Iron Eagle Paddle Run

Iron Eagle

Iron Eagle Paddle and Run

Indy’s most enjoyable summer challenge!

Iron Eagle is a unique run-paddle-run adventure race designed for all fitness levels and experience levels. Iron Eagle serves as a fundraiser for Eagle Creek Park’s trails.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun challenge, this race offers a scenic and exciting course through Eagle Creek Park’s trails and reservoir.

The race centers around a 1.5-mile paddle on Eagle Creek reservoir, sandwiched between two 2.6-mile runs through Eagle Creek Park’s beautiful wooded trails.

Individuals and relay teams can participate. All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and access to the post-race party. Register below!

About the Race > More Info > Race Experience & Results >

Support the park

Eagle Creek Park Foundation presents Iron Eagle – a relaxed race for all ages and abilities. Proceeds from the race go to Eagle Creek Park’s trail maintenance fund >.

The trail maintenance fund was used to build a new bridge on the Orange trail in 2023, which competitors now run over during the race!

In 2025, using the funds raised, the Iron Eagle committee has set their sights on renovating the amphitheater and Red Trail behind the Earth Discovery Center. These enhancements will increase the usability, sustainability, and safety of that section of the trail! Phase 1 of the project was completed in July 2025, Check out Phase 1 >

Donate to the Trail Fund

Iron Eagle 2025

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

About the Race

Iron Eagle Course Map

Download Course Map

About the Race

Iron Eagle is a run-paddle-run adventure race for individuals and teams of all ages and ability levels. The race features a 2.6-mile trail run, a 1.5-mile paddle, and another 2.6-mile trail run back to the finish at the Eagle Creek Park swimming beach for the post-race party.

This event showcases the amazing trails and open water of Eagle Creek Park while offering a fun and scenic challenge. Proceeds support trail maintenance and improvements at Eagle Creek Park.

Date and Time

August 9, 2025
6:30 am-7:30 am boat drop-off, at marina
6:30 am – 7:30 am check-in/registration, & packet pick-up at beach
8 am race starts at the beach.
Post-race party concludes at 12 pm.

Pricing

Priced per person, team information below
Proceeds benefit Eagle Creek trail fund
$50 before June 9th
$60 before July 9th
$70 before August 3rd
$80 from August 4th until race day
Foundation members receive a $10 discount for Iron Eagle. Become a member today >

Race Experience and Results

Iron Eagle Race Day

Iron Eagle Photo Gallery

Iron Eagle participants range in age, gender, and ability level. The only thing they have in common is that all finishers receive a custom Iron Eagle medal.

Prior Years' Photos

Group of runners participating in a race on a gravel path near a lake.

Two male runners participating in a trail race through a wooded area.

Group of runners participating in a trail run through a wooded area.

Three women running along a wooded trail during a race in a forested area.

A woman in a green tank top running on a wooded trail with other runners in the background.

A male runner wearing a backpack running on a forest trail surrounded by greenery.

Two individuals running on a forest trail, one waving and the other smiling, both wearing race bibs.

Multiple kayakers paddling on a calm body of water with two individuals observing from a railing.

Two individuals paddling in a double kayak on calm water with blue paddles.

Individual paddling a bright yellow kayak on calm water, wearing a blue life jacket and a headband.

An adult and a child paddling together in a double kayak on calm water.

A group of kayakers paddling on a calm body of water with several boats in the background.

Individual paddling a turquoise solo kayak on calm water with a paddle.

A man in swim shorts and a life jacket exiting an orange kayak onto a riverbank.

Individual paddling a kayak on calm water with a paddle in hand.

Individual paddling a red and yellow kayak on calm water with a paddle.

A runner in an orange tank top crossing the finish line at Eagle Creek Park event.

Two women crossing the finish line of a race with arms raised in celebration.

A male runner crossing the finish line at Eagle Creek Park event with a camera in hand.

A man and woman running together across a finish line at Eagle Creek Park event.

