Serious runners only please
We are assembling a small group (20 maximum), of active or former military personnel or dedicated athletes to comprise a core team of runners committed to a 3-day 140 mile tribute run from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis. The run has a specific timetable for each marker throughout each day. Runners need to be flexible, willing to run on any given day and when needed. RAIN OR SHINE.
Runners will run approx. 1 mile for every Indiana fallen military hero who died while serving during the current war on terror, stopping to salute and give tribute by name at every Hero Marker, briefly greeting family, friends and comrades who may be waiting nearby. Stopping no longer than 90 seconds each.
Each runner must be physically capable of a consistent 8-9 minute mile for 2 mile legs. Core teams will regularly rotate over the 3-day period. We are not looking for quantity of runners but a solid team dedicated to the remembrance of those who gave their lives and their families. This route will be grueling at times because the trail winds through many hilly areas as we in Indiana. A specific pace must be maintained in order to timely greet waiting families.
If you are interested in becoming a part of our core team or be a drop-in runner contact us at, Indiana@RunfortheFallen.org.
Meet This Year's INDIANA
CORE RUN TEAM
Adam Bennett
I am from Winamac Indiana. It is an honor for me to be able to run these miles for those who have paid the greatest sacrifice for this great country. My heart goes out to the friends and family members of the fallen heroes that we are honoring with this event.
Lily Bennett
Being a runner for the Run for the Fallen is an honor and something that I have wanted to do for a couple years now. It means so much to me to pay my respects and acknowledge those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Eric Butcher
Running for this cause to honor and remember our fallen heroes is to show my gratitude towards their ultimate sacrifice. It is the least I can do to show my appreciation to these heroes and their families.
Johnny Butler
Core runner starting in 2018 with America’s RFTF, helping complete a one-day segment in Indiana as well as traveling to Washington D.C. for day 120, the final mile into Arlington National Cemetery. A son of a Vietnam Veteran, a patriotic citizen who volunteers with Indiana Patriot Guard Riders, among other endeavors.
What keeps me wanting to continue to be a part of Honor and Remember, particularly the Run for the Fallen, is Lance Corporal David K. Fribley, U.S.M.C., Killed-in-Action on 23-Mar-2003. His dad was my track coach and today, Coach and his wife live about a mile from me. I run with the flags up for David and for all of those who have given their life for our Freedom, to never Forget, to Honor and Remember each and every one of them.
Staci Fiddler
My friend Linda has participated in this run since we became friends. I thought you could only participate if you were in the military or past military servicemen. When I asked Linda about the run I was surprised to find out I could run too. It would be an honor to run for our fallen military men and women. I’m an avid runner and my father is a disabled veteran. I know he would be proud of me taking part.
JESSE EVANS
Indiana Run for the Fallen is meaningful to me because it creates a visible and respectful way to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s also a chance to reflect on the cost of that service and to show gratitude in a tangible way. My family has had some personal connection to that sacrifice, and the mission of the run as well as the people involved have been both supportive and uplifting.
Dara Grady
This will be my 9th year participating as a core runner.
Kathy Labus
This will be my 5th year as a Core runner with IRFTF. I am a Navy Veteran, special needs mother and runner. This Mother's Day weekend is important to myself to say the names of those soldiers from Indiana that have paid the ultimate sacrifice! Their families deserve this special gift as they have paid and sacrificed deeply!
AIDAN VON GUNTEN
I’m an Indiana Army National Guard Soldier, serving as an Infantryman. This is my second year as a core runner and I run for those who have gone before and have paid the ultimate cost
Jennifer Evans
My family became involved in America's Run for the Fallen 2018, following the death of my brother SSgt Tyler J Fox (USMC). Since then, I have had the honor of participating as a core runner with Indiana for the past 3 years. Knowing each name called has a family they left behind, sharing a similar experience as our family, has made the time spent remembering the fallen soldiers even more meaningful. I look forward to serving again this year.
Jesse Gaskill
Ran with the team last year—loved it!
CR Dillon
Hi I'm CR Dillon and I am from Portland, Indiana. This is my fourth year participating in the run for the fallen. I am a veteran of the Indiana Army National Guard. I'm 48 years old, a father of 3 and my wife Amy also participates in the run. The run gives me a chance to honor and remember the lives of those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Frank Murphy
Frank is originally from Alaska, but has put down roots in Indiana. A non-veteran, he is grateful for those who have served in our Armed Forces (including several members of his extended family). He also knows how fortunate he is that every time one of his loved ones was deployed they were able to come home.
Frank recognizes that RFTF is a tangible way to show gratitude. It is a solemn privilege to run in honor and remembrance of Cameron, Nicholas, David, Alec, and hundreds of other soldiers who paid a staggering price in service to our country.
DANETTE VON GUNTEN
I have been a runner with IRFTF since 2018. I have always been a single day runner, but last year my kids and I did all three days and it was incredible. I loved meeting the families along the way and see all of the support for this event. I come from a long family history of military service so this is a way I can give back to other families.
AMY DILLION
My name is Amy Dillon. I am a wife, mother, teacher and coach. I am from Portland, Indiana. I joined this amazing group last year and what a privilege it is to be able to join them again this year to honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice.
CASEY WALTERS
The run is a meaningful token of appreciation for the sacrifice paid. It's a small gesture to honor such a huge inspiration.
MARK WALTON
One of my Army buddies has been ran it in the past. Fallen military has always been important to me. I come from a family of Veterans and have spent much of my adult life honoring them from roles in Bugles Across America, and the Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program. I'm a fitness trainer within the Army and am excited to participate in an event that marries two things about which I am passionate.
JOHN MERRILL
It is an honor to serve as a Core Runner for the Indiana Run for the Fallen. This run carries special meaning, as it is dedicated to the brave men and women from Indiana who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Having served alongside fellow service members, I understand the bond shared by those in uniform and the weight of that sacrifice. Each mile is run in remembrance of Indiana’s fallen heroes and as a tribute to the families who continue to carry their legacy.
Isabel VonGunten
Through my mom, Danette. As a service member myself I find it very important it is to continue to honor those who gave it all.
Natasha Merrick
My former NCO and friend asked me if I’d like to join. I’m running for our fallen heroes to honor the sacrifices that make our freedom possible every single day. As someone who serves in the military, this cause is deeply personal to me—not only to remember those we’ve lost, but to teach my children the importance of service, sacrifice, and gratitude. My son recently became a Marine, which has given me an even deeper appreciation for the courage and commitment of those who serve. I run to honor the fallen, support the living, and to raise a generation that never forgets.
Shaina Mckinnon
I first heard of this run because a couple of my friends are involved with it. Then, Honor and Remember held a ceremony for my Dad, who I lost in 2022. I was then invited to come run. I believe this is something my Dad would be so proud of me for, which is why I'd love to be a part of this.
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