Plainfield, Indiana, has a series of running events coming Sept. 21, 2025, called Back Your Badge.
Joining in the festivities of the Quaker Day Festival, Back Your Badge has events for all fitness levels, ranging from the 5K (3.1 miles), all the way up to a full marathon (26.2 miles).
We want to get the word out months in advance because we know runners like to register early. So, here's everything you need to know to plan for this great event.
Back Your Badge
Back Your Badge will traverse historic U.S. 40, Plainfield Parks expansive trails system, past cultural landmarks and public safety agencies within town. The marathon and half marathon both start at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 21 with the 5K starting just before 7:20 a.m.
All three races start and finish at the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center. Race packets can be picked up at the same location on Sept. 20.
What To Expect
The namesake for Back Your Badge sets a goal of every participant identifying a first responder to support. They get three options. They can choose the Plainfield police, fire department or 911 dispatchers.
Depending on who you choose, each mile you run or walk will be added to the agency's total. The agency with the most miles will win the traveling trophy.
Tickets & More Info
All participants will receive a T-shirt displaying who they support, custom, color-coded race bibs and a custom finisher medal. If you have any questions, visit the Back Your Badge FAQ page.
To register, visit the Back Your Badge website. If you register for the kids' (half mile or mile) race, you will receive a promo code for the other events.
If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the Back Your Badge website.
Volunteers Needed
The Back Your Badge event is in desperate need of volunteers to make their event the best it can be. Various volunteer opportunities are available including:
- General volunteer - Assignments will be made based on the highest need and are broken into two-hour segments.
- Half Marathon/Marathon Course volunteer - You can be a course marshal volunteer and pick an intersection or trail crossing and help make sure runners stay on course.
- Aid Stations - These volunteers will provide water and Gatorade to the runners. These are most often filled by larger volunteer groups.
- Finish Line Crew - Volunteers get to cheer on the finishers and give them their medals.
