Welcome to Fishers! Whether you’re gearing up for the Geist Half Race Series on September 13, or cheering someone on, we’ve put together the ultimate guide for your weekend fun to help you make the most of your stay. Not only are we ready to help you prepare for your race, it’s your running vacation too! From carb-friendly restaurants and recovery-friendly activities to fun outings and local favorites, there’s something for everyone—runners and spectators alike!
Friday: Welcome to Fishers + Shake-Out & Carb-Up
Where to Stay
Stay at the Hotel Nickel Plate, Fishers’ unique boutique hotel in the downtown Nickel Plate District. Located right along the Nickel Plate Trail, it’s close to restaurants and shops and is the perfect home base for your weekend.
Shake-Out Run/Walk Options
Warm up with a light jog or walk on one of Fishers’ many scenic multi-purpose trails.
- Nickel Plate Trail, Strengthened by IU Health: Spanning five miles through Fishers from 96th Street to 146th Street, the Nickel Plate Trail, Strengthened by IU Health, connects the northern and southern portions of our community, weaving through neighborhoods, commercial districts, and natural landscapes, and offering access to Noblesville’s 2.7 miles of trail, as well. A pedestrian bridge across 96th Street is under construction to offer access to the Indianapolis portion of the trail, scheduled to be completed in late 2025. Visit FishersParks.com/NickelPlateTrail to learn more.
- Ritchey Woods: After your race kit pickup—or on the morning before the Geist Half Marathon—enjoy a gentle shakeout run (or walk) at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, one of just two state designated nature preserves in Hamilton County. It’s nine well marked trails wind through about 127 wooded acres, prairies, and wetlands, offering over 2.25 miles of easy terrain ideal for loosening tight legs. Check out the Fishers Parks map to find Ritchey Woods and other great parks.
Want to find more trails and parks? Check out the Fishers Trails Map.
Carb-Load Dinner Spots (Runner Approved!)
Fuel up with delicious, energy-packed meals at these local favorites:
- Puccini’s Smiling Teeth Pizza & Pasta: Enjoy delicious pizza pies, pastas, and calzones. Be sure to order one of their huge dinner salads, as well!
8993 E. 116th St., Fishers, IN 46038; 11695 Fall Creek Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46256 (Geist Marina) - Max and Tilly’s: Classic and contemporary British-inspired cuisine. Don’t miss their specialty, delicious fish and chips.
8701 E. 116th St. Unit 140, Fishers, IN 46038 - 101 Craft Kitchen: Enjoy elevated comfort food and craft beer and cocktail pairings.
9708 District North Dr., St #910 Fishers, Indiana 46037 - Fishers Test Kitchen: Check out a variety of local chef concepts inside Sun King in this food hall style space.
9713 District N Dr., St #1210, Fishers, IN 46037
Saturday: Race Day and Beyond
Rise & Shine – Post Race Breakfast
After crossing the finish line, enjoy the Hero Hut Post-Race Breakfast—you earned it! Hero Hut will offer an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast to raise funds to support veterans and first responders. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased onsite or ahead of the event. Purchase your ticket here.
Brunch & Chill
Looking to escape the post-race crowd and grab a sit-down brunch? Check out these local favorites to refuel:
- Another Broken Egg: Southern-inspired entrees for breakfast, brunch, and lunch
8626 E.116th St., #175, Fishers, IN 46038 - The Roost: Warm and friendly Fishers’ neighborhood destination with a variety of eggs, pancakes, and biscuits and gravy
7371 E. 116th Street, Fishers, IN 46038 - Mornings Breakfast & Brunch: Vibrant atmosphere with a creative twist on American breakfast.
8235 E. 116th St., #245, Fishers, IN 46038 - Original Pancake House: Enjoy signature pancakes and other American breakfast classics in a casual setting.
8395 E. 116th St, Fishers, IN 46038 - RIZE: Chill out with farm-to-table fare for breakfast and lunch, plus smoothies!
9705 Fishers District Dr., Ste. 760, Fishers, IN 46037 - Java House (a proud sponsor!): Kick back in this casual coffee shop specializing in cold brew, plus breakfast and quick bites.
