For the past decade, a culturally themed race and walk has brought German heritage to downtown Indianapolis.
Now in its 11th year, the Sankt Nikolaus 5K Lauf will shift to Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt at 11 a.m. Dec. 7.
“For the past 10 years, the event was held in Indianapolis at the Athenaeum/Das Deustche Haus,” said Brian Griesemer, race director and board member of the Indiana German Heritage Society, which organizes the event. “This year, we moved the event to Carmel to align ourselves with the third annual Carmel Christkindlmarkt to see if there is a long-term fit.
“We believe the event will continue to grow on its past success.”
Griesemer said the 5K began as an IGHS outreach program with the goal of promoting German culture throughout the state.
“This particular event promotes the history of St. Nikolaus, his generosity and his travel companions Ruprecht and Krampus, which is considerably different than other running/walking events,” he said. “(It’s) a family friendly event that kicks off the holiday season.”
Despite being a relatively small compared to other 5Ks in central Indiana, the IGHS supports charities, including Riley Hospital for Children, the Athenaeum Foundation, Girls on the Run Marion County, Lutheran Family and Child Services, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, solely from 5K proceeds.
Registration is $40. To learn more or sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/IN/Indianapolis/SanktNikolausDayLauf.
