The La Porte County Family YMCA welcomed spring with their 12th annual 10k and 5k race. Soldiers Memorial Park was filled with runners of all ages and levels, 313 to be precise, and each one was ready to enjoy the beginning of running season.
Click here to see more photos from the race!
This race is one of multiple athletic events that the Y holds each year. Proceeds from the event benefit the YMCA’s annual campaign. The Y is able to use the money from the campaign to help hundreds of people in La Porte County utilize the great programs that the Y offers. What makes this race different though is that money raised will go specifically to scholarship funds to benefit the youths of the area.
"This one is for the kids," Ben Fout, Membership Engagement Director for the Y said. "It raises money for our scholarship funds and that's what makes it a special race. It's going back to the community."
The weather was mild and overcast that Saturday; nippy for bystanders but perfect for race participants. The course was pretty even, taking roads around Soldiers Memorial Park. When runners crossed the finish line they were first greeted with cheers and whistles, then by the smell of food that wafted out from Cummings Lodge. It was way more than bananas and apples. The Y knows that runners need to eat so hot dogs, cookies, fruit, granola bars, popcorn, and more awaited the hungry runners.
"This is a big fundraiser for us. The cause is really a good thing," Elizabeth Downs, Healthy Living Director for the Y said. "Soldiers Memorial Park is the best setting for running. It's absolutely gorgeous and the City Parks Department works really well with us and the City welcomes our races with open arms."
The top overall finisher for the 10k was Angel Rodriguez with a time of 35:52.6, and the top overall finisher for the 5k was Elliot Hanke with a time of 19:34.8.
Want to be part of the next race that the La Porte County Family YMCA hosts? Their Outdoor Triathlon is not too far away on August 1, 2015. Click here to find out more!