Walking Miles for Smiles; In memory of Randy Long!

The Gateway Gallop is a community event that raises funds to support west side trails. Proceeds benefit the B&O Trail Association and the White Lick Creek and Vandalia Trail Alliance, helping advance trail development and maintenance across our community.

Each year, we are proud to be fueled by The Breakfast Company, who generously provides breakfast for race day. The pancakes are cooked and served hot by the amazing Wayne Township Fire Department, a race-day tradition our participants look forward to every year.

Come run, walk, or stroll, enjoy great pancakes, and support local trails while making a lasting impact in our community.

The ninth annual BENefit Mile will take place on Friday, August 7, 2025 in Plainfield, Indiana at 7:00 p.m.. This net downhill race will begin on Buchanan Street and finish in downtown Plainfield near the Plainfield Friends Meeting off of East Street.

This event features a unique opportunity for seasoned runners to tackle a fast, shorter race than the typical road run, and will also appeal to those just starting out with running (walkers are also encouraged to participate)! The BENefit Mile will separate into corrals based on estimated finish times. Stick around after the races for post-race festivities!

The BENefit Mile will raise funds for the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent in memory of Ben Harmon, a Hendricks County resident and runner and who passed away in July of 2018 of Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Ben’s optimism and genuine positivity towards everyone, as well as his fight against his cancer was incredibly inspiring. This race will raise funds to help the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases support other patients and families in their fight against cancer as well.

Shirt Guarantee: 7/24/26

To learn more about Ben’s story, please visit the link below:

www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2018/06/14/doyel-cancer-getting-run-its-money-ex-avon-track-star-ben-harmon/690495002/

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.

Give back one gallop at a time on Thanksgiving morning! When you run the Gobble Gallop 5K, you support our Annual Campaign, which ensures that all ages can experience the benefits of Y membership, including health, fitness and education. In 2024 we were able to give over $401,571 in financial assistance to our Westside Community.

The Hendricks Regional Health YMCA strives to make a difference in the lives of people in our community every day. The Gobble Gallop 5k is our largest fundraising event for our Annual Campaign. This past year, the donations we received towards our Annual Campaign helped provide over $401,571 in financial assistance to qualifying Westside families. We were able to provide children with the opportunity to attend preschool, take swim lessons, and play in our youth sports leagues. We would never be able to reach that goal without the help of community members like you. Join us this Thanksgiving and help us give back to our Westside community!