Friends, food, entertainment, and... running? What could be better! Extra Mile Fitness Company held its 2nd Annual One Mile Challenge this past Thursday, July 10th. People of all ages and paces were welcome to participate in a mile run, which went through Valparaiso University. Participants were divided up by age group and competed against those in their WAVE.
This event was held to raise money for the middle and high school cross country teams in Northwest Indiana, which included schools from Valparaiso, Chesterton, Crown Point, and Portage. The middle school winner for the boys and girls cross country teams was Benjamin Franklin Middle School, while the winning high school boys cross country team was VHS. Believe it or not, but there was a tie for the girls, resulting in both Chesterton and Valparaiso winning. The middle school teams got $250 each and the high school teams got $500 each. The winners were based on how many students participated from each school team.
Todd Henderlong stated that he and everyone at Extra Mile were so thankful that each school that brought five or more kids would receive $100 for their cross country program.
Amber Tan, VHS sophomore and cross country runner, stated at the beginning of the races, "I'm really looking forward to racing with my peers and watching others perform, as well. I think this event is great because it's setting a good example for the younger kids and letting them know that staying active is extremely important."
Brooks Running was the main sponsor of the event. Not only did they have some of their products displayed, but they also provided the participants a photo booth featuring a "Murica" theme. Many middle school and high school students lined up to get their picture taken.
Select Physical Therapy, Mudathlon, Calumet Region Striders, Leroy's, Tim's Dawgs, Valpo Velvet, Inov8, National Guard, and Firehouse Subs also attended the marathon with different activities, whether it was providing food for the participants or providing the younger runners with an obstacle course, which was by the National Guard. There were also several door prizes that were being given out.
Kevin Mangel, Extra Mile employee and participant in the mile, expressed his excitement about the event and the different people who came out to participate.
"It's a really great way to get the running community in our area to rally up and run for a good cause, which is the money that is being donated to the middle and high schools around the Northwest Indiana region. It's really all about uniting the region, rather than just Valparaiso," he stated.
Couldn't have said it better myself, Kevin!
To register for some of Extra Mile's upcoming events, click here!
Click here to see more photos!