Fishers YMCA Wishbone 5K Enters 12th Year
Beloved Race Returns Thanksgiving Day
Writer / Julie Yates
Photography Provided
For the 12th year, the Fishers YMCA is sponsoring the Wishbone 5K scheduled on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24) from 8-10 a.m. From serious runners to families who enjoy a bonding activity, this run/walk is an opportunity to participate in a fun event while giving back to the community. The race has a virtual 5K or 10K option as well as being an in-person event, but registration for either choice includes a t-shirt and finishers medal. For those attending in-person, there is the opportunity to win prizes.
“The Wishbone 5K has become a family tradition for most of our participants. We really focus on making it a memorable experience and not just a race,” says Ambur Beasley, Associate Wellness Director. “We have amazing pies to be won, great door prizes, live music, and of course the amazing community that comes out to make this event an absolute blast! We love that we can make it accessible for not only the competitive racer, but for whole families and participants that want to include their fur babies too!”
“Over 1,000 people come. There are strollers, groups of friends and dogs on leashes. It is a great activity for a group of friends or a club since the fourth registration is free for every three that are paid. The money raised goes toward memberships and programs for Fishers families who otherwise couldn’t afford it,” adds Rebecca McVay, Marketing Director.
The mission of the YMCA is to make sure everyone in the community has access to all it has to offer. Membership rates and program fees are based on household income. A sliding scale begins for families with a total income of $55,000 per year. Thanks to donor contributions, the Annual Campaign and money raised at the Fishers Wishbone 5k, the YMCA and its programs are open and accessible to all.
Since the Wishbone 5K began in 2011, nearly $450,000 has been raised to ensure the programs offered at the YMCA, which provide a pathway to physical fitness and educate the community, are available to all. Offerings include classes, camps, sports programs and childcare in an environment where all feel welcome and valued. Classes focused on lifestyle changes and chronic disease prevention address issues like blood pressure monitoring, arthritis management, and building up muscle mass and strength in cancer survivors.
The run/walk begins at the Fishers YMCA, located at 9012 East 126th Street, and finishes on the Nickel Plate Trail. Awards are given to the top three male and female winners as well as the top three male and female finishers in the age 40+ Masters category. Both male and female age group awards are given in 10-year increments from nine and under to age 70 and up.
Registration from Oct. 31 to day-of the race is $39 for both in-person and the 5K/10K virtual option. Virtual participants have the luxury of mapping out their own route, plus the time of their choosing. Packet pick-up is Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 12-8 p.m. at the Fishers YMCA or on race day from 6:30-7 a.m. inside the main entrance.
“We are anticipating 1,500 to1,600 participants this year! Our goal is to keep growing this wonderful event so everyone can create great memories with their loved ones,” says Beasley.
The Fishers YMCA is located at 9012 East 126th Street in Fishers. You can give them a call at 317-595-9622 or visit them online at www.indymca.org/fishers.
For information on registering for the Thanksgiving Wishbone 5K, visit runsignup.com/Race/IN/Fishers/FishersYMCAWishbone5KRunWalk.
