Special Events

Our special events are our special way to bring families and the community together. Throughout the year we welcome the community to events such as Healthy Kids Day as well as road races such as the State Fair Marathon and Dashing for Donuts.

PEDAL FOR A PURPOSE

Friday, October 25, 5:30 – 9:00 pm
#1 per minute your ride / 30 minute classes to raise $30
Pedal-for-a-Purpose is a fun and exciting way to benefit the Grand Island YMCA and other non-profits and have more fun on a bike ride than you ever dreamed possible. This event is open to members and non-members.

We would like you to commit to raising at least $15. By raising $15, through self-support or through donations, you will be given an opportunity to participate in a cycling class equal to the amount of money you raise.

Can’t attend? Sign up as a Ghost Rider for a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250, or $500

Door prizes in every class. Awards for Individual Mile Division & Team Mile Division

Choose a non-profit to support with the money you raise: Lutheran Family Services, TeamMates, and Multicultural Coalition

STATE FAIR MARATHON

Marathon • Half Marathon • Marathon relay • 5K • 1 MILE KIDS RUN
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Join us on the beautiful fairgrounds, hike and bike trail and residential streets around Grand Island for a fantastic run on the fastest, flattest course in the nation! This is a Boston qualifier. See www.statefairmarathon.org/ for more details.

DASHING FOR DONUTS

1 MILE FUN RUN
Saturday, December 7, 2024 Grand Island YMCA
Dashing for Donuts brings people together for winter fitness fun as well as supporting others in need in our community. Join us for dashing and delicious donuts in downtown Grand Island! Four-legged friends are welcome and participate for free! Register in person up until event day.

SNOW BEAST CHALLENGE

• Walk • Run • Swim • cycle • Work-Out • a Marathon OR MORE in February
Starting February 1, 2025
Complete a fitness-style challenge in February. YOU choose when and where you do your miles and how many a day. Stay tuned for more info including fees, details and options.

HOG WILD FOR THE Y

Hog wild tailgate PARTY
Friday, March 21, 2025, from 6 pm – 9 pm at the Barn Bar on the State Fairgrounds. A new twist on this fun event that will include fantastic food, live entertainment, a silent auction, unique live auction items and raffles. Tickets will be available after January 1. Stay tuned for more details!

TRAIN FOR BRAN (Bike Ride Across Nebraska) BRAN 43 – JUNE 2025

Gear up with the YMCA for BRAN 43. This program will include informative seminars on what BRAN consists of, what you need to bring, and how to train. There will be multiple indoor group long rides per week, the option to attend daily cycling classes, and scheduled outdoor group rides. Participants will also receive a YMCA BRAN team shirt to wear during BRAN 43. Visit www.bran-inc.org for more information about BRAN. Sign up for the November seminar at the YMCA front desk. *This program does not include the cost to participate in BRAN.*

Informative seminar – November 2024
Training Program – January 2025 through May 2025
BRAN 43 – June 2025