Saturday, Oct 3, 2026
Hit the Bricks 5K Run & 3K Walk
Zionsville Town Hall
The 44th annual Hit the Bricks 5K Run & 3K Walk takes place Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Zionsville Town Hall. The Zionsville Optimist Club’s largest fundraiser features a timed 5K run/walk and an untimed 3K walk through downtown Zionsville and along the Big-4 Rail Trail.
The event is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Strollers and pets are welcome.
Event Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, October 3, 2026 · 8:00 a.m.–noon |
| Location | Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak Street |
| Events | Timed 5K run/walk at 8:00 a.m. · Untimed 3K walk at 8:05 a.m. |
| Registration | $31 through September 27 · $36 September 28–October 2 · $41 race day |
| Organizer | Zionsville Optimist Club |
Quick Facts
- Register by Wednesday, September 23, for a guaranteed event shirt.
- Early packet pickup is Friday, October 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Runners Forum in Zionsville.
- Race-day packet pickup is available from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at Zionsville Town Hall.
- Groups of three to 10 receive $5 off per registrant.
- Bundle Hit the Bricks with the Thanksgiving Day Gravy Chase to save 15% on both races.
Event Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 a.m. | Race-day packet pickup opens |
| 7:45 a.m. | Packet pickup closes |
| 8:00 a.m. | Timed 5K run/walk begins |
| 8:05 a.m. | Untimed 3K walk begins |
| 9:30 a.m. | Awards and post-race raffle |
The official registration system lists noon as the event end time.
2026 Hit the Bricks Course Maps
Both races begin and end near Zionsville Town Hall. The route descriptions below follow the direction of travel shown on the official 2026 course map.
5K Route
From the start near Town Hall, the timed 5K heads north on the Big-4 Rail Trail. Runners turn east on Bloor Lane, north on Hal Sharpe Road and east on Mulberry Street along the north side of Zionsville Community High School. The route follows Mulberry Street south, turns east on Ash Street and then travels south along the brick-paved section of Main Street. Runners continue west on Cedar Street, north on Sixth Street and west on Poplar Street before turning south on Ninth Street, passing through the Zionsville Christian Church parking lot and returning to the finish near Town Hall. The route includes some rolling hills.
3K Route
From the start near Town Hall, the untimed 3K walk heads north on the Big-4 Rail Trail. Walkers turn east on Bloor Lane, travel south on Mulberry Street and then turn west on Poplar Street. The route continues south on Ninth Street, passes through the Zionsville Christian Church parking lot and returns to the finish near Town Hall.
Participants may walk either distance. Runners seeking an officially timed result can register for the 5K.
Routes were traced from the official 2026 course map. Visit the official Hit the Bricks registration page for race-day information and course updates.
Registration and Event Shirts
Registration for either distance is:
- $31 through September 27
- $36 from September 28 through October 2
- $41 on race day
Online processing fees apply. Groups of three to 10 receive a $5 discount per registrant. On race day, family registration is $41 per person for the first two family members and $20 for each additional family member.
Participants who register by Wednesday, September 23, are guaranteed an event shirt. Shirts and requested sizes may be limited beginning September 24.
New for 2026, participants may bundle Hit the Bricks with the Thanksgiving Day Gravy Chase and receive 15% off registration for both events. Select the bundle when choosing a Hit the Bricks distance.
Packet Pickup
Early packet pickup is available Friday, October 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at:
Runners Forum – Zionsville
4335 W. 106th Street
Race-day packet pickup runs from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at Zionsville Town Hall, ahead of the 8:00 a.m. 5K start.
Awards and Post-Race Raffle
Gift cards are awarded to the first-, second- and third-place overall men’s and women’s finishers. The 5K also recognizes the top finisher in each five-year age group, beginning with ages 14 and younger and continuing through ages 70 and older.
The awards presentation and post-race raffle begin at 9:30 a.m. Raffle prizes include gift cards, dining certificates and other items from Zionsville businesses. Participants must be present during the prize presentation to win.
Supporting Local Youth
Hit the Bricks is the Zionsville Optimist Club’s largest fundraiser of the year. The club directs event proceeds to youth programs and community organizations in Zionsville and Boone County, including scholarships for graduating Zionsville Community High School students, youth sports, the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the third-grade Zionsville history program and assistance with textbooks, sports equipment and musical instruments.
The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County is the highlighted charity for the 2026 race and will receive a portion of the event’s fundraising proceeds.
The Zionsville Optimist Club has organized Hit the Bricks for more than four decades and describes it as Boone County’s longest continuously held event. Visit the official registration page for race updates and registration.
Downtown Map
Save the downtown Zionsville map to your phone before the race. It identifies public parking, restrooms, restaurants, shops and landmarks near Main Street.
Common questions about Hit the Bricks 5K Run & 3K Walk
- When is Hit the Bricks 2026?
- The 44th annual Hit the Bricks 5K Run & 3K Walk is Saturday, October 3, 2026. The timed 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., followed by the untimed 3K walk at 8:05 a.m. The registration system lists noon as the event end time.
- Where does Hit the Bricks start and finish?
- Both courses start and finish at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak Street.
- How much does Hit the Bricks cost?
- Registration for either distance is $31 through September 27, $36 from September 28 through October 2, and $41 on race day. Online processing fees apply. Groups of three to 10 receive a $5 discount per registrant.
- What is the difference between the 5K and the 3K?
- The 5K is timed and includes overall and age-group awards. Its course uses portions of the Big-4 Rail Trail and passes through downtown neighborhoods and the brick section of Main Street. The 3K is an untimed walk through the downtown Village area and portions of the trail.
- Are children, strollers and pets allowed at Hit the Bricks?
- Yes. Runners and walkers of all ages may participate, and strollers and pets are welcome. Registration is required for both the 5K and the 3K.
- How do I get a Hit the Bricks shirt?
- Register by Wednesday, September 23, to guarantee an event shirt. Shirts and requested sizes may be limited beginning September 24.
- When is packet pickup for Hit the Bricks?
- Early packet pickup is Friday, October 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Runners Forum in Zionsville, 4335 W. 106th Street. Race-day pickup is available from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at Zionsville Town Hall.
- Who benefits from Hit the Bricks?
- Hit the Bricks is the Zionsville Optimist Club’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds support youth programs, scholarships and community organizations in Zionsville and Boone County. The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County is the highlighted charity for 2026.