Annual Valparaiso Family YMCA event raises funds for Wellness Programs for all ages
Kick off the running season with the region's largest spring race on Saturday, April 6th! In its 19th year, the Ringing In Spring race will feature a 5K run/walk and a 10K run. The race starts at 9 AM CT at the Valparaiso Family YMCA, located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, Valparaiso, IN. The 5K Prediction Walk will start a few minutes after the run and is a non-judged walk. Teams of five or more can enter in the team competition for either the 5K or 10K run.
“The Ringing in Spring Race is where many people throughout the region kick off the spring running and walking season,” said Mike Jones, Race Director. “The event draws 1,500 to 2,000 participants ages six to 86. The race attracts the best runners in the region and many people that want to improve their health by running or walking with friends,” he added.
Click here to see photos from last year's race!
Ringing in Spring is a Gold Cup Race Series Race, an Extra Mile Championship Series Race and a CARA-Certified Race. CARA is devoted to expanding, motivating, supporting and celebrating the running community of Chicagoland.
Runners and walkers should register for this race online at www.ringinginspring.com. Pre-registration ends at 10 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 4th. In-person race-day registration is also available at the Y, from 7:30 until 8:30 a.m. CT on Saturday, April 6th. The race will feature disposable chip timing and moisture-wicking shirts.
The Valparaiso Family YMCA will provide free child care and gear check. To use the child care, participants must pre-register their children online through the registration process at www.ringinginspring.com. Post-race healthy snacks and water will be available for runners and walkers. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each division in both the 5K and 10K distances.
Race packet pick-up will be held at Extra Mile Fitness, located at 1330 East Lincolnway in Valparaiso (219-286-3606), on Thursday, April 4th and Friday, April 5th from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. CT. Packet pick-up will also be available on race day at the Y from 7:30 until 8:30 a.m. CT.
Diamond sponsors for this event include Methodist Hospitals and Urschel Laboratories Inc.
Please see the Ringing In Spring website (www.ringinginspring.com) for more information or to see the race course map. If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please contact Ruth Cavanaugh at 462-4185 x234 (rcavanaugh@valpoymca.org) or Jodi Jackson at 462-4185 x233 or (jjackson@valpoymca.org).