RUN. WALK. CELEBRATE. Rock the Block Run Returns April 22

young people break the cycle of homelessness and achieve sustainable life change.

big event in Center Grove. It helps so many charities,” Underwood says.

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Rock the Block Run has profoundly helped improve local health for nearly a decade. The event is a motivator for many Center Grove area residents to get off the couch following a long winter’s rest.

Last year, more than 900 walkers and runners spent weeks exercising and eating healthier to prepare for the 5K and 10K events at Center Grove High School. It also has become one of spring’s first stops on the central Indiana running and walking event circuit.

The benefits reach beyond good health and exercise, though. The Rock the Block Run has generated grants for dozens of nonprofits and has become a community experience, making it a little different from other traditional running and walking events.

This year, 21 organizations are eligible for proceeds from the Rock the Block Run. “It brings together community and organizations for the greater good,” Katie Findley says, of the nonprofit KIC-IT, which will be participating for the fifth time in this year’s event on Saturday, April 22.

KIC-IT received $5,500 from the 2022 Rock the Block Run and used the funds to help

“There are so many nonprofits and charities that help youth and families in Johnson County. Rather than select one, we decided to provide an opportunity for many organizations to receive grants and to tell their story,” Erin Smith says, co-organizer of the Rock the Block Run.

Smith and Susan McCarty are partners at Spotlight Strategies in Franklin and launched the Rock the Block Run in 2015 after hosting a fundraising golf event for several years. Their business is the title sponsor.

From the first shot of the starting gun, the Rock the Block Run has been a success -- raising $32,500 last year. The hosting organization, Pay It Forward Johnson County, has donated more than $165,000 for local charities and helped 36 organizations make Johnson County a better place to live, work and play. In the past, proceeds have also benefitted the beautification of the roundabout at State Road 144 and Whiteland Road and other trail projects.

Natalie Underwood, who supports The Alex and Ali Foundation, agrees that Rock the Block Run drives a strong connection between community and nonprofits. “This is such a

The Alex and Ali Foundation received $4,750 from the Rock the Block Run in 2022 to help their mission of empowering and enhancing the lives of young adults with autism.

Smith says that event also provides one other benefit – connecting families, friends and the community. “Everyone has a great time hanging out before, during and afterwards,” she says.

Jennifer Denny, owner of Elevated Marketing Solutions, learned about Rock the Block Run through a Johnson County business client. She decided to get her whole family involved. Her parents, Bill and Terri Dick, and their other two children will be walking their first 5K and supporting the Central Nine Career Center.

Bill, class of 1974, and Terri, class of 1975, were part of the first classes to graduate from Central Nine in welding and secretarial work.

Participants can designate eligible charities when they register, which helps determine how much each organization receives in grants.

Jaee Likhite is a proud mother of Center Grove eighth grader, Saachi. “I am participating for the first time to support my daughter, who is on the robotics team,” Likhite says. “We are looking forward to walking with four other friends.” First Team 174 - Red Alert Robotics, a participating charity since Rock the Block Run’s beginning, received $3,000 in 2022.

Before and after the event, participants, families and friends can hang out at Main Street Expo where local businesses will host fun and interactive booths to engage participants and give away prizes.

There’s also a free Kids Run at 10 a.m. Lou Malnati’s Pizza, Sweet Escape Cake Company and Biggby Coffee will be offering food and drink.

“We’ve had people come here create a new tradition with family and friends. The walk is enjoyable and beautiful. And if you are a competitive runner, our route is an ideal training event for the Indy Mini-Marathon and other spring and summer races,” Smith says.

The Rock the Block Run also has developed a year-round community – connected through a website and social media channels that share information about healthy living and exercising.

About Rock The Block Run 2023

The 10K (timed) begins at 8:35 a.m. at Center Grove High School, followed by a 5K walk/run (family-friendly) at 9 a.m. A free Kids Run starts at 10 a.m. The event includes scenic courses, food, music, vendors and giveaways. Awards are given to top finishers in various age groups.

Early registration is available for $25 until midnight April 7. After that date, the cost is $35 until race day. Volunteer opportunities to help with the event also are available.

Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorships can contact Smith at 317.697.1717.

Additional information and registration are available on the event’s website: rocktheblockrun.org.