Question 1

Do we just run around for 8 hours?

Accepted Answer

We have a 3.11 mile “long course” and a 1.89 mile “short course.” You can run whichever you please as many times as you can (or want). The person and team with the most mileage wins. You can take breaks, showers, read a book, eat, or whatever during the event as well. The plan is up to you!

Question 2

How is our distance tracked?

Accepted Answer

You will have a timing chip, just as you would in most standard distance-specific races. As you cross various mats on the course, it will keep track. There is a 3.11 mile “long course” and a 1.89 mile “short course.” To receive credit for a long course lap, you MUST cross the mat at the far end of that course. If you do not, it will be marked as the short course no matter how far you went on that lap. If you are running as part of a team, your chip will be shared. Make sure to take the chip with you when it is your turn!

Question 3

What type of surface should we expect?

Accepted Answer

Both the long course and the short course are a combination of pavement (sidewalk mostly) and dirt towpath, with one section of true trail – the hill (“Bulldog’s Revenge”). Additionally, the long course has about a quarter mile of true trail after the short course splits off.

Question 4

Is the course closed to non-participants?

Accepted Answer

No! The course utilizes sidewalks and a major multi-use path (called “the towpath”) through the Butler University campus. Aside from the trail sections, the entire course is open to pedestrians and bicycles. And these folks may not know that there’s a race going on – so be aware and be kind! Additionally, one section of the course crosses driveways into various Butler parking lots. Saturdays in summer are a low-traffic days, but be very aware.

Question 5

If I wanted to do a "run a lap/walk a lap" system, would that be ok? Or am I clogging up the course for those who are "serious" about this sort of thing?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! In fact, we expect to have a lot of walkers – especially during the second half of the event. No issues here. As always, stay to the right and let faster folks pass you.
Are you a fast person? Say “on your left” and pass when it is safe. Courtesy is the name of the game. And watch for oncoming traffic!

Question 6

Will there be an aid station with ultra-type foods?

Accepted Answer

There will be an aid station in Tent Village at the start/finish with ice, water, Gatorade, bars, gels (probably Gu), oranges, crackers, cookies, and probably ingredients for peanut butter sandwiches (you make it yourself!). Basic ultra fare. Heat does funny things to food, though… chocolate melts, for example… so as always, come prepared with what you want.
There will also be water-only stations on the course as well.
Runners are encouraged to bring their own coolers, food, and beverages as you wish. Part of the fun of fixed duration endurance events is having a big picnic!

Question 7

What would someone need to have with them for an 8 hour event?

Accepted Answer

Our suggestions: Sunscreen! Special food and drink items, cooler, clothing options (in case of weather, heat, etc.), a hat, a bandana or two, a towel, maybe a few friends or so to support, folding chairs to rest… anything you would take to a long relay race. Many people, especially teams, will set up canopies (aka “tents”, but not really camping tents). Bring one or see if someone will let you share!
“8 hours during Indiana summer” probably means heat and humidity. And that may mean chafing. Bring your favorite anti-chafe solutions and reapply regularly. It can be helpful to have a “blister kit” and other first aid remedies. Sunscreen for sure. Bug spray may be helpful, especially for those not currently running. Ticks and deerflies aren’t an issue, but sometimes mosquitos and gnats can be, especially at the end of the day.
Although the race will supply electrolyte drink (Gatorade), if you use electrolyte tablets during training, bring those.
And don’t forget the sunscreen!

Question 8

Can I set up my own table/area with supplies and goodies?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We call it “tent village”. No charge to bring your own canopies (10 x 10 maximum size). Tent locations are pre-assigned by the race director based on the date the participant or team registered. Participants will receive their location assignment when checking in on race morning.
You can also set up a table and chairs in addition to, or instead of, a canopy. Your choice!
Just remember that at the end of the day, whatever you bring in, you need to take back out, including trash.
Note: It is an open area that will not be secure. Runners take care of each other, but please take normal precautions with valuables.

Question 9

Is there a minimum distance required for each team member?

Accepted Answer

Participants on Teams MUST complete at least one short course or long course lap.

Question 10

For crews, how long will we be allowed to support our runner(s)?

Accepted Answer

8 HOURS! Race support is allowed throughout the entire race. Bicycles are allowed (for support, not for participants!), but please be courteous to runners and other users of the towpath.

Question 11

Are pacers allowed?

Accepted Answer

Pacers are 100% not necessary for this event. This isn’t a 100 miler in the mountains. However, you are definitely welcome to invite company along for a few laps. Considerations:
1. Please stick to “a few laps.” If someone is going to run with you for 8 hours, that person really should register.
2. One at a time. Ok, actually, we won’t be hardcore and we won’t really count. Just remember, the course is open to everyone (which is one reason we allow pacers), so if you are traveling with a posse, you might be clogging the path for others.
3. Please have extra supplies for your pacer. The aid stations are for participants.

Question 12

Can we bring our own food and pets?

Accepted Answer

Pets are allowed but must stay within your tent village space or on a leash if outside your area. For safety of runners and walkers, pets may not accompany participants on the course.

Coolers and food are not only allowed, but encouraged.

Question 13

What's the deal about litter?

