HalfRuns
Back Your Badge Marathon

Back Your Badge Marathon

Back Your Badge Marathon celebrates public safety with a scenic Plainfield course and community support.

Race Date

Sep 19, 2026

Location

Plainfield, IN

Standout69

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Location
Plainfield, Indiana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 5K
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
670

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBeginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunitySpectator SupportWell OrganizedGreat Medal

Course

Fast FlatWell Marked

The Experience

The Back Your Badge Marathon in Plainfield, Indiana, is a heartfelt tribute to public safety professionals, offering a scenic 21.1km course that winds through historic US 40 and the Plainfield Parks Trail System. This USATF-certified event, now in its 4th year, typically sees around 526 finishers, with a commendable 33% repeat-runner loyalty, drawing participants from approximately 13 states.

The race champions wellness and community, allowing each runner to represent a specific public safety agency. The collective effort contributes to a traveling trophy for the agency with the most combined miles. Beyond the competition, the event directly supports crucial Public Safety Beneficent Programs, Youth Assistance, and a Paramedic Scholarship Fund, making every step a meaningful contribution.

With a typical race-day temperature range of 61–81°F, the course is designed for a positive running experience. Participants can choose from a 5K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon, ensuring an inclusive event for all fitness levels. The focus is on unity, service, and celebrating those who protect and serve the community.

Race-provided description

The Back Your Badge Marathon is a premier running event proudly sponsored by the Town of Plainfield to honor and support all Public Safety Agencies — Police, Fire, and Communications. These dedicated professionals have made a shared commitment to the health and wellness of their personnel, and now it’s your turn to join them on the course. Celebrate community, wellness, and service at the 4th Annual Back Your Badge Marathon, featuring three exciting race distances — the 5K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon — giving runners and walkers of all levels a chance to participate. The scenic, USA Track & Field Certified Course highlights the very best of Plainfield, combining historic US 40, the Plainfield Parks Trail System, and routes that pass local police, fire, and communications facilities. Each participant chooses an agency to represent, and every mile completed adds to that agency’s total. The team with the most combined miles will earn bragging rights and the coveted traveling trophy. Beyond the finish line, every step makes a difference. All proceeds directly support Public Safety Beneficent Programs, Local Youth Assistance Programs, and the Back Your Badge Paramedic Scholarship Fund, investing in the next generation of those who serve. Join us in celebrating fitness, unity, and service — and show your support for those who protect and serve our community every day.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

Richard A. Carlucci Recreation & Aquatic Center, Plainfield, IN, 46168

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Park, Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles5K

USATF Certified Course

IN23007TDK · Back Your Badge Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout69
Methodology
Heritage6/20

3 years running

Size13/15

~452 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

33% returning runners

Course & details15/15

USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos

National draw7/10

runners from 13 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:15:10

Weather0/10

typical high 81°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

61°

Afternoon (High)

81°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.1"

Precipitation

9 mph

Wind

69%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 670 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

670

Median time

2:24:10

Latest turnout

265

States

15

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:204:00

Turnout by year

20232025

'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Back Your Badge Marathon?

The Back Your Badge Marathon is held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Back Your Badge Marathon take place?

It takes place in Plainfield, Indiana.

What distances does the Back Your Badge Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 5K.

Is the Back Your Badge Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Back Your Badge Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Back Your Badge Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 670 runners who have completed the Back Your Badge Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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