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.
Linda Cullison
I was in the US Army from 1981-88. I had several of my family members in the military including my grandpa (Army) WW1, Dad (Navy) WW2, and my son (Army National Guard) who was stationed in Iraq in 2009. I ran for America’s Run for the Fallen in 2018 and then for Indiana in 2019. This is an honor for me to run for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. My heart goes out to their families.
Ross Dotzlaf
Being a core runner for Run for the Fallen is a true honor and an incredible way to show respect to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Participating in the 2022 Virginia and Georgia Runs for the Fallen were two of the most rewarding experiences of my running career. I currently serve in the Air Force, but I am originally from Greenwood, IN, and I am thankful for this opportunity to participate in my home state and honor our fallen Hoosiers.
Dara Grady
This will be my 8th year as a Core runner.
Eric Roddy
It is truly an honor and a privilege to run these miles, so that the friends and families of our fallen Hoosiers can hear their service member’s name called out loud. Years pass us by and memories fade, but the pain never goes away for these Gold Star Families. This run is special and important to me, because we want those families know that their loved ones are not, and will not be forgotten.
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.
Kathy Labus
I am Kathy Labus a core runner for 4 years. Running is a wonderful way for me to give back and to Run for those who cannot! IRFTF is an extremely important cause and holds a deep importance to All the families, runners and the community! It's an honor and privilege to be a core runner and to spend Mother's Day doing this run across Indiana.
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.
Justin Ayres
This is my first year doing run for the fallen. I have several family members who have served. I have watched my wife's family participate through the years and am excited to get to participate in my first year.
Olivia Ayres
I've been a runner my whole life and have multiple family members who serve. This is my second year as a core runner, and it's an honor to remember those fallen through running.