There’s no better way to start the day than by soaking in the sun through some outdoor fitness. The La Porte County Family YMCA hosted the Tour De La Porte for an exhilarating weekend.
Jessica Durham, director of association advancement with the La Porte County YMCA, believes this event has a lot to offer for participants of all ages.
“This is our fourth year hosting the Tour De La Porte,” Durham said. “We have the half marathon, 5k run, 5k walk, and a 1.5 mile family fun run and walk. There’s a little bit of something for everybody of every ability, whether you’re an extreme runner or if this is an introductory race.”
Cyclists will control the track as the Tour De La Porte continues on Sunday, August 25. There will be a no group bike ride for five miles. Group cyclist races will consist of 15, 25, 40, 60, and 100 mile rides.
On top of the different race events, the Tour De La Porte has some excitement planned for the participants after they cross the finish line.
“We have a lot of fun activities here for families and the kids,” Durham said. “There’s a bounce house, music, and the La Porte County Library brought a foam machine out here. We even have a cotton candy machine. There are more than 150 volunteers, YMCA staff members, and additional community partners that contribute to this event.”
The benefits of the event go toward the La Porte County Family YMCA’s scholarship fund. Creating an impact to help out the youth is a point of emphasis for CEO Scott Helmkamp and their team to provide programming that strengthens the entire community.
“The accessibility of our programs and memberships really goes to support people that might have a financial barrier,” Helmkamp said. “It’s huge in regards to our mission of being for all.”
Helmkamp is also grateful for the role that their sponsors have played in making the Tour De La Porte an awesome family fun activity. This includes Larson Danielson, NIPSCO, 1st Source Bank, Horizon Bank, Centier Bank, Franciscan Health, American Licorice Company and Surf Internet.
“This event couldn’t happen without all of our sponsors,” Helmkamp said. “They’re key to this event being successful. A lot of our sponsors not only support us for this event but throughout the year as well."
One participant who was looking forward to the event was Barbara Hannon. She competed in the family fun run and walk alongside her husband, Pat.
“It’s a fun event because anybody can participate in it,” Hannon said. “We can’t run like our daughter-in-law, so we’re here to walk and support the rest of our family.”
The La Porte County YMCA is all about the community. This annual event is one of the best ways that they can help give back to their local supporters.
“I’m excited to see people here enjoying themselves and having a good time,” Helmkamp said. “Some people are out here looking to set a new personal best, but it’s just a really fun activity that our community always supports.”
For more information on the La Porte County Family YMCA, you can visit their website at lpymca.org