8-Hour Dream Endurance Race & Cat Nap 5K 2026

Description

Welcome to the 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race — Indiana’s Largest Endurance Running Event!

The Dream is a fixed-duration endurance race with one simple goal: go as far as you can in eight hours. Run, walk, or stroll — every mile counts. Held on Butler University’s iconic campus, The Dream has become the largest endurance running event in Central Indiana and continues to break participation records year after year. In fact, the event has sold out FIVE years in a row, driven by an incredibly high percentage of returning runners.

Spending a full day outside historic Hinkle Fieldhouse feels like a "running tailgate" — part competition, part celebration — all while testing your physical and mental limits. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

The Course Throughout the day, participants can choose between:

The Long Course (5K) The Short Course (1.91 miles)

Runners may switch between courses at any time to manage strategy, seek shade, or dial in a target distance. Both courses feature the now-famous Bulldog’s Revenge Hill, a defining challenge of The Dream.

Ways to Participate: There are three ways to be part of the action:

SOLO – Take on all eight hours yourself TEAM – Share the challenge with teammates Cat Nap 5K – A single-loop 5K starting at the same time as The Dream, perfect for family and friends who want to join the opening lap with SOLO runners

Team Categories & Divisions include:

Categories: Female, Male and Coed Divisions within each category: 3–4 person team or 5–6 person team

Coed Team Requirements:

3–4 Person Teams: 3 runners → minimum 1 female | 4 runners → minimum 2 females 5–6 Person Teams: 5 runners → minimum 2 females | 6 runners → minimum 3 females

RC Cup is Back: The coveted cup goes to a local running club logging the most miles. Four different running clubs have captured The Cup over the last seven years. Will we have a new club take home the trophy?

Run Clubs must be certified nonprofit running clubs with non-profit status Require 6-person coed teams (3 males, 3 females) Running clubs can only enter one team in the RC Cup, but may also enter additional teams in the OPEN division

Post-Race Celebration: What truly sets The Dream apart is more than the miles: The post-race party includes a FREE cookout, live music, beer garden and the Podium Ceremonies. After a long day, free food, drink and smiles is the only way to close the book on The Dream.

Whether you’re chasing miles, cheering teammates, or soaking in the atmosphere, The Dream delivers eight unforgettable hours.