In 2022, the first
Wabash Run the River was held. While the race has made a few changes over the years, the unique combination of race day thrills and scenic views has made it a staple in the summer calendar. According to data provided by Visit Wabash County, the number of participants has grown each year. In 2022, Wabash Run the River brought in 220 runners, and in 2025, the event is on track to bring in more than 400 runners from 11 different states.
The event offers a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 10k, and a 5k along the Wabash River Trail. Each race is chip-timed and offers cash prizes for the top three male and female runners.
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Runners take off from the start line at Wabash Run the River.Stephanie Rogers, race director and experiences manager for Visit Wabash County, says events like this help create a happier and healthier community.
“We’ve learned that when communities lean into health and wellness, they tend to be a little happier, so for our region, it's nice that we’re able to provide something that’s local [and] that’s competitive,” she explains.
Chittick Insurance, a Wabash-based insurance firm, has sponsored the race since its inception four years ago. Matthew Chittick, president of
Chittick Insurance, says from his perspective, active communities mean lower health care costs, fewer emergency room visits, and overall healthier lives – but it’s not the business benefits that keep them involved.
“As far as my staff and I are concerned, we have a personal human vested interest in Wabash Run the River,” Chittick says. “We want to see our neighbors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.”
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Matthew Chittick and Stephanie Rogers at Wabash Run the River.As a stakeholder in the City of Wabash, Chittick says he enjoys seeing the number of people racing along the river increase every year.
“I’ve always been a big believer that you should support where you live, and you don’t expect anything in return,” he explains. “Taking an active interest in what is best for the community is just the right thing to do.”
Again this year, Chittick Insurance’s support of Wabash Run the River continues the assurance that athletes of all abilities can participate in the race, due to the partnership with MyTeam Triumph, an athletic ride-along program.
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Todd Schindler and his Captain Matt after a half marathon.
“MyTeam Triumph exists to allow people with all abilities the opportunity to experience endurance sports, and we do that through forming a partnership between a Captain and an Angel,” explains Todd Schindler, vice president for MyTeam Triumph Northern Indiana and coordinator for Wabash County. “It brings awareness to the fact that just because a person has a different ability doesn’t mean that they are that much different than you are.”
Athletes with MyTeam Triumph participate in endurance events, including triathlons, marathons, half-marathons, 10ks, 5ks, and long-distance cycling events, across Northern Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio every year. Each team features an Angel and a Captain duo in either an adapted running chair or an adapted attachment to a bicycle. The Angel of the team pushes or pulls the Captain to the finish line, where some Captains may choose to cross the finish on foot with assistance from their Angel. While the Angels are there to support their Captains, the goal is to maintain focus on the Captains. This year, the program has ten teams participating, many of which include more than one Angel.
“It’s healthy and good for the community to see a group of people come together to be there for somebody else more than for yourself,” Schindler says.
MyTeam Triumph was already participating in events in and around Wabash County, so they reached out to Rogers with interest in participating in Wabash Run the River four years ago. In other races, Angels are responsible for their own registration fees, while the Captain participates for free. But through the sponsorship provided by Chittick Insurance, the registration fees for Angels and Captains are waived for teams participating in Wabash Run the River.
“Having MyTeam Triumph’s strong presence already in our community and welcoming them to be a part of this race is an opportunity to make everyone feel welcome,” Rogers says. “It was really just an easy thing to embrace. Watching the Captains cross the finish line is rather emotional for families and spectators. I can’t help but get tears every time.”
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A Captain crosses the finish line with two Angels at Wabash Run the River. That’s a sentiment Schindler shares.
“It’s a great local event for us,” he adds. “The Wabash County community has really embraced MyTeam Triumph.”
Race day for the MyTeam Triumph athletes will look slightly different as they start five minutes ahead of the other 10k and 5k runners, giving them the opportunity to lead the pack. Many of the athletes who participate in the event come from all across Indiana and out of state.
Rogers says the local community is eager to welcome them, and every visiting runner, to Wabash.
“It’s so cool the way that Wabash County really supports all the athletes that come from across the country,” Rogers says. “The community is eager to volunteer and even more excited to make it possible for everyone to get out and explore the world, one race at a time.”
Wabash Run the River takes place on June 7 next to the Wabash County YMCA and Friendship Hill Inclusive Playground. Registration is open until the day of the event. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each race. Youth athletes are not eligible for prize money. For more information on Wabash Run the River, click here.
This story was created in partnership with
Visit Wabash County.