Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County to host Extra Mile Series Championship 5k Race

emlogoBoys & Girls Clubs of Porter County will host the Extra Mile Series Championship 5k Race on Saturday, December 6, 2014. Beginning at 8:30 AM, participants will race on a fast course beginning and ending at the Clubs’ Portage Unit (5895 Evergreen, Portage, IN).

The timed race, sponsored by Northern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), is the culmination of 2014 Extra Mile Series qualifying races. Runners who placed in the top four of their age group in a series race may participate in the Champion’s Division. An Open Division also is available for all age groups. Awards will be given for all divisions 14 years and under through 80 years and over.

The race is open to all who love a brisk winter run! The cost is $30.00 to register online at thtiming.com or bgcpoco.org, or $35.00 to register by mail. Register before November 22 to guarantee a race shirt. Online registration closes December 4th at 5:00 PM. This is a Calumet Striders Sponsored Race. Race day registration is $35.00 for all ages and will be accepted from 7:30-8:15 AM.

Parents and children in grades 1-5, can participate in the Little Igloo Youth Dash just prior to the 5K. This one-mile fun run, sponsored by Aqua Indiana, will start at 8:00 AM. The cost is $5.00 per child and medals will be awarded to every youth finisher! Register online at or download a registration form bgcpoco.org.

Portage Mayor James Snyder is issuing a special challenge to Portage Township elementary school students. The Portage Township elementary school with the most students participating in Aqua Indiana’s Little Igloo Youth Dash will win the traveling Mayor’s Cup trophy and $500.00 to be used for the winning school’s healthy lifestyle initiatives. “Ample exercise and fresh air year round are critical to our young people’s healthy development,” said Ryan Smiley, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County. “We’re thrilled to partner with Mayor Snyder to challenge our community’s children and families to get up, get out to the Youth Dash and move.” Students can register online at bgcpoco.org or sign up our Portage Unit (5985 Evergreen, Portage IN) or South Haven Unit (723 Long Run Road, Valparaiso, IN).

Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County’s Portage Unit will be open and in service for children whose parents are participating in the race. Club staff will be on hand to supervise and provide FREE entertainment for children with a variety of Boys & Girls Clubs winter-themed activities in each program area of the Club.

All proceeds from the Extra Mile Series Championship 5K Race and the Little Igloo Youth Dash will assist Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County in providing support to nearly 5,000 youth and their academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyle development.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County has been opening doors to GREAT FUTURES for Porter County’s youth since 1971. Clubs are open after school and provide a great place for youth in grades K-12 to meet friends and have fun while in a safe, supervised environment. Clubs are also open during holidays and in the summer. When school’s out, our Clubs are in! Annual membership is only $35.00. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. For information on membership, volunteer opportunities, or to make a tax deductible donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, please contact your local Club, call (219) 464-7282 or visit www.bgcpoco.org. Great Futures Start HERE.

About Extra Mile Fitness Company
Extra Mile Fitness Company is an athletic specialty store designed to give the experience athlete, beginner or those just interested in being healthy, everything they need for running, swimming and biking. The store, located at 1330 E. Lincolnway in Valparaiso, IN, is owned by Todd and Heather Henderlong who each have over 20 years of experience participating in running, triathlon, and other endurance sports.