Run. Swim. Ride. Pushing themselves to the limits of endurance, nearly 200 athletes gathered along the shores of Stone Lake in La Porte, Indiana for the 41st annual La Porte County Family YMCA Triathlon. The event is the oldest of its kind in the state and the third longest-running triathlon in the nation, regularly drawing in competitors from across the world.
Though the La Porte Triathlon took a year off last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, it returned this year, as big and bold as ever.
Jessica Durham is Director of Marketing and Events for the La Porte County Family YMCA.
“We really weren’t sure what to expect this year, after taking last year off, but our attendance here today is nearly equal to our last triathlon in 2019, which is exciting,” Durham said.
The race consists of a quarter-mile swim, followed immediately by a 12.4-mile bike ride through scenic La Porte County, then right back to Soldiers Memorial Park to finish off with a 3.4-mile run.
Durham said that sponsoring the triathlon helps to raise funds for the YMCA scholarship program, while also fitting in perfectly with their core values.
“Our core values are healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development, and we do hit all of those with this race, because this event is open to all ages from youth through adult.”
Durham added that the YMCA will also be organizing the Tour de La Porte later this year in August.
Lawrence Walter, originally from the UK, drove up from Indianapolis with his wife, Lauren, to compete in the event at the suggestion of their mutual friend and former La Porte mayor, Blair Milo, who was also in attendance.
“It’s very exciting! The weather is beautiful, the scenery here in La Porte is incredible, and we can’t wait to experience this event,” said Walter. “I’m going for a medal!”
“I’m just so, so thankful to be here again,” said Milo. “I think this is my fifth triathlon here, and I just think it’s such a special event and it means so much to everyone who came out here to compete today.”
Gathered on the beach, the competitors received a pre-race pep talk from none other than La Porte mayor Tom Dermody.
“You can see all the people who came here today, not just from La Porte, but from all across the country to compete here today,” Dermody said. “We have a beautiful city here. This is the place to be for active lifestyles and this is going to be a great day for an event.”
This year’s race was sponsored in part by generous donations from Larson Danielson Construction, as well as Meridian Title Corporation.
For more information about programs and events available through the LA Porte County Family YMCA, visit them online at https://www.lpymca.org/
