Back Your Badge Marathon
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Event
Back Your Badge Marathon is a multi-distance running event in Plainfield, Indiana, organized to support public safety agencies. The event includes the following distances:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 5k
- Kids Run (ages 0-11; 1/2 mile and 1 mile options)
The main event is scheduled for September 20, 2026, with the Kids Run on September 19, 2026. The venue for race starts and finishes is the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center, 651 Vestal Road, Plainfield, IN 46168.
Courses and logistics
All courses use town roads, park trails, and the Vandalia Trail and include sections on Historic US 40 and through Plainfield parks. The marathon and half marathon are USATF certified. Course features mentioned include Franklin Park, Hummel Park, Friendship Gardens, and passages by local police, fire, and communications facilities; the marathon route also runs through the bay of a local fire station. The courses are described as relatively flat with rolling hills. Multiple aid stations, restrooms, and medical aid points are listed at regular intervals on the marathon and half marathon courses; the 5k has water and restroom support noted.
Awards, teams, and race items
Marathon and half marathon cash prizes are listed for top three male and female finishers. The 5k awards top three overall with non-cash prizes. Age-group awards are given to the top three male and female finishers across standard age divisions. Participants choose a team to "back" during registration - Police, 911, or Fire - and miles are added to each agency's team total for a traveling trophy. Standard race items include a shirt and finisher medal, with a medal display noted for multi-year participants. Pacer groups are available for marathon and half marathon at various target finish times. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
