A 32-minute Lightning Delay Cannot Stop High Mileage Highlight 12th annual race in Indianapolis
CARMEL, Ind. (July 11, 2026) – The sold out 8-Hour Dream Endurance Event was treated to downpours and a 32- minute lightning delay at the start, producing some of the wettest conditions in the history of the event. Based on the race format rules regarding weather, the clock started at its normal time of 10 AM while the participants waited for the all clear from Butler University Police Department. At 10:32 AM, the largest field in race history was off and running.
Participants from 21 states endured the ever-changing weather and course conditions, embracing the challenge. As the skies cleared, the energy on the course only grew stronger, creating an unforgettable day that embodied the heart of the event. The race gives participants two course options, both featuring the popular Indianapolis Central Canal Towpath and a trip up Bulldog’s Revenge hill to the Bell Tower and back down. The results for SOLO and Team categories are scored based on the total distance covered during the eight-hour time frame.
Meng Zhao, from Frisco, TX, returned to successfully defend his crown, winning the overall race with 54.78 miles. Taushah Crawford-Oliver of Carmel, IN bettered her 2nd place finish in 2025 to win the SOLO female division with 48.29 miles. Rounding out the podium results for the men were 17-year-old Jem Stuart from Anderson, IN, in second place with 50.47 miles and Cory Kirkham of Carmel, IN, with 48.78 miles. The men’s 6- person TEAM division recorded the closest finish ever, with just 33 seconds separating the top team, Purdue University Run Club #3 with the Pups on Porches, a team comprised of members of the Personal Best Training club. Both teams logged 73.07 miles with PURC#3 completing the distance 33 quicker. Fishers Running Club took home the RC (Running Club) Cup for the fifth time in seven years.
“The weather once again played into the strategy,” said Race Director Todd Oliver. “We started in standing water, then the mud formed, followed by heat. For the competitive participants, it created quite the challenge. Overall, it was an outstanding day for our event team and the participants. It was a day we will never forget.”
Results for the event include:
8-Hour Dream Endurance Race – SOLO Male Overall
First: Meng Zhao, Frisco, TX, 54.78 miles – Overall Solo Winner
Second: Jem Stuart, Anderson, IN, 50.47 miles
Third: Cory Kirkham, Carmel, IN, 48.78 miles
8-Hour Dream Endurance Race – SOLO Female Overall
First: Taushah Crawford-Oliver, Carmel, IN, 48.29 miles
Second: Qi Peng, Carmel, IN, 44.25 miles
Third: Gabby Behr, Carmel, IN, 41.58 miles
8-Hour Dream Endurance Race – 3-4 Teams
3-4 Male Division: Brad’s 3 Ringer Circus, Corydon, IN, 58.55 miles
3-4 Female Division: Hoosiers Finest, Columbus, IN, 50.15 miles
3-4 Coed Division: There and Back Again – Indy Runners, Indianapolis, IN, 50.64 miles
8-Hour Dream Endurance Race – 5-6 Teams
5-6 Male Division: Purdue University Run Club #3, Westfield, IN, 73.07 miles
5-6 Female Division: Calvin University Alumni Women, Grand Rapids, MI, 61.61 miles
5-6 Coed Division: Washed Up Dawgs, Indianapolis, IN, 65.43 miles
RC Cup: Fishers Running Club, Fishers, IN, 70.45 miles
About CRRG Events:
CRRG Events is an event management and production company with more than 20 years of producing successful running events. Based in Carmel, Indiana, CRRG Events has staged and managed events across 11 states ranging from a 1-mile football halftime race to ultramarathons. For more information, please visit CarmelRoadRacingGroup.com.