Accepted Answer

Just don’t do it. Lots of people who started their running career on roads (5ks up through marathons) are used to throwing their cups down next to aid stations. The ultra community is a little bit different – and this is not ok. Whatever trash you make… cups, gel wrappers, banana peels, coffee cups, whatever… needs to go into a trash receptacle or get carried out with you at the end of the day. Please don’t throw your cups down on the ground! If you do, many will likely wind up in the canal. As stated in the competition rules,(javascript:void(0)) anyone littering will be DQed from the event. And if you spot some accidental litter that’s clearly from a fellow racer, please pick it up. Karma is goodness.
We want to leave the campus of Butler University as nice as it was when we arrived. That’s neighborly. It’ll also help all of us get invited back next year. And please clean up your tent area at the end of the day. What you brought in needs to go back out with you. All of it. Please and thank you!

Question 14

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

You will get wet. Rain or shine, we’re ultrarunners and we run. The exception to this, of course, would be a heavy storm with lightning and/or fierce wind. Check the weather policy on the race overview page (javascript:void(0))for details on how we’ll handle a storm passing through.
Rain coupled with heat and friction – that’s a good recipe for blisters or macerated feet (gross). It is highly recommended that you pay extra attention to your feet if we get some rain. Body Glide, Trail Toes, or some other anti-chafe protection on your feet will help.
Gentle Reminder: Please stake or weigh down your canopies so that a gust of wind doesn’t take out your stuff and everybody around you!

Question 15

What's the farthest anyone has gone at this event?

Accepted Answer

You can find the course records on our Course Records page.(javascript:void(0)) There you will find the record for overall distance as well as Masters (40-49), Grand Masters (50-59), and Senior Masters (60+) categories.

Question 16

Does the race count toward Marathon Maniacs or 50 States Club qualification?

Accepted Answer

Provided you run, walk, skip, and/or crawl at least 26.2 miles within the 8 hours that the course is open, yes, this event counts toward both Marathon Maniacs and 50 State Club qualification and statistics. 
To reach at least 26.2 miles, you can:
 • Complete 8 laps of the long course + 1 lap of the short course (26.77 miles)
 • 14 laps of the short course (26.46 miles)

Question 17

Will tents be provided? Are there guidelines for tents?

Accepted Answer

Tents… and really, we mean canopies (tents without walls)… need to be provided by participants/teams.
Guidelines:
1. Canopies should be 10×10 max. If you need more space, there will be ample space to spread out, but maybe not in the pre-organized tent village.
2. You need to anchor your canopy with something! It can get breezy in Indiana, especially if a storm blows through. Unsecured canopies can cause serious damage to people and other people’s stuff. Don’t be “that group.”
3. When you are done for the day and pack up your canopy, please collect your trash. Whatever you brought in with you, please take it out. We want to leave the grounds of Butler University as clean as they were when we arrived

Question 18

How is the layout of tent village determined?

Accepted Answer

Tent locations are pre-assigned by the race director based on the date the participant or team registered. Participants will receive their location assignment when checking in on race morning. *Due to Social Distancing guidelines, we have a fewer number of tents than we've had previously. We will do our best to accomodate everyone.

Question 19

Will non-runners be able to access the rec center?

Accepted Answer

Participants and spectators will have access to the lobby of the HRC where they'll find air conditioning and restroom facilities.

Runners must present their race bib to access the locker rooms and showers. 
 
Unfortunately, neither participants nor spectators have access to the indoor pool.

Question 20

How late will the rec center stay open?

Accepted Answer

The Butler Health & Recreation Complex will close to the public at 9 PM, but the wristband will allow participants to shower after the event. The center has agreed to keep staff late for our event.

Question 21

Will showers be available in the rec center when the event ends at 6 PM?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Showers will be available all day and into the evening.

Question 22

Can I register as a solo participant and also run with a team?

Accepted Answer

No.  You can only be registered for one event.

Question 23

When can I set up my tent in Tent Village?

Accepted Answer

Tent Village opens for setup at 7:30AM.  We will have Tent Concierges at 7:30AM providing you with your tent number and location.  Numbers will be spray painted on the grass so that you can locate your specific tent area.

Question 24

What happened to the 7-8 person team option?

Accepted Answer

We have decided to eliminate teams of two and 7-8 this year to provide more competition within each team category and reduce the number of teams/people in Tent Village.  We have had four consecutive years of growth and eliminating these two categories will help us better organize and fill Tent Village effectively.

Question 25

Is there a participant cap for the Solo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because we are trending well over the 2020 participants, we have decided to cap the Solo's at 200. The cap retains the space needed in Tent Village for all Solo runners. Register soon or miss out!

Question 26

Will there be an early packet pickup?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Fleet Feet in Broad Ripple (1079 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220)(https://goo.gl/maps/Bpg1ktzT9z44aZxE7) will host packet pickup on the day before the race... Friday from 4 PM to 6PM (EDT).

Question 27

Do you need volunteers?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Running an endurance event would not be possible without the support from our generous volunteers. Join our team and help our participants get to the finish line!​
 
Bonus: Volunteer for Packet Pickup (Friday or Saturday) and receive a free entry to the Cat Nap 5K!​
 
Register to Volunteer! (https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/IN/Indianapolis/8HourDreamEnduranceRaceCatNap5K)

Question 28

Can I defer my entry to next year?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Deferrals are available for a $20 fee. Contact us (mailto:todd@carmelroadracinggroup.com)for details.

Deferrals are only available to SOLO runners. They are not available for TEAMS or Cat Nap runners.

Your confirmation and payment confirm your deferral to next year.  Deferred entries cannot be deferred a second year nor can they be transferred to another runner..

Deferrals can only be completed from your individual RunSignup profile.  Just login, choose deferral and complete the steps to be confirmed.

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8-HOUR DREAM ENDURANCE RACE

& MARATHON - Cat Nap 5K

July 11, 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS