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103 participants took part in the second annual 5K Run, Walk, and Stroll at Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa. The race raised nearly $5,000 from pre-registered runners and generous sponsors such as IU Health La Porte Hospital, LaPorte County United Way, Michigan City Parks Department, GAF Materials, Sauers, Blue Chip Casino and Northwest Athletic Club.
Dave Sisk, the Director of Corporate Engagement at United Way of LaPorte County, strongly believes in helping local community members going through financial struggles by offering the public with fundraising events such as races and other activities.
“This is our second year having people help raise money for those who utilize Riley Children’s Hospital that are falling a little bit behind on bills. This race is put on for LaPorte County –it is just a great 5K and it is a fun event and it is for a great cause to help those in need,” Sisk said.
This year, the race earned nearly $5,000, which is $3,000 more from last year’s turnout.
None of this could have been possible without the help of Nicki Calor, who is the General Manager and Club Director at Northwest Athletic Club in Michigan City.
This is also her second year as the Race Director for the 5K Run, Walk and Stroll.
“Last year, we had a blizzard. It is a great event, and we love working with The United Way of LaPorte County and the Blue Chip Casino. It is also a pleasure to work with the Michigan City Park Department. The Michigan City Police Department and the EMA do a great job for us at all of our races, making sure our runners stay safe out on the course, closing it down and leading and following the runners back out,” Calor said.
The next annual 5K held by United Way LaPorte County is scheduled to happen the week before Thanksgiving in 2015.
Other races that are put together by The United Way include the Dingus Day Dash in April at Northwest Athletic Club in the evening. Another race put together by The United Way is the BDubs Wing Ding Dash 5K that will be held on July 29.
The City by the Lake Triathlon in Michigan City will be held on both August 7 and 8 in 2015.
In conjunction with Indiana Beverage Company and Northwest Athletic Club, Blue Chip hosts free Fun Runs throughout the summer months, which take place nearly every other Tuesday.
Kris Pate, Executive Director of United Way LaPorte County, is pleased to have yet another successful race, bringing runners and walkers together to support, promote and raise funds for Riley Children’s Hospital.
“I think that the race is an opportunity to gather people together to do something healthy. We really support health in the community and people that make that a priority in their life. We are proud of them and like the opportunity to celebrate,” Pate said.
Today, several runners encountered a collection of terrains on the 3.1 mile course, ranging from sand to pavement to sidewalk. Despite the subtle rain, each and every participant completed the stroll successfully.
Medals were awarded to all participants, and those placing first, second and third received an additional medal. Trophies were also awarded to a few of the top runners.
First place winner was Isaiah Smith, who is a cross country runner at Valparaiso High School.
“There were some slick patches on the roads and the sand on the beach was pretty tough to run on. Overall, it was a good day to race, and was much warmer than last year,” Smith said.
Smith has been running long distance since sixth grade and plans to continue running the rest of his high school career and wants to continue on throughout college.
Next week he and his team will run the Footlocker Regionals in Wisconsin. All of the runners that took part in the race today have different levels of experience, as well as various motives behind why they run.
Some might run for experience, while others run to stay in shape, but each and every runner and walker who participated today contributed to the funds given to needy families who utilize Riley Children’s Hospital.