Welcome to the 8-Hour Dream Endurance Race & Cat Nap 5K
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. 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. Both courses feature the now-famous Bulldog’s Revenge Hill.
Ways to Participate:
- 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.
Team Categories & Divisions:
Categories: Female, Male and Coed
Divisions within each category:
- 3–4 person team
- 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 Challenge:
The coveted cup goes to a local running club logging the most miles. Running clubs must be certified nonprofit running clubs with non-profit status and 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:
The post-race party includes a FREE cookout, live music, beer garden and the Podium Ceremonies. Whether you’re chasing miles, cheering teammates, or soaking in the atmosphere, The Dream delivers eight unforgettable hours.
