This year the race was held in May due to COVID. Rules/expo/aid stations/corrals/spectators rules were set up differently due to COVID. I didn't care. I would've worn 3 masks if they required it! Just let us race! The weather was great. The course was flat, fast and had very few turns. The wind off of the ocean was a bit of an obstacle in the second half of the race.
The t-shirts are long sleeved tech shirts but the iron on emblem on the back is a weird papery material. They also gave tank tops at the finish but most people had shirts too big for them and no exchanges were allowed. Ah well, it was a nice idea.
I carried my own handheld so I didn't have to waste a whole bottle of water at each aid station. This worked out nicely and I'll continue to carry my own water for future halves.

The highlight of the expo was hearing Deena Kastor speak. I was also able to meet her afterwards. I love that this sport offers us these opportunities. I think I could spend all day at expos.
Swag: the shirts were low quality and ugly, in my opinion. This was a PR race for me so I'll cherish the swag for that reason but the shirt is just not my style. My husband did the half marathon and loves his t-shirt, so to each their own. Upon finishing, we were given a race hat and medal, both very nice.
We stayed at a Holiday Inn by the Lucas Oil Stadium and had a short walk to the start/finish. I highly recommend staying within a mile walk from the start/finish. It was 28° when the race started. I wore several layers of clothes that I discarded before the gun went off. Aside from the cold, the weather cooperated with the exception of a head wind in the later miles.
The Course:
Super flat. Lots of people qualified for the Olympic Trials that day. Very competitive field. The course offered lovely views of Indianapolis in autumn. There were more spectators than I expected with the chilly temps. Lots of great energy. Outstanding finish line.
Post race food options were lacking. The only warm food was pizza which looked a bit spent. I was also a bit spent and once the chills set in, I was ready to hobble back to the hotel. The race was a very positive experience for which I'm quite thankful. If you're on the fence and enjoy bigger races, go for it! Indianapolis is a fun city to explore.

Packet pick up was organized and easy at a local running store. There was a little traffic on race day morning so give yourself extra time to find parking and walk to the start. The course was flat and fast with the only hiccup being navigating around some of the quarter marathon walkers on the homestretch. The course went through Glacier Ridge Park which provided a little shade. Great energy at the finish line. It's August so it was a warmer race. Nice race tank and cooling towel.

Special Olympics athletes will lead participants in reciting the Special Olympics Athletes Oath before the event begins. I love knowing that proceeds go to support their endeavors in Delaware and Richland Counties. The race is held inside Delaware State Park and parking is a not an issue. The Race Directors are some of the finest people you'll meet. Both seasoned ultra runners with hearts of gold. Distances offered are 10 miles and a 30k. The course is nontechnical and fairly flat and includes a couple small stream crossings. Nothing crazy. It has a tendency to get muddy, but it IS a trail race after all. This event is close to St. Patrick's Day and the Irish heritage is definitely celebrated. Sometimes there is a kilt division! If you're lucky enough to place in your age group, you will receive an awesomely unique trophy. The swag is among my favorite from all races I've done. In the past, a flask was included in the swag. In 2019, we were given a t-shirt, a high quality winter hat, a bucket, bumper sticker and free (well done!) race photos. Of course, there are stocked aid stations and post race treats too. Both distances sell out very fast so be ready to register at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve!