Sports Illustrated on Campus ranked IU the sixth best college sports town in the nation, with one of the best student recreational centers in the country. Besides its well-known basketball and soccer teams, IU has top-flight programs for both men and women in football, swimming, tennis, and track.

Two large fitness centers offer options for exercise and swimming, including an Olympic size swimming pool. The popular IU Outdoor Pool and diving well is open to the public from mid-May to September.

The League of American Bicyclists recognizes Bloomington as a gold star-rated bike friendly city. Little 500 bike races take place each April, unique to the Bloomington campus and immortalized in the classic movie “Breaking Away.” Men’s and women’s teams train all year to qualify for Little 500.

Bloomington features many annual marathons and walks, including the IU Dance Marathon supporting Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, the second largest student philanthropic effort in the United States.