Iron Eagle Results

Check out race results from 2019 onward by clicking below! The gallery highlights our 2024 winners. Awards are given for Male and Female Individual, 2-Person Team, and 2-Person Relay categories. (The 3-Person Relay category is not awarded.)

Prior Years' Results

Two women standing together, one holding a trophy and the other wearing a medal, in an outdoor event setting.

A man in athletic wear receiving a paddle award from a woman in a casual shirt at an outdoor event.

Three women holding paddles and awards after a competition, smiling at the camera.

Two male relay race winners holding wooden paddles and medals, smiling at the camera.

Three individuals wearing gray t-shirts and medals, smiling and holding snack bars at an event.

2024 Iron Eagle with Foundation Staff

In 2024 Eagle Creek Park Foundation Staff decided to participate in Iron Eagle – and we had a blast! We particularly enjoyed making our team name: “Titanium Turkeys” into a fabulous t-shirt and getting to meet many of the participants on the day of the event. Also we technically won the 3-Person Relay, as we were the only entrants in the category for 2024.

2024 Iron Eagle Staff Takeaways

Our staff team had a blast at Iron Eagle 2024 and learned a few things along the way! The race atmosphere is fun and welcoming, no intense training is required to enjoy it, and many participants return year after year. If you’ve ever thought about joining, now’s the perfect time to sign up!

Group of participants running in a race, some wearing numbered bibs and athletic clothing.

A woman running on a trail in a forest, with other runners visible in the background.

Individual paddling a turquoise kayak on calm water, wearing a gray shirt and a cap.

A participant in athletic attire crossing a finish line at an Eagle Creek Park Foundation event.

More Information

Iron Eagle Divisions

You will select your division when you register on the race website

Individual

One person completes the entire race by themselves.
This includes both the run stages and the paddle stage.
Historically, it is our most popular division.
1st place male and female individuals receive an award.

2-Person Team

Both participants run both running stages and the paddle stage
Teams can consist of two people of any gender.
Teams are welcome to use two single boats or a double boat
Participants need to stay within 50 feet of their teammate
Boat(s) must remain in the boat transition area until both runners have arrived
Finish time and place are based on when the last runner crosses the finish line.
One award is presented to the winning team for this category.

2-Person Relay

Relays can consist of two people of any gender.
One person runs both running stages, and the other completes the paddle stage.
The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the runner arrives.
One award is presented to the winning team for this category.

3-Person Relay

Relays can consist of three people of any gender.
One person runs the first run stage, the second completes the paddle, and the third person runs the second run stage.
The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the first runner arrives
The second runner must stay in the boat transition area until the paddle portion is complete
3-person relay teams are welcome, but will not be eligible for the awards

Iron Eagle FAQ

If you have additional Iron Eagle questions, email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org

Is there a course map?

The Iron Eagle course used for the 10th anniversary race has become our standard race and can be found here Iron Eagle Course Overview

Can I bring my own kayak/canoe/watercraft?

Competitors and teams are allowed to bring their own watercraft, provided you also bring your own appropriate lifejacket(s) and paddles.

Are watercraft rentals available?

Yes. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in advance through Eagle Creek Outfitters on a first-come, first-served basis. $10 from every boat rental benefits the Foundation. Rentals come equipped with paddles and life jackets.

Single dugout & sit-on-top kayaks are $28. Double kayaks & canoes are $33.

What are the award categories?

Winners will be honored in the following categories:

First place individual female
First place individual male
First place two-person team (2 participants complete the entire race together)
First place two-person relay team (2 participants, each completes 1 or 2 stages)

Where can I park?

The race begins and ends at the beach.
Race check-in, packet pick-up, and registration all occur at the beach.
There is plenty of parking at the beach for competitors and spectators alike.
Before the race, you’ll need to visit the marina to drop off your watercraft or pick up your rental.
Plenty of temporary parking at the marina while you get your watercraft situated before the race.

Can I volunteer at Iron Eagle?

