More than one-thousand people from various cities and states will gather this weekend for fun and fundraising at the 16th annual Tour de La Porte walking, running and cycling event sponsored by the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte. 100 percent of proceeds from the event go to benefit local cancer patients directly. The money can assist with things like treatment, medication and wigs as well as in town and out of town transportation costs and even child care.
The weekend-long event kicks off today at 5:30 p.m. with the 5K Trail Walk&Run. Early packet pick up and onsite registration and check-in will be going from 2:00 until 7:30 p.m. Individuals who have not registered online can register during this time. Be sure to indicate how many events you’d like to participate in. Registering for more than one event results in a discounted price.
Tonight, participants have a chance to carbo-load at a spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Rotary Club of La Porte. The dinner starts at 4:00 and ends at 7 p.m. The cost to attend is $7 for adults and $4 for children.
Saturday is chock-full of events for people of all ages. On-site registration and pre-registered check-in will begin at 5:30 a.m. The Road Walk&Run half marathon begins at 6:30 a.m., the 10K starts at 7:15 a.m. and the 5K will take off at 7:45 a.m. The award ceremony will commence at approximately 8:45 a.m.
Saturday will also feature a mini fun run at about 9:30 a.m. for kids up to age 8. Children can run either 100 or 250 meters, depending on age. Prizes will be passed out to all fun run participants.
Sunday is the cycling event and all individuals are required to wear helmets. On-site registration and check-in begins at 6 a.m. For the first time this year the race will feature group starts; 100 mile & 60 mile groups leaves at 6:30 a.m., the 40 mile group will leave an hour later and the 25&15 mile groups leave at 8:30 a.m.
Individuals are free to pick a time to leave if they don’t want to join the group, however, CEO of the Healthcare Foundation Maria Fruth warns cyclists doing the longer routes should leave as early as possible so safety and gear stops will be available to them.
Fruth has been involved with the event for years and is thrilled about what it means for the La Porte community. She told WKVI, “I have been doing the tour since day one and I have seen the incredible growth and the incredible impact it brings to the community. I’m very grateful that we can continue to do this.” She said they carry on the legacy of the La Porte Hospital Foundation by not only bringing special events like this but by continuing the tradition of assisting people locally.
All Events start and finish at Cummings Lodge at 350 Grangemouth Road in La Porte. If you’re interested in learning more about this charitable initiative check out their website here.
