Welcome to the 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race — Indiana’s Largest Endurance Running Event!
The Dream is a fixed-duration endurance race with one simple goal: go as far as you can in eight hours. Run, walk, or stroll — every mile counts. Held on Butler University’s iconic campus, The Dream has become the largest endurance running event in Central Indiana and continues to break participation records year after year. In fact, the event has sold out FIVE years in a row, driven by an incredibly high percentage of returning runners.
Spending a full day outside historic Hinkle Fieldhouse feels like a "running tailgate" — part competition, part celebration — all while testing your physical and mental limits. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
The Course
Throughout the day, participants can choose between:
Runners may switch between courses at any time to manage strategy, seek shade, or dial in a target distance. Both courses feature the now-famous Bulldog’s Revenge Hill, a defining challenge of The Dream.
Ways to Participate: There are three ways to be part of the action:
Team Categories & Divisions include:
Coed Team Requirements:
RC Cup is Back: The coveted cup goes to a local running club logging the most miles. Four different running clubs have captured The Cup over the last seven years. Will we have a new club take home the trophy in 2026
Post-Race Celebration: What truly sets The Dream apart is more than the miles: The post-race party includes a FREE cookout, live music, beer garden and the Podium Ceremonies. After a long day, free food, drink and smiles is the only way to close the book on The Dream.
Whether you’re chasing miles, cheering teammates, or soaking in the atmosphere, The Dream delivers eight unforgettable hours.
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — 3 - 4 Person Team Entry
Type — Running
10:00
$275.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — 5 - 6 Person Team Entry
Type — Running
10:00
$335.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
10:00
$35.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
10:00
$25.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — FC Cup Team Competition - Exclusivity for Fitness Clubs (Orangetheory F45 YMCA Crossfit etc.)
Type — Running
10:00
$295.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — FC Cup Team Competition - Exclusivity for Fitness Clubs and Organizations
Type — Running
10:00
$295.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — RC Cup Challenge Team - Exclusively for non profit Running Clubs
Type — Running
10:00
$335.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — RC Cup Challenge Team - Exclusively for nonprofit Running Clubs
Type — Running
10:00
$305.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — SOLO Entry - Ages 14 and older
Type — Running
10:00
$85.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — SOLO Entry - Ages 14 and older - SOLD OUT
Type — Running
10:00
$80.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — Team of 3-4 Entry
Type — Running
10:00
$235.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — Team of 3-4 Entry - Ages 10 and older
Type — Running
10:00
$245.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — Team of 3-4 Entry - SOLD OUT
Type — Running
10:00
$235.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — Team of 5-6 Entry
Type — Running
10:00
$295.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — Team of 5-6 Entry - Ages 10 and older
Type — Running
10:00
$305.00
Jul 11, 2026
Distance — Team of 5-6 Entry - SOLD OUT
Type — Running
10:00
$295.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Indianapolis.
Learn more about the host city, Indianapolis.
Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and also the state’s largest city. Efforts to beautify and modernize the city have brought Indianapolis into the 21st century as a world-class destination for everything from business meetings and trade conventions to backpackers making their way across the States.
Read more launchRead what other athletes have to say about their experience at the 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race & Cat Nap 5K.
Be the first to share your experience with the community!
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Indianapolis, Indiana, US
calendar_today Jun 13, 2026
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Jun 13, 2026
The Blacklight Run™ is none other than the brightest, most fun 5K out there. At the Blacklight Run™ we aren’t focused o…
Read more
Jul 11, 2026
If you’ve done a traditional 5K, you know they can be a bit lackluster. But the BUBBLE RUN™ is like running through Wil…
Read more
Jun 20, 2026
Our first outdoor race in our series of Hybrid races in 2026 - this one on Hamilton Southeastern High Schools 400 meter…
Read more
Aug 08, 2026
CREATE LASTING MEMORIES WITH YOUR FAMILY. Muddy Kids is 2 and 3 mile adventure event series for families and kids ages …
Read more