Ivy Tech Student Runs in Relay for America to Honor America’s 250th

While many Americans were preparing for Fourth of July celebrations, Ivy Tech summer student William Gebhardt was running 12.5 miles down a rural Illinois road, carrying the American flag alongside fellow runners in Relay for America, a 250-segment run spanning the entire country from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., for July 4th.

The 20-year-old, who is taking microbiology at Ivy Tech Indianapolis this summer while pursuing a degree in occupational and environmental health sciences at Purdue University, was one of 250 runners selected to carry the flag across the country. Gebhardt completed Segment 179, running from McLean to Heyworth, Illinois.

While the distance in excessive heat was demanding, Gebhardt said the opportunity represented far more than a long and arduous run.

“When I saw this (Relay for America) on the news, I was like, ‘wow, what a perfect way to unite our country back together,’” Gebhardt recalled. “‘Especially on this 250th anniversary. I saw the perfect opportunity to join in on something special.”

Running has been part of Gebhardt's life since third grade. He continued through middle school and high school and still runs regularly today, making the relay a natural fit.

His motivation, however, went beyond a love of running.

"I've just become more patriotic over the years," Gebhardt said. "Before every lacrosse game in high school, we'd listen to 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue' by Toby Keith, and it would get us all fired up," he said as an example.

He also has several family and friends who are in military service.

“I just have a deep appreciation for those that give their lives for our country, and I was like, what a perfect way to kind of honor them while also meeting other people from around the country,” he said.

By the time the American flag reached Gebhardt’s hands, fellow American runners had already carried it more than 2,000 of 3,016 miles across the country.

"Every time I picked it up, it just felt incredible to be part of bringing it across the country," he said. 

Gebhardt’s portion of the relay was anything but easy.

Running through the Illinois countryside during the start of a summer heat wave, Gebhardt faced temperatures nearing 90 degrees with a heat index approaching 100. The route offered little relief from the blazing sun.

Still, he never considered stopping.

"What kept me going was knowing I was doing it for something bigger than myself," he said.

His segment  – number 179 – comprised about 15 people. They received a police escort and random honks of encouragement. An unexpected honor that made the experience even more memorable.

"It was very special to have," he said, smiling.

Gebhardt says participating in the relay taught him that it is possible for Americans to put aside our differences. The relay created an immediate sense of community among people united by a common purpose.

“We can unite ourselves under the American flag. That symbol of freedom, and despite the flaws of our country, we truly have a special country that’s unlike any other,” he said of the patriotism he felt following the relay. “With everything that's going on, it's just so nice to see that we can bring Americans together by using the American flag to do that.” 

After completing his 12.5-mile leg, however, his celebration was much less ceremonial.

"I immediately got in the car and turned on the A/C!" he laughed.

After hours in the summer heat, that simple moment of cool air may have been the perfect finish to a day Gebhardt says was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.