We’d love to have you! We need help with the following:

Water aid stations
Road crossings
Medal distribution
Registration
T-shirt distribution
Boat management
The after party

Please contact ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org for volunteer information.

Foundation Staff, Board members and volunteers all pitching in

Are spectators allowed?

This race starts and ends at the beach with the marina serving as the transition area. Spectators are welcome to view the race at either location.

Note that you won’t be able to drive between the marina and the beach once the race begins.

2024 Iron Eagle Sponsors

Earth Discovery Center

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER

earth discovery center

ABOUT EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER:

Earth Discovery Center: With an emphasis on the youth, the Earth Discovery Center seeks to enhance environmental education for all ages!

As soon as you walk in, it’s very likely you’ll be greeted by some sort of creature! That might be a snail, frog, salamander, or during the summertime, you can even catch the morphing of a caterpillar into a monarch butterfly right at the front desk.

Inside the center, you’ll find exhibits and information about native Indiana plants and animals, including aquariums with live native reptiles, fish, amphibians, taxidermy mounts, and replicas.

Other wildlife educational ambassadors may make appearances at scheduled program times. When you venture outside, you can take in a beautiful view of the reservoir out on the deck or hop on the nearby hiking trails.

Indy Parks naturalists host field trips, public programs, events, and summer day camps.

DONATE TO EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

5901 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7148

HOURS:

Tuesday – Saturday

10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday

1:00pm-5:00pm

KEY CONTRIBUTORS TO EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER

EAGLE CREEK PARK FOUNDATION

Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

City of Indianapolis

Going Green

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

“We find that a lot of kids are really scared of nature — they come here and think they’re going into the jungle! We want them to take a walk in the park and realize that there is nothing dangerous out there. They might find some of these creatures in their own backyard, but they’re harmless and fun to learn about.”

Leah Frenzel, Earth Discovery Center Naturalist

ACTIVITIES + EVENTS



WILDFLOWER WEEKEND

Welcome spring with a weekend of guided hikes and programs to enjoy and learn about the beautiful wildflowers of Eagle Creek Park!

This event takes place in mid-April with a detailed schedule available by mid-March at www.indyparks.org.

Visit event page >



CELEBRATION OF NATURE

This annual exhibit showcases local artists and nature-themed paintings, photography, sculpture, wood-carving, and more! Celebration of Nature takes place the first two weeks of December.



PLAN A FIELD TRIP

Call for available times
We have various options for unique learning activities. Please call us at 317-327-7148 or email dawn.vandeman@indy.gov.

Follow on Facebook

Stay up to date with Programs and More

The naturalists at the Earth Discovery Center do an excellent job keeping the public up to date with programming and events. Besides the schedules and links above, following the Facebook page is one of the best ways to stay informed and engaged!

BUILDING FEATURES

Geothermal heating and cooling that utilizes local groundwater
Photocell outdoor lighting
Native, wildlife-friendly landscaping
Bike racks

Carpet made of recycled material
Eco-friendly bathrooms with motion sensor lighting, faucets, and hand dryers, as well as low-volume toilets
Revolving front door that helps keep cooled or heated air inside



GEOTHERMAL POND

In 2014, the Eagle Creek Park Foundation contributed $30,000 to supplement a 3Mgives Eco Grant for construction of a geothermal pond behind the Earth Discovery Center.

This allows for large school groups to immerse in an elaborate pond study program to dip-net for frogs and aquatic insects, which adds to their studies in the wet lab.



CLASSROOMS

The Wet Lab Classroom is set up much like a high school science lab with stools and six lab tables, and is a great space for messier field trip activities.

The Dry Lab is a multifunctional open space that is also the home base for summer daycamps.

By utilizing the Exhibit Hall, the Earth Discovery Center can host up to three classrooms simultaneously.



EXHIBIT HALL

The Exhibit Hall is home to some of our live turtles, snakes, and other educational ambassadors, as well as a multifunctional space for field trips, public programs, art exhibits, and seasonal activities and displays.

