
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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IN23007TDK · Back Your Badge Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Standout693 years running
~452 finishers a year
growing or steady
33% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 13 states
winner 1:15:10
typical high 81°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2023–2025
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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