8789 North St., Fishers, IN 46038 - The Well Coffeehouse: Perfect for morning refreshments and light bites, right in the center of downtown Fishers.
8890 E. 116th St., #120, Fishers, IN 46038
Runner Tip: Check the bib-deal list for exclusive race weekend discounts at participating restaurants!
Things to Do After the Race
Whether you want to relax at a concert or keep moving on a kayak, Fishers is the perfect spot to hang out for the weekend.
Kayak & Paddleboarding
Geist Waterfront Park
10811 Olio Rd, Fishers, IN 46040
WheelFunRentals.com
White River Canoe Company
17180 River Rd, Noblesville, IN 46062
WhiteRiverCanoe.com
Fishers is a paddler’s paradise with several scenic waterways to explore during your Geist Half Marathon weekend. Rent a kayak, tandem kayak, or stand-up paddleboard at Geist Waterfront Park and launch straight into Geist Reservoir for a peaceful outing on the water—perfect for post-race recovery or a relaxing outdoor adventure. If you’re up for a longer excursion, head to nearby Noblesville and book a half- or full-day trip with White River Canoe Company, which offers kayak and canoe rentals along the gentle, winding White River with shuttle service included.
Pro tip: Want to bring your own kayak? You can launch at Geist Waterfront Park or at Geist Park (10979 Florida Rd, Fortville, IN 46040) on the southeast side of the park near Fall Creek (non-motorized boat launches only).
Ole60 Concert
September 13 at 8:00 P.M.
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive, Fishers)
After crossing the finish line, keep the celebration going with a live concert at the NPD AMP featuring Ole 60 on race night. This country-rock band takes the stage at 8 p.m., with food trucks, drinks, and good vibes in the heart of downtown Fishers. Purchase tickets at npdamp.com.
Conner Prairie
13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN, 46038
Conner Prairie is a nationally acclaimed, living-history destination and Indiana’s first Smithsonian affiliate. Spanning more than 1,000 acres, this attraction combines history and science to encourage visitors to explore Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage. Located in west Fishers, Conner Prairie also hosts popular seasonal festivals including Jupiter Flights, Headless Horsemen, and A Merry Prairie Holiday. In partnership with HSE Schools, every fourth-grader experience hands-on learning of Indiana history through live interpreters and activities of the 1800s. Learn more at ConnerPrairie.org.
Stretch Zone
11398 Olio Rd, Fishers, IN 46037
After pounding out 13.1 miles, treat your body with a session at Stretch Zone Fishers, one of our proud sponsors. Their certified practitioners use a proprietary, assisted stretch method to relieve stiffness, restore range of motion, and speed recovery in just 30-to- 60- minute sessions. Learn more at StretchZone.com.
Sunday and Monday: Recover and Explore
Recover like a pro with shopping, parks and more!
Fishers District
With world-class dining like 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo and Sangiovese Ristorante, and local businesses like Blue Peppermint Boutique and Kincaid’s Meat Market, Fishers District is perfect for a brunch with friends or night out.
Make sure to stop by our proud sponsor, Athletic Annex (11591 Yard St Suite 500, Fishers, IN 46037) in the Fishers District to pick up some running gear for your next race. Don’t forget to check out their bib deal!
Fishers AgriPark, Strengthened by IU Health
11171 Florida Rd, Fortville, IN 46040
A 33-acre urban farm and one of the city’s most unique assets, the Fishers AgriPark, Strengthened by IU Health, is one of the nation’s largest urban farms and pays homage to Fishers’ agricultural roots. Every year from May through October, residents are invited to the AgriPark for U-pick, Strengthened by IU Health in the public fields and gardens, animal encounters, and special programming. Learn more at FishersAgriPark.com.
Let’s make this your best race weekend yet! Whether you’re here to run or cheer, Fishers has everything you need to feel welcome, supported, and inspired to explore your next travel destination. See you at the race! Haven’t registered yet? There’s still time! Head over to GeistHalf.com to get registered.
