Special to The Message
The Race for Vocations originally began in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, running alongside the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon. Years ago, Father Tyler Tenbarge, Diocesan Director of Vocations, and Anna Bragin both participated in the Indianapolis event. After later relocating to the Evansville area, Anna connected with Father Alex Zenthoefer, who encouraged her to be a visible witness to the faith. Inspired by his encouragement, Anna felt called to bring the initiative to her new community.
In 2024, Nick and Anna Bragin, with the support of Father Zenthoefer and the staff of St. Benedict Cathedral, officially launched the Race for Vocations in the Diocese of Evansville. Held annually each October in conjunction with the Evansville Half Marathon and 5 Miler, which is scheduled for Oct. 3 this year, the event was created to encourage prayer for vocations while providing a vibrant public witness to the Catholic faith.
As the Bragins explain: “We invite everyone to learn more about the Race for Vocations and about our individual call to holiness, as well as our shared responsibility to support vocations as a path to true happiness and holiness. As we train, pray and reflect together, we strengthen our physical, spiritual and mental well-being. Join us in running, praying and training, or visit evansvillevocations.org/race-for-vocations to register, receive updates, donate or volunteer. You don’t have to be a runner or walker to be involved!”
Now heading into its third year, the Race for Vocations is excited to welcome back returning participants and greet a whole new group of team members. The initiative challenges participants to prepare both spiritually and physically as they train. Throughout their preparation, participants pray intentionally for vocations, share prayer intentions with one another and unite their physical sacrifices for the flourishing of their own vocations and those of others.
Ultimately, the event beautifully reflects the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “Each of you has a personal vocation which He has given you for your own growth and holiness.”
How to Get Involved
The community is invited to participate, with opportunities for both youth and adult athletes, as well as non-runners who wish to offer spiritual support. Joining the team requires a two-step registration process: first sign up for your athletic event, and then officially join the Race for Vocations team.
- For Youth Participants: Children can choose between two exciting events. They can register for the Deaconess Aquatic Center Kids Triathlon on Sept. 12 by visiting swimevansville.org/upcoming-events, or sign up for the YMCA Kids Dash on Sept. 19 at evansvillehalfmarathon.org/races.
- For Adult Participants: Runners and walkers can sign up to tackle either the Evansville 5 Miler or the full Half Marathon on Oct. 3 by registering at evansvillehalfmarathon.org/races.
- Join the Team: After securing a race spot, all participants should register with the official team at https://savio.flocknote.com/signup/265063 to claim a free team t-shirt. Wearing the diocesan shirt on race day helps the team represent the mission with pride and sparks meaningful community conversations about holy vocations.
Prayer and Fellowship Events
The Race for Vocations extends well beyond the racecourse with two signature community events:
- Mass & Pasta Supper: Team members will gather at St. Benedict Cathedral at 5:30 p.m. CDT Oct. 1 for Holy Mass followed by a pasta dinner. Participants can also pick up their team shirts at this time before the weekend events.
- Celebration Tailgate: Following the main races on Oct. 3, friends, family and participants are invited to gather for a celebratory tailgate at Sts. Mary and John Church, conveniently located close to the official finish line.
A Collective Journey of Faith
Whether you sign up your child and start the conversation about what their vocation could be, choose to offer up your training for your future spouse or hit the pavement to run in support of your parishioners — we are all individually called to a unique vocation and collectively responsible for supporting one another along the way. Walk or run with us, physically or spiritually, as we strive for happiness and holiness in the Race for Vocations!