The walls of this unique space are covered with custom wallpaper artwork featuring several of the native plants and animals found in Eagle Creek Park.

Recycling containers for plastic, glass, and paper products
Bio-swale and swirl tank to clean storm water run-off before returning it to the reservoir

Built on the site of the old ranger station (using previously disturbed land means fewer habitats affected and less land cleared)
Furniture made of recycled plastic

MEET THE NATURALISTS

Dawn VanDeman

Earth Discovery Center Manager

Dawn is an Indianapolis native who started working at Eagle Creek Park as a seasonal naturalist back in 1994.

She attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts where she majored in biology and minored in studio art.

She then moved on to complete graduate work in wildlife science with Purdue University’s Department of Forestry before coming back to work full-time at Eagle Creek Park.

Favorite Things

Her favorite things about the park include the amazing diversity of park visitors, the small, hidden vernal pools teeming with fairy shrimp and baby salamanders in the spring, and the sound of loons (the bird kind) calling on the reservoir. She specializes in amphibians and reptiles, bugs and aquatic invertebrates, growing native plants for butterfly gardening, and loves answering weird questions about Indiana wildlife.

Dawn's Critters

She is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and shares her home with three cats, four non-releasable raccoons, one hognose snake, one dwarf siren, several hundred terrestrial isopods, and an assortment of temporary residents through the year which may include orphaned or injured raccoons, opossums, squirrels, bunnies, turtles, snakes, and bats.

Leah Frenzel

Naturalist

Leah grew up in North Carolina where she attended North Carolina State University, and graduated with a degree in natural resources-ecosystem assessment.

After graduating, she was hired as an outdoor environmental educator with the Flat Rock River YMCA in St. Paul, Indiana. She learned to teach children to love nature while exploring the outdoors, and has been doing so ever since.

Favorite Things

She enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, identifying insects, and nature photography. As her boss describes, “Leah is awesome and likes to pin dead insects when she isn’t teaching archery or writing environmental education curricula.”

Kahli Brown

Naturalist

Kahli grew up here in Indianapolis, attending Indy Parks summer camps for many years as a kid before going to Warren Wilson College in North Carolina where she majored in Environmental Education and minored in Craft and Visual Arts.

She spent two seasons working as a field instructor with Experience Learning in West Virginia, teaching kids camping, backpacking and natural science skills in the Monongahela National Forest. Afterwards, Kahli moved back to Indy and started working at Eagle Creek Park as a Naturalist in 2023 continuing to foster connections between people and the natural world around them.

Favorite Things

Kahli enjoys going hiking, spotting critters, petting moss, climbing big rocks, listening to birds, exploring caves, weaving baskets, felting wool, making paper, binding books, and creating stop motion animations

Katie Kolcun

Naturalist

Katie is the newest member of the EDC team. She is pictured with a Tegu she has rescued and cares for at home. Katie’s bio is coming soon!

Favorite Things

Katie is the newest member of the EDC team, bio to come soon!

Hiking

Members Hiking on the West Side Trail

Miles and Miles of trails

Lace up your boots and discover the natural beauty of Eagle Creek Park on foot!

With 3,900 acres of forests and meadows, featuring nearly 30 miles of maintained trails, our hiking trails offer a peaceful escape and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird-watching in every season.

The terrain is relatively flat, so whether you’re looking for a short, scenic walk or a longer, more immersive trek, there’s a path for you.

Thanks to a 2018 grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the park now features 7 more miles of trails, making even more of this beautiful landscape accessible for exploration. Check out the new West Side Hiking Trail page here

Grab a park map, choose your route, and experience firsthand why over one million visitors are drawn to our trails each year.

Get a Map

Read about trail safety >

Visit our Trails Page >

More Visits. Give Back.

A Foundation Pass grants unlimited gate entry and is the easiest way to give back to the park. If you love hiking and want to support the Park, we’ve got you covered!

Get A Pass