Armed Forces Endurance Run (AFER)
The Armed Forces Endurance Run (AFER) is a fixed time endurance run to honor all of our active duty service members and veterans. This event was created to honor our active duty military members as well as our veterans. Therefore, each year a different branch of the service is honored and the race swag will reflect that branch. This year we are honoring the Coast Guard. In the spirit of supporting our active duty military members and veterans, a portion of the profits from the event are donated to veteran charities. We are pleased to announce the proceeds will go to FW22, a local Northeast Indiana charity that supports local veterans who experience mental health, suicidal, or substance use issues.
Location
The race is held at Bixler Lake Park in Kendallville, IN which is just north of Fort Wayne. Bixler Lake Park completely surrounds the 117-acre Bixler Lake. The natural beauty of the area has been combined with development of facilities for the enjoyment of all ages and interests. A pedestrian walkway and nature trail of over three miles circles the lake through the wetland nature area, and it runs by two beaches and landscaped woodlands.
Race Format
Runners and walkers will choose to participate in the 6 hour race, 12 hour race or the 24 hour race. Run/walk as much or as little as you want in your chosen time limit. The course for the race will take place on the 3 mile walkway which will consist of part asphalt and part true trails. The loop has indoor restroom facilities on both sides of the lake as well. There is parking right near the course as well and runners can choose to work out of their cars if they wish to. We also have a relay option. Gather up three of your running friends and create a team to participate in our 24 hour event. Every runner will receive a unique finishers' medal and an additional special award that will be customized to reflect the mileage they achieved. There are awards for the top male/female finishers (those with the most miles) in each of the events as well as for the top relay team.
Camping
There is free camping on a first come first serve basis in the grassy areas surrounding the main aid station and start/finish area. There are also camping sites, for a small fee, across from the start/finish area if you need electric hookup or prefer to sleep away from the main aid station. Costs for camping and how to reserve spots with the park become available after the first of the year. Please watch our Facebook page for announcements.
Aid Station
Runners will be supported with one of the best aid stations you have ever seen! We take pride in helping all of our runners achieve their goals and our team is here to help you! Your race director and her volunteers are all experienced runners and ultra runners. There is space within the pavilion for runners to leave drop bags if they wish to. You pass the aid station as you complete every loop. In addition, there is a self serve waters and electrolyte station on the opposite side of the course as well. Packet pickup will be Friday 4:30pm to 6:30pm EST and race morning from 6:30am to 7:15am at the Lions Pavilion within the park. This serves as the main aid station and start finish area. All participants will receive a race week email with a detailed participant booklet.
