Past Champions, Chinese Olympic Bid Highlight Fast Field for Carmel Marathon Weekend

March 29, 2021

11th Annual Event Returns to Live Racing with Eight Past Race Winners Among 3,000 Participants from 40 States

CARMEL, Ind. (March 29, 2021) – The Carmel Marathon Weekend returns to the streets of Carmel, Indiana for its 11th annual event on Saturday, April 3, 2021 after staging a virtual-only race in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Carmel Marathon Weekend will be an in-person event in 2021, with registration number restrictions and COVID-19 policies in place in accordance with local guidelines. A virtual race option is also available.

Nearly 3,000 people from 40 states are expected to participate in this year’s events, which include the Carmel Marathon Presented by Franciscan Health, the Carmel Half Marathon Presented by Drewry Simmons Vornehm, the Indiana Spine Group 10K, the Indiana Members Credit Union 5K and a marathon relay.

Eight former Carmel Marathon Weekend champions will toe the start line of the certified Boston Marathon qualifier course along with the field of 60 elite runners, promising a fast and potentially record-breaking race. Past champions in the elite field include:

Ann Alyanak, women’s half marathon (2011)

Jesse Davis, men’s marathon (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2019) and half marathon (2011)

Erin LaRusso, women’s marathon (2017)

Kelby Laughner, women’s marathon (2018)

Laurah Lukin, women’s half marathon (2019)

Pasca Myers, women’s half marathon (2019)

Bryan Morseman, men’s marathon (2017)

Lucie Sulewski, women’s marathon (2015)

In addition, Ball State University graduate Sophia Liu will race the Carmel Marathon Presented by Franciscan Health in pursuit of the highly coveted spot for non-professionals on the Chinese Olympic Marathon Team. Due to travel restrictions, she was unable to travel to Chinese Olympic Trials. Aiming for a finish time of 2:35, Liu will use the Carmel Marathon as a qualifier for the national team. Liu, raised in China, is now a research scientist at University of Washington in Seattle.

“We are excited to share in the celebration of each and every one of our participants’ achievements this weekend,” said Todd Oliver, race director for the Carmel Marathon Weekend. “From the initial unknowns to postponements, cancellations and virtual events this past year, we are pleased we can offer a live event for our communities, which include both our Carmel neighbors and the running community in general. We know it will be an emotional yet rewarding day for all.”

Members of the public are invited to the Fitness Expo on Friday, April 2, 12 – 8 p.m., at the Carter Green on the south side of the Palladium, featuring exhibitors with unique items and opportunities in sports, fitness and nutrition. In addition, the new Indiana Vein Specialists Cheer Zone at Midtown will be a central location on race day for spectators to cheer on runners, catch a live stream of the finish line on the big screen, and enjoy music on the Midtown stage.

Additional information and full course maps are available at CarmelMarathon.com.

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About the Carmel Marathon Weekend:

The 11th annual Carmel Marathon Weekend on Saturday, April 3, 2021 will feature the Carmel Marathon Presented by Franciscan Health, the Carmel Half Marathon Presented by Drewry Simmons Vornehm, the Indiana Spine Group 10K, the Indiana Members Credit Union 5K and a marathon relay. The Carmel Marathon is the second largest marathon in Indiana and the largest running event in the city of Carmel. The event offers a fast course (certified Boston Qualifier) through the popular Indianapolis suburb of Carmel, Indiana. To learn more, please visit CarmelMarathon.com.