Lace up your shoes for the Dash by the Past, a captivating 5K run and 1-mile walk happening on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN. This family-friendly event invites participants to experience a unique journey down historic Meridian Street, which will be entirely car-free for the occasion. The scenic route winds past magnificent homes featured in past Decorators' Show House and Gardens, offering a picturesque backdrop to your stride. The course is primarily road with some hills, providing a balanced challenge for all fitness levels.

Beginning and ending at the Meridian Restaurant & Bar at 5694 N. Meridian Street, the race kicks off at 9:00 AM EDT. Typical race day conditions in mid-April include comfortable highs around 63F and lows around 42F, with a relatively low 18% chance of precipitation, making for ideal running weather. Aid is readily available with a water station located approximately halfway through the 5K course, as well as at the start and finish lines.

Beyond the beautiful scenery and invigorating course, the Dash by the Past offers a chance to make a difference. Proceeds from the event benefit the John and Kathy Ackerman Mental Health Professional Development Center at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, or the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health, supporting vital community programs. Every registered participant receives a stylish t-shirt, and prizes await the top three male and female finishers. Strollers are welcome to join the 5K or 1-mile walk (starting in the last corral for safety), while children ages 0-4 can participate without registration.