Popular central Indiana event poised for growth; CRRG Events to expand outside Indiana
CARMEL, Ind. (May 17, 2023) – CRRG Events announced today that Full Circle Events has acquired the Carmel Marathon Weekend. Full Circle Events, based in central Indiana, will produce and manage the popular springtime race held annually in Carmel, Indiana. CRRG Events will work with Full Circle Events through the 2024 race to ensure a seamless transition for participants, event partners and community members.
On April 8, 2023, the 13th annual Carmel Marathon attracted a sold-out field for the third consecutive year with participants from 40 states and six countries. More than 20 percent of the full marathoners finished with a Boston Marathon qualifying time, moving the Carmel Marathon Presented by Franciscan Health to fourth on MarathonGuide.com’s list of top Boston qualifier races in 2023. The event was also recognized nationally by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the largest running association in the country, with two Championship designations in 2023. With its increased recognition, the Carmel Marathon Weekend is well positioned for further growth under Full Circle Events.
CRRG Events will continue its focus on producing premier running events including their Indiana Women’s Half Marathon & 5K at its new home in Carmel, the 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race on Butler University’s campus, and the Donut 5K, one of the largest holiday run/walks in central Indiana. With Full Circle Events’ acquisition of the Carmel Marathon Weekend, CRRG Events has plans for out-of-state expansion.
“There’s no one I’d trust more with the future of the Carmel Marathon Weekend than Jay and Kati,” said Todd Oliver, president of CRRG Events. “It’s really rewarding to hand over this event to a group I know will take it to the next level. Additionally, I’m excited to have capacity again to expand CRRG Events into new markets while building back the Indiana Women’s Half Marathon into one of the top-10 largest women’s only half marathons in U.S. In 2019 we were up to number eight, but then COVID hit. I am confident we can reclaim its top-10 national status here in Carmel.”
Full Circle Events, led by Jay and Kati Druba, has longtime ties to CRRG Events. Jay served as an intern for the inaugural Carmel Marathon Weekend in 2011, and both Jay and Kati have volunteered for and raced the event several times throughout its history. Jay has more than a decade of experience working in event production. During his time with IRONMAN, he supported more than 80 events across the country. As a longtime entrepreneur, Jay has successfully guided and built teams throughout various industries. Kati brings years of experience in event production and management, as well as the perspective of a lifelong runner.
“We couldn’t be more excited to build on the legacy of success that the CRRG team has built in the Carmel Marathon,” said Jay Druba. “This event has always been special to us, and the opportunity to play a bigger role is truly a full circle moment. We’re looking forward to working with event partners and the city of Carmel to produce a great event for years to come.
Since 2011, Carmel Marathon Weekend has enjoyed the support of the City of Carmel, its businesses, Carmel Clay Schools and local community members. Full Circle Events will continue collaborating with Hamilton County Tourism, nearby hotels, charity partners, area running clubs and many others to maximize the race weekend experience for participants and Carmel residents alike.
“The Carmel Marathon under Todd Oliver’s leadership has become a premier event and major economic driver for Carmel,” said Jeff Worrell, at-large member of Carmel City Council. “I am looking forward to the future as Jay and Kati take over, bringing new ideas and sharing their expertise with our residents and visitors in April 2024.”
The change in ownership does not affect the registration of participants with an active deferral from 2023 to 2024. Additional details on the 14th annual Carmel Marathon Weekend will be announced at CarmelMarathon.com.