EAGLE CREEK PARK OFFICEEMERGENCyFor Emergency Dispatch: CALL 911Non-EMERGENCyRANGER ASSISTANCE: 317-327-3811DNR HOTLINEDNR HOTLINE: 317-847-4367Eagle Creek Park OFFICE LOCATION: 6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 CONTACT: 317.327.2473 (BIRD) HOURS:...
Iron Eagle Paddle Run
Iron Eagle
Iron Eagle Paddle and Run
Iron Eagle Paddle and Run
Iron Eagle is a unique run-paddle-run adventure race designed for all fitness levels and experience levels. 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.
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 behind the Earth Discovery Center. These enhancements will increase the usability and safety of that section of trail!
Iron Eagle 2025
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About the Race
Iron Eagle 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.
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.)
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!
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
