Carmel Marathon event supports behavioral health, more

The 14th annual Carmel Marathon event takes place April 12-13 in Carmel, Indiana. Purdue Human Resources is again offering a 50 percent registration fee discount on all race distances for faculty, staff and their families. The event supports multiple pillars of Purdue’s Healthy Boiler Program: behavioral health, financial wellness, physical health and social wellness.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, exercise has been researched and validated for treating a variety of mental issues and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, addictions, grief, relationship problems, dementia and personality disorders.

“Medications used in the treatment of mental illness increase levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and exercise can do that, too,” said Whitney Soto, RN health coach at the Center for Healthy Living on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. “In addition, exercise can improve mood and energy, reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Events like the Carmel Marathon are great opportunities to be outside and do something that’s good for your body and mind.”

Event and discount information  

To start the weekend, runners and walkers are invited to the Fitness Expo and packet pickup.

• Date/Time: Friday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET​
• Location: 502 East Event Centre, 502 E. Carmel Drive

There is no packet pickup available on race morning; therefore, participants need to ensure their packets are picked up at some point on Friday during the expo and packet pickup event. Picking up a packet for others is easy; no ID or confirmation email is required.

The weekend offers five races, all of which take place on Saturday, April 13, at City Center Drive and Third Avenue.

Individuals can register for whichever race best suits them.

• Marathon – 26.2 miles (Boston Marathon qualifier)
• Half-marathon – 13.1 miles
• 10K – 6.2 miles
• 5K – 3.1 miles
• Marathon relay (26.2 miles, four-person teams) – approximately 6.55 miles per runner

The discount code (valid for a 50 percent discount off registration fees for all race distances) is HEALTHYBOILER. Registration is available here.

Get ready

The event is open to all levels of runners, as well as walkers. Those interested in training for the event can utilize the help of Purdue health coaches to get themselves ready to run or walk. Health coaches on the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses are available to all benefits-eligible employees and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan. To schedule with a health coach, call 765-494-0111.

More information is available on the official race website at www.carmelmarathon.com.