Central Elementary is the winner of the Valparaiso Mayor’s Cup for 2013, earned for having the highest participation in the recent Monster Dash 1K Family Fun Run. Mayor Jon Costas, members of the Fit City Council, and Valparaiso Parks presented a $500 check to Central Elementary School principal Mrs. Elizabeth Krutz and students, for wellness programming at Central.
Pictured are (left to right) front row: Jack Smiley, Jori Smiley, Hanna Rigg, and Hailey Rigg, who ran the Monster Dash. Back row: Linda Mapes, Central Principal Mrs. Elizabeth Krutz, Phil Blasko, Mayor Jon Costas, Dan McGuire, Ryan Smiley, and Tristan Leonhard.
The Monster Dash was a family-friendly event, held at Central Park Plaza, which included both a 1K Family Fun Run, led by Mayor Costas; and a 5K run. Hundreds attended and ran in their Halloween costumes. The Monster Dash was a Fit City event. Mayor Costas created the Fit City initiative in 2005 to encourage residents to maximize their health and be more active. Since then, more than 5,000 Valparaiso people have participated in Fit City programming. Next up will be the Fit City Challenge to Change competition in January 2014, offering prizes and incentives for losing weight and adding healthy habits. For more information, visit valparaisoparks.org. or call Valparaiso Parks at 219-462-5144.
