wish to run the 13.1 miles through the forest for the mini-marathon can instead take part in any of the event’s other races that day — which include a 10-mile race, 10K, and 5K for runners and walkers. The number of entrants for the race is limited to 300, so sign up early!