Race for vocations
About the Race
Every October, men and women of all ages lace up together for the Evansville Half Marathon and 5-Miler with a purpose that goes beyond the finish line: running and walking as a prayer for vocations. As part of the Diocese of Evansville's Race for Vocations, participants train with intention, gather for Mass and dinner at St. Benedict Cathedral the Thursday before the race, and then take to the streets of downtown Evansville wearing matching shirts that turn a race day into a visible witness of faith.
What started with 60 runners in 2024 has already grown into a joyful, prayerful community of Catholics that offers up training miles and race-day steps for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, marriage, and single life dedicated to God. Along the way, participants carry the intentions of their fellow runners: for discernment, for holiness, for open hearts listening for God's call.
How You Can Participate
Whether you're a seasoned runner, a first-time 5K walker, or simply want to support this mission with your prayers, there's a place for you in the Race for Vocations. Join us this October and register to run, walk, or pray alongside us as we compete well, finish the race, and keep the faith. Ora et labora!
Volunteering & Prayerful Support
Walking
Running
How to get involved
Complete the sign up form in Flocknote to join the Race for Vocations Team as a race participant or receive information volunteer opportunities and prayer requests.
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If you intend to run or walk the Half Marathon or 5-Miler, complete registration and payment for the race of your choice on the Evansville Half Marathon website.
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Join our Facebook community
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If you would like to donate to help cover the cost of t-shirts, the pasta supper, or the tailgate click the donate button to help support this ministry!
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Join our Facebook Community
Frequently Asked Questions
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Anyone! The Race for Vocations welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Parishioners, families, students, priests, religious, and friends from across the diocese are encouraged to sign up. There's no experience necessary, and you don't have to be a fast runner (or a runner at all) to take part.
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Absolutely! The heart of the Race for Vocations isn't speed, it's prayer and witness. Many participants walk the course, and just as many join in through prayer, training support, or simply showing up to cheer. If you have a desire to support vocations in our diocese, there's a way for you to be part of it.
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Participating in the Race for Vocations itself is free of charge. However, since the race takes place during the Evansville Half Marathon and 5-Miler, all participants will also need to complete separate registration and payment for that event. Once registered for the half marathon or 5-miler, simply sign up with our group to receive your Race for Vocations shirt and join us for the pre-race Mass and dinner.
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You can still be part of the mission! Consider handing out water at a water station with other Catholics from the Diocese of Evansville, join the Facebook community, promote the Race for Vocations in your parish or school, offer prayers for runners and walkers, join us for the pre-race Mass and dinner, cheer for our participants on race day along the route, or serve snacks and drinks at the post race tailgate party. Prayer support is just as vital to the Race for Vocations as running the course itself.
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Official race details, including registration, course maps, and event schedules for the Evansville Half Marathon and 5-Miler, are available at evansvillehalfmarathon.org.