Third Annual Backward Mile

New this year, athlete Aaron Yoder (Lindsborg, Kansas), the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s fastest backwards runner, will join the event. Yoder will lead warm up coaching and stretching before the run before he runs the mile with participants. He will also run it again at ‘race pace’ and share his story during a post-run celebration. Yoder holds the world record for the fastest backward mile, which he ran in 2015 in 5 minutes and 54 seconds. You can read more about him in this Men’s Health (April 2018) article: http://bit.ly/3aRrPV1

Eddie Kline, race director of the Backward Mile and Holland Haven Marathon, created the unusual and one-of-a-kind event in West Michigan as a way for runners to come together, have fun and give back.

“We are excited for our new location at Fifth Third Ballpark which allows for more participants to join us in a fun community event. Everyone is welcome whether you run or walk the mile distance in reverse. Participants are encouraged to dress backwards and enjoy a night supporting Medals4Mettle.”

To register for the Backward Mile, participants can sign up at runsignup.com/backward* and follow event details on Facebook and Instagram.  *It is not required to turn in a medal to participate. Everyone is welcome.

About Medals4Mettle: The mission behind Medals4Mettle is to award earned medals to people battling cancer, chronic illness, trauma and suffering other life challenges. Medals collected are awarded to those whose journeys are tough — a race they did not choose to run: a race where the finish line might not be known.

The Medals4Mettle Grand Rapids Chapter has donated over 350 medals to worthy recipients in West Michigan. The medals collected at the Backward Mile Race will be awarded to courageous children and adults in West Michigan battling illness.

Since 2005, over 65,000 medals have been awarded by over 70 chapters worldwide. This mission is to provide an opportunity to unite multisport athletes with others to create an International network of compassion: Kindness without borders.

For additional information visit https://www.Medals4Mettle.org or contact Heather Dunbar at hmrdunbar@gmail.com.