The Geist half-marathon will now be a part of the Spark!Fishers Festival and will be held during the morning of Saturday, June 30. The City of Fishers and the local YMCA will be collaborating to make this race possible.
“We have been working with the Fishers YMCA for years to further our mission of promoting health and wellness in Geist area schools,” said Geist Half Marathon President Mike Napariu in a city news release. “This collaborative event gives us an opportunity to further our partnership with the Fishers YMCA and work more closely year-round.”
Detailed logistics are still in the works, but the start/finish line will be located in the Nickel Plate District. The race will mark a full Saturday of activities tied to the Spark!Fishers festival.
“Collaboration between the Geist Half Marathon and Fishers YMCA truly exemplifies the essence of Spark!Fishers,” according to Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, event co-chair. “The 5K will offer opportunities for friends and families to run alongside each other while making meaningful memories in our community.”
For the past 11 years, the Geist Half Marathon has hosted a 13.1 mile, 10K and 5K race on the third Saturday of May. Likewise, the Fishers YMCA has hosted a Wishbone 5K race on Thanksgiving morning for the past nine years. Both organizations will benefit from the proceeds of the Spark!Fishers 5K race to fund their annual children’s health and wellness programming in Fishers.
“It’s a perfect partnership for us,” said Fishers YMCA Executive Director Jake Reardon-McSoley. “This event lands right in the middle of summer when we are hosting hundreds of children from Fishers at our various camps. Summer is also our biggest time of financial need, so hosting this 5K event will really give us a shot in the arm to help us serve the community all year.”
Registration is now open for the inaugural Spark!Fishers 5K. Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for youth 12 and under. Registration includes a short-sleeved tech shirt, post-race food and drinks, and a finisher’s medal. To register, use this link.