La Porte Hospital Foundation invites you to “go the distance for cancer care” as they announce the 10th Annual Tour de La Porte. This year’s Tour has expanded to a two-day event with the addition of a 10K run, half marathon and bike time trail. The 5K run or walk, 10K run, half marathon and Mini Tour de La Porte will begin at Soldier’s Memorial Park on Saturday Aug. 27. The Bike Time Trial will also be held on Saturday Aug. 27, beginning at Rolling Prairie Elementary School. On Sunday Aug. 28, the cycling event will be held at the La Porte County Fairgrounds.
Proceeds benefit local patients with cancer in need of financial assistance as well as community members through funding for free health screenings. Last year Tour de La Porte raised more than $40,000 to assist families in the local community battling cancer, allowing them to focus on treatment and worry less about day-to-day financial obligations.
In the past nine years, more than 60,000 miles have been biked, ran or walked, and the event has grown to almost 1,000 participants.
This year’s event will include a variety of family-friendly events appealing to all ages. Cyclists may choose between routes ranging from 5 to 100 miles throughout scenic La Porte County. Runners and non-competitive walkers are invited to take part in the 5K route, and runners also have the option of the 10K or Half Marathon. Runners will be timed by T&H Timing using chip-timing technology with results posted online. Awards will be presented to runners for overall, masters and age group division. Team awards will be given for the largest team, most spirited team and the team with the most donations.
Upon registration, participants receive a free cotton t-shirt, while supplies last. These shirts can also be upgraded to a performance tech shirt made of moisture-wick fabric for $5. Additional cotton shirts cost $10 each and tech shirts cost $15 each. Registration also provides participants with a wrist band I.D. that gives them access to support and food services for the day.
Custom Tour de La Porte cycling jerseys will be available for $70, and they can be pre-ordered or purchased at the event. These jerseys are short-sleeved club cut made from 100% polyester moisture-wick fabric with ¾ length hidden zipper and three back pockets.
Saturday registration for the running events will begin at 6 am and closes 15 minutes prior to each race start time. The half Marathon will begin at 7:00 am, the 10K at 7:30 am, the 5K at 7:45 am and the Mini Tour Fun Run for children ages 4 to 8 will begin at 9:30 am. Breakfast and snacks will be provided by Al’s Supermarkets.
Cyclists can check in at the fairgrounds from 6 – 10 am on Sunday. Breakfast, lunch and snacks, provided by Al’s, will also be available at the check in site. Road support, SAG stops and lunch will be available along the route until 3 pm.
The 2011 Tour de La Porte has received major underwriting support from CB Richard Ellis Bradley, Real Estate Management Corporation, The Sobecki Family, Larson and Danielson Construction Company, American Limb and Orthopedic Company of Valparaiso, Michiana-Hematoloy Oncology, Mitch Feikes Builders, La Porte Savings Bank, MPA Architects, Celgene, Newby Lewis Kaminski & Jones; New Age Telecom and La Porte Radiology.
To register online, visit www.tourdelaporte.org. For more information, call (219) 326-2471 or (877) 265-4539.
The La Porte Hospital Foundation’s mission is to support healthcare and healthy lifestyles in the communities we serve by promoting philanthropy, developing friendships and educating future leaders.