Fierce Competition Brings the Heat to Sold-Out 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race

July 15, 2024

High temperatures and high mileage highlight 10th annual race in Indianapolis

CARMEL, Ind. (July 15, 2024) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Race participants persevered through heat and humidity during the 2024 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race and Cat Nap 5K on Saturday, July 13, with the competition delivering even more intensity to the 10th annual event. The 8-Hour Dream, the largest endurance running race in Central Indiana, was sold out for the fifth consecutive year with 30 percent growth despite event organizers CRRG Events increasing event capacity by 28 percent.

Finishers from 15 states battled for course records and team bragging rights before enjoying a post-race party in the shadows of Butler University’s historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The race gives participants two course options, both featuring the popular Central Canal Towpath and a trip up Bulldog’s Revenge hill to the Bell Tower. The results for SOLO and Team categories are scored based on the total distance covered during the eight-hour time frame.

Meng Zhao made his trip from Frisco, Texas worthwhile, winning the overall race with 54.78 miles. Bibo Gao of Buffalo Grove, Ill., returned to defend last year’s SOLO female win with 51.67 miles. Indianapolis local Lauren Manuel finished third in the SOLO female race to continue her streak of eight straight podium finishes. Former winner Tian Wang of Carmel, Ind. completed 51.18 miles for a second-place SOLO male podium finish. Coed team “Get er’ Run” ran 63.62 miles in total to break the division course record for a team of 3-4 runners. Fishers Running Club took home the RC (Running Club) Cup for the fourth consecutive year with 73.78 miles, while Meshingomesia Track Club completed 75.47 miles to win the inaugural FC (Fitness Club) Cup.

In line with current performance trends within the endurance racing industry, 54 percent of the field was over the age of 40. The average age of the SOLO podium finishers was 42.5 years. Stephen Dearing of Anderson, Ind. completed 24.39 miles at age 77, and Noblesville, Ind. resident Linda Chambers finished 14.35 miles at age 73.

Results for the event include:

• 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race – SOLO male

First: Meng Zhao, Frisco, 54.78 miles (overall SOLO winner)
Second: Tian Wang, Carmel, Ind., 51.18 miles
Third: Dion Roberts, Cincinnati, 50.47 miles

• 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race – SOLO female

First: Bibo Gao, Buffalo Grove, 51.67 miles
Second: Tavi Wallace, Louisville, Ky., 44.42 miles
Third: Lauren Manuel, Indianapolis, 41.85 miles

• 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race – Teams

3-4 Male: Flying Tigers, 58.28 miles
3-4 Female: Mother Runners, 51.84 miles
3-4 Coed: Get er’ Run, 63.62 miles (course record)
5-6 Male: Club 520, 72.36 miles
5-6 Female: Team Rmr, 52.06 miles
5-6 Coed: Washed Up Dawgs, 66.9 miles
RC Cup: FRC RC Cup, 73.78 miles
FC Cup: Meshingomesia Track Club, 75.47 miles

• Cat Nap 5K – male

First: David Martin, Louisville, 20:36
Second: Stephen Hollander, Westfield, Ind., 20:37
Third: Preston Shields, Indianapolis, 24:28

• Cat Nap 5K – female

First: Carly Trulock, Fortville, Ind., 24:02
Second: Alison Mundell, Louisville, 25:02
Third: Melissa Elrod, Indianapolis, 25:23

Full race results, 2025 event registration and more information will be available at 8HourDream.com.

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About CRRG Events:

CRRG Events is an event management and production company with more than 20 years of producing successful running events. Based in Carmel, Indiana, CRRG Events has staged and managed events across 11 states ranging from a 1-mile football halftime race to ultramarathons. For more information, please visit CarmelRoadRacingGroup.com.

Contact: Kim Jackson

media@carmelroadracinggroup.com

Event photos are available here courtesy of Aurora Images.