(La Porte, IN) On Friday, August 23, 2019, the 18th annual Tour de La Porte kicked off with their early packet pick-up and a spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Rotary Club of La Porte. The dinner was used to fuel the athletes as well as those cheering them on. From there, the three-day event was off and running.
Tour de La Porte has evolved and grown into a massive three-day event which has hosted over 15,000 participants since its inception. The event now includes a half marathon, 10k road run, 5k road run/walk, 5k trail run/walk, and a custom cycling ride with distances between 5-100 miles. The overall event may be growing, but the mission has always remained the same, to provide direct support to local cancer patients. In fact, 100 percent of the proceeds that are raised by Tour de La Porte are donated to that cause. To date 1,657 cancer patients have been assisted.
“This event began in 2002 as a one-day bicycling event and has grown to three-days, adding a walk, running events from 5K to 1/2 marathon and a trail walk/run. We are thrilled at the support we receive that allows us to fund unmet needs for La Porte residents fighting cancer. The cancer patient direct assistance program helps pay for medications, gas cards, assistance with medical bills and many other needs not covered by insurance,” said Maria Fruth, President and CEO of the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte. “100% of the proceeds of this event are used to attend cancer needs. Besides, the Tour de La Porte is part of our vision to become a top 10 healthiest community in Indiana. By inviting community members to walk, run and cycle, we hope we are communicating the importance of “moving.” Our sincere thank you to the Tour de La Porte sponsors, volunteers, committee members, and participants. They are the heart of this event.”
Since 2002, Tour de La Porte has raised more than $761,000 to support local patients who are fighting cancer. This year’s event attracted 1,289 participants from 17 different states. The variety in events allows a challenge for both serious and casual athletes. It even features a Mini Fun Run which is tailored for children ages 8 and under, providing for fun for the entire family. The event and its success would not be possible without the outstanding sponsors and this year’s 289 volunteers.
Of this year’s Tour de La Porte participants, 264 had competed in one previous year, 154 had competed 3 previous years, 128 had competed in 4 previous years, and 91 had competed in 5 previous years. People enjoy this event and return year after year. The Tour committee celebrated Larry Noel, Mark Kosior and Jim Vanes, DDS, for their 18 years of dedicated participation in various competitive events.
The mission of the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte is to empower our residents to live healthy and well in and around La Porte, Indiana. This not for profit foundation’s vision is for La Porte to be among the 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030. You can learn more about how we support the community and get involved in our efforts at hflaporte.org or by calling 219.326.2471.
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