People start running for a variety of reasons. Some run because they want to lose weight, improve their health, compete in races, or try something new.
Whatever the reason for running, people experience many physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the sport. PHP is a supporter of the Fort Wayne walk/run event, Fort4Fitness (F4F) Fall Festival and our employees participate on behalf of the company. Maybe their reasons for participating will motivate you to give it a try!
Katie Kent and her sister at the starting point of Fort4Fitness Fall Festival, September 18, 2021.
Katie Kent, RN, ASN, Quality Nurse
I love this event because it brings our community together in a healthy and positive way. Whether participating as a runner/walker or to support a participant -- the human energy and presence creates the exciting Fort4Fitness community. PHP’s continued involvement in this event shows that the company is committed to improving the health and wellness of our employees, our insured members, and the entire Northeast Indiana community.
Kammi Barrett, RN, CPC, CRC, Risk Adjustment Program Manager
Prior to the F4F my husband, Joel, and I traveled to Indy for a half marathon. At that point Joel would run and I would be a spectator. I eventually walked the half marathon. Then F4F came to town. That changed everything. I made the decision to train to run a half marathon. Joel and I have ran this race together every year since the first F4F (2008). He has trained with me along the way and I couldn’t have done it without him!
Fort4Fitness has given my husband and I a focus to stay active—locally. The event has provided a reason and opportunity to explore various training areas for long runs, like areas around the YMCA’s—Jorgensen, Parkview, and Whitley County. We’ve also trained near the Parkview Regional Medical Center, the Fort Wayne RiverGreenway and on the Fort Wayne Pufferbelly Trail. We even did a training run in Brown County, Indiana! I found that, over time, running provided physical and mental health rewards. From coping with daily stress and life-changing events, a good run help me gain mental clarity.
With Fort4Fitness, I look forward to everything from the excitement of packet pickup to post-race photos and medals, socializing with other runners, snacks, and finally, the official results!
This event couldn’t happen without the support of many volunteers, spectators, family, friends, and law enforcement officials. A big thank you to all—it wouldn’t be the successful event it is without you!
Kasey Barker, Claims Analyst
“There are numerous reasons I chose to participate in this event. My children, my health, and my own competitiveness are my top reasons. By participating, I’m being a positive role model for my kids, and hope to teach them the importance of health and fitness. My children have witnessed my physical transformation through weight loss (70 pounds!) and they see that I can do things now that I couldn’t do at an unhealthy weight. Fort4Fitness 2021 was the third race I participated in on behalf of PHP, and I enjoy each one more than the last. I challenge myself to improve my previous finish times. I’ve already registered for the Fort4Fitness November Winter Wonder Dash and plan on continuing my participation in even more events.”
Keven and his daughter, Erin walked together in 2021.
Keven W Linker, FSA, MAAA, VP of Actuarial & Risk Management
Two reasons why I participate in Fort4Fitness, is my health and my family.
First, I participate for the sake of my health. My health is important to me, and ensures a potentially longer, healthier life to spend time with family as well as set an example for them.
Secondly, I participate for the sake of community. When walking, I love to see and experience the multiple neighborhoods and residents show up to cheer and support participants. Everyone along the way is so very encouraging. For instance, what other event has a DJ set up in his own front yard just to cheer people on as they run by? Fort4Fitness, of course!
It’s a great event and always a ton of fun!
History of the Race
Fort Wayne hosted the city’s first half-marathon in September 2008 along with a 4-mile walk/run, a health fair, and health food expo. This was the first Fort4Fitness health festival, celebrating Northeast Indiana’s commitment to healthy living and healthy lifestyles.
The event was founded and organized by Tim Kenesey, who currently serves as Chairman of the F4F board, along with Lutheran Health Network and Parkview Health—other organizations with a passion for encouraging healthy living.
The initial year set a cap of 1,000 registrations for the 4-mile walk/run and 2,000 registrants for the half marathon. By 2013 the event had grown to more than 10,000 registrants, 26 states represented, and over 1,200 volunteers to make the event possible.
In 2021, even with pandemic concerns limiting attendance, the event drew more than 3,000 runners and walkers to help bring the event back to life.
