HOW THE RACE WORKS
How the Hawthorn Half Day Works
Hawthorn Half Day is a timed running and walking race, not a set distance. Participants move around a 5K loop course for either 6 hours or 12 hours, completing as many laps as they choose during that time.
There is no minimum distance required. You may walk, run, or alternate between the two. When time expires, your total distance is calculated based on the number of completed laps.
In the final 30 minutes, participants may switch to a shorter loop to ensure every bit of effort counts before the clock stops.
This format makes Hawthorn Half Day welcoming for first-timers, experienced runners, teams, and anyone curious about seeing what they can do in half a day
DIVISIONS & DISTANCES
Divisions & Distances
Choose the format that fits your goals, pace, and experience level.
Time Options
6-Hour Race
12-Hour Race
Participation Types
Solo Runner
Solo Walker
Relay Team (shared laps over the full race time)
Distance Tracking
Each full lap = 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
Total distance is the sum of completed laps during your selected time
Final standings are based on distance completed, not speed
Participants may stop, rest, and resume as needed throughout the race.
Awards
Awards are presented for overall performance and division winners in both the 6- and 12-hour races.
Solo runners, walkers, and relay teams are eligible for awards.
Full award details will be finalized closer to race day.
*Participation and personal goals are always celebrated — awards are just one part of the experience.
RULES
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Masters Division: Runners competing in the Masters Division must be 40 years of age or older on race day.
Leaving the Course: Need to grab food, hydrate, take a break, or visit the restroom? No problem! Just be sure to re-enter the course at the exact point where you exited.
Base Camp Area: We provide a dedicated space just before the start/finish line where solo runners can set up a personal “base camp” for the day. Your support crew is welcome to hang out here too, cheer you on, and help keep you moving strong.
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Teams may compete with 3 to 6 runners.
Co-Ed teams must include at least 50% women.
Masters teams require all members to be 40 or older on race day.
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Team Size: This division is designed just for pairs—you must have two runners to compete.
Lap Rotation: A runner may complete up to two laps in a row. After that, their teammate must take over for at least one lap before they can jump back in.
If a runner starts a third consecutive lap, their partner will be considered inactive and may not re-enter the race, so plan your strategy wisely!Divisions: We offer Male, Female, and Co-Ed divisions.
Female teams = two female runners
Co-Ed teams = one male + one female runner
Masters teams = both runners must be 40 or older on race day
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To keep competition fair and fun for everyone, walkers must maintain proper walking form:
One foot must always be in contact with the ground.
The leading leg should be straight as it makes contact with the ground and remain straight until your body passes over it.
Please note: If these rules aren’t followed, you won’t be eligible for Walker Division awards. Thanks for helping us keep the spirit of the division true!
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In the 6-person team division, runners may only complete one lap at a time and must keep the same preset order all day.
All exchanges must occur within the designated exchange zone.
A runner may drop at any time, but once they do, they cannot re-enter, and the team must maintain the same order.
If a runner cannot complete a lap, teams have two options:
Option A: A substitute may finish the lap, starting from the exact point the runner stopped.
Option B: The next runner may start from the exchange zone, but the incomplete lap will not count.
Deviating from the course will result in a warning; a second infraction may lead to disqualification.
Race numbers must be visible, and timing chips must be worn properly at all times while on course.
With 30 minutes remaining, the half-mile loop opens. No one may start the 5K loop once fewer than 30 minutes remain. Teams must maintain their order.
Any lap not completed by the 12-hour cutoff will not count.
To help ensure a great experience for everyone, the race director may make race-day adjustments if needed based on conditions, safety, or logistics.
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Race directors may postpone, pause, or stop the event for safety reasons (weather, conditions, etc.). If the race stops early, winners are determined by mileage completed at that time.
No littering or inappropriate restroom use; park facilities and trash cans are available. Violations may result in disqualification.
No alcohol is permitted in Hawthorn Park per Indiana law. Violations will result in disqualification.
Anyone creating a safety hazard or public disturbance may be disqualified.