ONU Polar Bear Indoor Marathon 2025

• Indoor marathon on a 200-meter track, requiring 211 laps for full and 105.5 for half.
• Direction change every 30 minutes to ensure balanced running.
• Limited to 40 participants; early registration is essential.
• Race starts at 7:30 AM; packet pickup available on race morning.
• Runners bring their own water/snacks; course certified but not Boston-qualifying.
• Awards for top male and female finishers; no age-group prizes.
• Track team members assist as lap counters and supporters.

The ONU Polar Bear Indoor Marathon, held at Ohio Northern University's Sports Center in Ada, Ohio, offers a distinctive marathon experience. Runners tackle 211 laps on a 200-meter indoor track, while half marathoners complete 105.5 laps, with direction changes every 30 minutes to keep things interesting. This well-organized event features personalized lap counting, split times, and pacing help in the final miles. Participants can set up their own aid stations, and enjoy a complimentary pasta dinner the night before.

Supporting the ONU cross country and track teams, this race benefits from enthusiastic volunteers who count laps, cheer, and create custom posters for each runner. The indoor venue ensures ideal running conditions, free from weather worries, while the intimate field of just 40 runners fosters a close-knit, supportive community. The first male and female finishers in each distance receive awards, adding a competitive edge to this unique winter marathon opportunity in the Midwest.

Expect temperatures between 20-29°F (-7 to -2°C) with high humidity during late January in Ada, Ohio. The weather is typically overcast, with minimal precipitation. While the race is indoors, these conditions might affect travel plans.

The ONU Polar Bear Indoor Marathon at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, offers a truly distinctive running experience. Held on a 200-meter indoor track, the course is entirely flat, shielding runners from unpredictable weather and elevation changes. Participants tackle 211 laps for the marathon or 105.5 for the half marathon, embracing the unique rhythm of this looped course.

Every 30 minutes, runners change direction, injecting a strategic twist that helps break the monotony. Through the glass walls, participants can watch the snow fall outside while remaining in comfortable, dry conditions. The intimate field of just 40 runners ensures a personal touch, with each athlete receiving individual lap counters, custom posters, and personalized support.

Mentally, the race demands resilience as the repetitive environment challenges focus and stamina. Yet, for those seeking a winter marathon in the Midwest, the ONU Polar Bear Indoor Marathon offers an exclusive and memorable race.

Visiting Ada, Ohio, for the ONU Polar Bear Indoor Marathon is an opportunity to blend athletic endeavors with cultural exploration. Nestled in a charming college town, Ada offers a range of attractions that cater to diverse interests.

Start your visit with a tour of the Wilson Football Factory, where you can witness the craftsmanship behind the iconic footballs and perhaps take one home as a souvenir. For those intrigued by history, the Pierstorf Family Pharmacy Museum showcases fascinating artifacts from the world of medicine. Don't miss the Historic Ada Depot for a glimpse into the town's railway past or embark on an Old Order Amish Road Tour to explore the scenic back roads and discover handmade Amish goods.

Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the Ada Ohio Walking Tour, which highlights historic structures and New Deal-era art. The ONU Observatory provides educational insights into astronomy, while Indian Lake offers outdoor recreation such as boating and fishing. Just a short drive away, the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta celebrates Ohio's rich aeronautical heritage. For music lovers, catching a performance by the Lima Symphony Orchestra is a delightful way to spend an evening.

Round out your visit with a stroll around Ohio Northern University's picturesque campus, or explore the creative offerings at Art Space Lima. History buffs will appreciate the Allen County Museum, featuring Victorian-era exhibits and railroad archives. Whether you're here for the marathon or the culture, Ada promises a memorable experience.