For those of us who are new-ish to the cycling world:…read more What is a velodrome? "A cycle-racing track, typically with steeply banked curves." I've visited the Velodrome a handful of times for track night and criterium races. Thanks to my cyclist boyfriend, I'm aware how lucky we are to have a track of this quality in the Circle City. You've probably driven by a zillion times heading north on I65. If you're curious about track racing/want to check it out, Thursday nights are probably your best bet.

Don't bother bringing your race bike out here for a ride. They don't like strangers. Wonder why…read morethe sport isn't popular.

Indiana Sports Corp (ISC) serves an important function in Indy. ISC works with the City of…read moreIndianapolis, Visit Indy, and local companies and organizations to bring sporting events to the city. Not only do these events have a big impact on local economy and civic engagement. they also shine a light on what Indianapolis has the to offer. Some of the big upcoming events include Big Ten championship (football, basketball), NBA All-Star game, NCAA Final Four, and College Football Playoff National Championship. There are different ways to support ISC, including financial support/membership, attendance and advocacy, and volunteerism. Without Indiana Sports Corp, we would not have all these great events coming to the city.

Despite a cold, rainy morning, we ran 6 (and a half) miles through downtown Indy visiting a number…read moreof cultural landmarks including Carroll Stadium where we kicked a soccer goal, Lucas Oil where we kicked a field goal, Bankers Life where we shot a basket (I made all 3!), then over to the War Memorial where we scaled the steps to "Gonna Fly Now" - Rocky-style. There was a small obstacle course of over-under walls, a farmers carry, and crossing a tight rope. The last stop was the Indiana State Museum where Abe Lincoln and some other characters cheered us on to the finish line. Participants all got a finisher's medal, t-shirt, and an arm band for a mobile phone. It was the first inaugural race and not overly crowded, but still seemed well-attended especially considering the weather conditions. Parking was convenient. I would categorize it more as a novelty race than a competitive one. There were a number of selfie stations and mascots along the course that participants were encouraged to engage with. There was free gear check, fruit, protein shakes, and one free beer each. We didn't stick around for the post-party due to the weather. I hope they continue to do this event and would only request restrooms at the water stations because they were difficult to locate along the route.

Racemaker Productions (RMP) organizes many of the Indy area running races. They are family owned by…read moreLee and Jamie O'Conner and located at Perry Crossing Shops in Plainfield. They provide and operate the electronic bib/tracking system for the races that they organize. I like their system that tracks runners along the track. Their software is able to provide runners with immediate results via links sent to the runner's phone. Data includes start, end and placement. They also set up the race course, arrange for security and organize the production of SWAG. They are particularly adept at helping with charity and fundraising events. The brick and mortar store is used for runner packet pickup. They also have shirts for sale in the shop as well. The staff is always friendly. Their email communications are good with needed links to registrations and other information. However, email for a recent race had conflicting packet pickup times within the same email. This wasn't really a big deal. They host a fun local event that I run every year. They include kid's events and make the kids feel special. They set up nice photo back drops that are fun. They also create the best medals. Snacks and beverages are good.

Beyond Monumental holds events centered around running every year…read more The event I attended was the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I first heard about this event through my friends who ran the marathon a couple of years ago (WOW!) This was their first marathon, both avid half marathon participants, and they both crossed that finish line! The medals for the half and full marathon have a letter each year that spells out "INDY" if you complete four years. This year, I joined them for a 5K. Just a tip: the medal for 5K is different from the half and full marathon and does not come with a letter. The event was well put together, especially considering it was my first big running event since pre-2020. My friends did say that the sponsors were a lot smaller and the pre-race packet pick up event was a lot less energetic compared to years before but that might just be the effects of the pandemic. Overall, would recommend for all you runners out there! Especially if you like the challenge of running all four years to complete the INDY medals. Also, the beanies they give out are SO CUTE and are colored depending on the race you run.

For some reason, the Monumental Marathon is marked permanently closed...I put in a note to say it…read morewas on again in 2021, but it was never re-activated on Yelp, so I'm adding a new review here. I've run the Monumental half every year since 2011 with the exception of 2020 when it was canceled due to Covid. It is consistently a favorite of mine because it is so well organized and the course goes through so many interesting parts of downtown and the northside. Distraction with good scenery helps me, as does the energy of the residents in the neighborhoods we run through. It's a great course for serious, fast runners and more fitness "trotters" like me. One other cool element is that in the last 3 miles the half and full courses rejoin so the fast marathoners are in the lane next to us slow half marathoners. These elite runners are amazing and the contrast is entertaining. A friend commented that we were all dressed like Christmas carolers in hats, gloves, tights, jackets, etc and these folks were gliding along gazelle-like in shorts and tanks. The weather can be dicey the first Saturday of November, but usually it's cold at the start but warn enough to lose some extra layers as the race progresses.

Fantastic coaches and classes/programs for rowers of all experience and commitment levels. Highly…read morerecommend to all!

