Difani Memorial / Experience Independence 5K

Join us July 6 for the Difani Memorial / Experience Independence 5K in historic Batesville. Days after we mark our nation's hard-won independence, we also join the local community in fond memory of Byron Difani. All proceeds from the race will go to the Byron Difani Memorial Scholarship Fund, to help local students just like those he had served so long and so well as educator, principal, and booster until illness took him. In conjunction with our competitive race, we also offer a "memorial walk" for an untimed procession for those not trained to race but wishing to honor his memory. We also have a donation-only option. Entry fee is $30.

We will have a special T-shirt for all entrants registered as of June 24, with overstock available on first come, first served basis thereafter until supply runs out. We will have finishers medals for timed participants, and special awards for Top 3 Overall Men, Top 3 Overall Women, Top 3 Masters (age 40+) Men, and Top 3 Masters Women. We plan top 3 medals in 10-year age groups.

The course starts at Batesville Community Center and Aquatics and finishes at Riverside Park. We plan packet pickup at the center Friday, July 5, 4-7 p.m., and race day registration there 6-6:45 a.m. 

UPDATE: June 16, 2024 – Given the recent heat, we are moving the start to 7 am, earlier than originally scheduled 8 am. (We have a few entries already on the original schedule; we can arrange a special 8 am start for them if travel or arrival earlier does not fit their day, but the early start will be safer for the conditions).

The City of Batesville Parks Department provides your welcome site and awards venue. Centennial Bank is a major presenting sponsor and manager of the scholarship fund. The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to Experience Independence.