Join us for the Indiana State Fair Deep Fry Dash for Damar presented by Meridian Health Services and experience the fair like you never have before! Take in the nostalgic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the State Fair while supporting remarkable kids and adults with disabilities in Indianapolis. Finish up with fried food and family fun at our post-race party.

Whether you prefer the thrill of the Midway or the tranquility of the butterfly gardens, the Deep Fry Dash offers something for everyone to enjoy. A sensory friendly area will be available at the beginning and end of the race.

Your entry fee includes the following benefits:
• Indiana State Fair admission (One per race entry)
• One custom t-shirt
• Free Fair food treats after the race
• Finisher ribbon
• Post-race party

The deadline to guarantee yourself a shirt is Monday, July 19!

Please note, raceday is Wednesday, August 4th, but there is NO PACKET PICKUP on Tuesday, August 3rd.

Packet Pickup: MONDAY, AUGUST 2nd
Location: 46th Street Parking Lot, located at 1116 E. 46th Street
Time: 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Raceday Packet Pickup: Wednesday, August 4
Location: Gate 12 – Indiana State Fairgrounds
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Packet Pickup - 6:00pm - 7:30pm

1-mile Fun Run - 7:30pm

5k Run/Walk - 8:00pm

For the 5K map, click here.

For the 1 Mile map, click here.

Convenient parking is located at the Indiana School for the Deaf, across from Gate 12 of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Race day registration will be located near the Glass Barn, accessible through Gate 12.

Parking is $10 per vehicle onsite or $8 when purchased in advance on the Indiana State Fair Website, available starting June 23. CLICK HERE to purchase your parking pass now.

For the parking map, click here.

5K Top Finisher Awards - Awards will be presented to the top three winners overall. Additionally, one winner will be recognized in each age group.

1st Place: Free Stage VIP Package (4 Indiana State Fair Tickets with reserved seating)
2nd Place: Family 4 pack of tickets to the Indiana State Fair + $25 Fair Bucks
3rd Place: Family 4 pack of tickets to the Indiana State Fair

1 Mile Family Fun Run Awards - This award will be presented to the top winner overall.

Family 4 Pack of Indiana State Fair Tickets plus 2 Midway Wristbands (Available on Select Days)

Hoosier Spirit Award - What does Hoosier Spirit mean to you? Is it the resiliency of the farmer, the dedication of the basketball player, or a day in the circle city? This award will be given to the team or individual that demonstrates the theme of the 2021 Indiana State Fair by celebrating all things Indiana.

Indiana State Fair Prize Pack consisting of 4 Indiana State Fair tickets and $25 in Fairbucks

Fair Food Fashion Award - Are you a funnel cake fan or team tenderloin? We’ll be awarding a special prize to the runner that dresses in the best Indiana State Fair food-themed costume!

Indiana State Fair Prize Pack consisting of 4 Indiana State Fair tickets and $25 in Fairbucks.

Proceeds from the event will go to support two wonderful causes in Indiana:

For over 50 years, Damar Services has helped children and adults with autism and other developmental, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities live their own remarkable lives. We’ve moved thousands of deserving children and adults from vulnerability and crisis to stability and independence. It is our mission to serve each client and family with genuine, heartfelt care that makes hope, happiness, and success possible.

The mission of the Indiana State Fair Foundation is to raise funds to philanthropically support the year-round ag education, youth development and campus stewardship efforts of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Since 2011, the foundation has supported the preservation and enhancement of the facilities and infrastructure on the Fairgrounds, youth education through on-site and virtual school fieldtrip programs and recognition of 4-H youth participating at the Indiana State Fair.

For COVID Policies and procedures CLICK HERE!

Leave your furry friends at home – no pets are allowed at the fairgrounds.

For general Indiana State Fair guidelines CLICK HERE!

The race will go on, rain or shine! However, it will be canceled in case of severe weather to ensure safety of all participants. No refunds will be issued. Race entry fees will be converted to donations in support of Damar Services and the Indiana State Fair Youth Education Fund.

Champion Sponsor – Meridian Health Services

Finish Line Sponsors
• Resultant
• PNC
• Hendricks Regional Health

Pace Setter Sponsors
• Pharmaneek
• CLA
• ALO Property Group
• Sharp Business Systems
• DOZ Charitable Foundation, Inc

Special Thanks to
• Prairie Farms

Sign up to volunteer at the race! View available opportunities: CLICK HERE!

If you have questions, please use the "Contact the Organizers" link on this page.