Don't come here - on races they let busses park illegally then call the police to write parking…read moretickets to cash grab for the city coffers - also be prepared for broken toilets

I visit here on occasion and sometimes race here. This weekend is the 65th Annual U.S. Nationals…read moreand I am here watching friends try to win. It's a good facility and lots of action. The price to get in the gates depends on the weekend. If you enjoy fast cars, cars in general, or looking for something different to try give it a shot.

Lucas Oil Raceway Park (formerly known as Indianapolis Raceway Park) is an integral part of…read moreIndianapolis' racing history and home to world famous motorsports events. The NHRA U.S. Nationals in September have been a staple at the dragstrip since 1961 and USAC has sanctioned over 290 events at the circle track. Karting and motorcycle events are held throughout the year as well. I've never had a bad time here. It's always clean, the staff is always courteous and helpful, the beer is always cold, and the racers always go for broke. There is always plenty of parking, shuttles, and great people. The cost is a little high, but the old saying is true here, "you get what you pay for." Though I live much closer to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I consider Lucas Oil Raceway Park my home track. My only complaint is they haven't figured out how to race during the winter.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt is a top-notch Indy bucket list attraction, drawing out the biggest and…read morebest of crowds, bundled up in coats and hats. Entry is free, and so is parking. Arrive as early as you can on your chosen day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In the years I've gone to the Markt, the service is always friendly and the food stalls are usually pretty quick about it, or as best they can be with the given volume of foot traffic. There's tons of food, ranging from classic bratwursts to the more Americanized options like pizza and waffles and then to the more adventurous sauerkraut and mushrooms! There's plenty of vegetarian options too - I really like the hot noodles with cheese (casespaetzle) and the spiral-cut potato on a stick! Let me try to list out all the things I've tried at the Markt this past year, and just rate by a simple pick (yes, you should try it) or pitch (not really worth it if you want guaranteed flavor) - Doner kebab: PICK - Walking waffle: pitch - Belgian hot chocolate: pick (it's expensive though, $11 in 2025) - Peppermint hot chocolate: pick - Sautéed mushrooms and sauerkraut: pitch - Kielbasa: pick - Hot noodles with cheese: pick - Spiral potato on a stick: pick - Chimney cake: pitch It's all great food but can be slightly expensive. There are definitely plenty of things that are under $10 if you look, and usually the vegetarian options are around that price. The stalls/huts are all very scenic with a cabin-like design, so the market is very charming. Each hut also has a German trivia sign on it. My favorite huts are the loose leaf teas and the German candies/treats. There's also a ton of handmade stuff like beer steins that would make excellent Christmas gifts. Christkindlmarkt is hugely popular for many reasons: food, atmosphere, ice skating, and maybe even the collectible boot mugs! The design changes every year, and they're only $8 so it's also a nice souvenir.

If Carmel Christkindlmarkt was here year round.. you could find me there about every weekend! Okay…read morenot seriously but maybe serious. I love Christkindlmarkt. The vibe here is so unmatched. Music playing, people skating, vendors all set up (you'll definitely get in the Christmas spirit. I've come to the markt for the past two years now and always have to get the Belgium hot cocoa and always have to get the sausage from the stand right next to the hot cocoa. The walking waffle station is a must as well! Pro tip: go to dollar tree and get toe and hand warmers before coming here. You'll thank me later... especially if it's cold like it was this year.

This hidden gem of a sports team is just what we need to highlight in Indy. These ladies are…read moreamazing-scrapping and skating through the Fairgrounds and showing us just how strong women can be. It's a very casual atmosphere, withstands to sit in or you can choose to sit around at the Derby Circle. Beware, because you may get a little more action than you hoped for if sitting around the circle! Each bout features two teams: the Warning Belles & the Tornado Sirens. Each team jams for about 40 minutes with an intermission. There are some concessions available including Sun King beer. Most bouts revolve around a theme, like the popular Star Wars night usually held in May. This is a kid friendly and super fun atmosphere that you need to check out.

Do you think that you've seen every thing that Indy has to offer in sports? My guess is probably…read morenot. They say that Indy is the Amateur Sports Capital of the world with every thing from soccer, baseball, basketball, ultimate freebie, and even a roller derby team. The Naptown Roller Girls consist of varying levels of skill, the Tornado Sirens, the Warning Belles, and the Third Alarm, but don't let that fool you. These girls give it their all on the track. The level of skill, strategy, and teamwork that is needed for this is amazing, especially considering how fast paced the bouts can get. If your new to the sport, you shouldn't feel intimidated. The program that they provide details the objective of the sport, as well as explains how they score. During one of the bouts that I attended, prior to the first team taking the track, they had an example run on the track to explain the rules. The announcers do a good job as the bout goes on as well of explaining was goes on. They are also pretty funny and try to fill the dead time. The atmosphere of the bouts is one thing that everyone should at least experience once. The dedicated fans bring excitement to the bouts.The roller girls themselves are very friendly and are just as dedicated to their fans as the fans are to them. The bouts have tended to bounce between the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion and Indiana Convention Center this past season. Ticket prices are generally cheaper if you purchase them prior to a bout; however, you can get them day of. I highly recommend seeing the Naptown Roller Girls in action, just don't go with the exceptions of seeing Whip-its and full body slamming contact. Also, make sure to get to a bout early to secure good seating.