The Lake County fairgrounds were buzzing Sunday morning as the City of Crown Point, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, and Franciscan Alliance welcomed Indiana's inaugural Biggest Loser Run/Walk Race Series 5k and Half Marathon! With over 2,000 runners and walkers participating between the two races, and not to mention the Kids One Mile Fun Run for four to twelve year olds, there were participants ranging from age five to 75!
Click here to see more photos from the race!
The Biggest Loser Race Series calls these races, "A race for all fitness levels, whether you are ready to set a personal record or this is your first race!" With guest appearances by former contestants from "The Biggest Loser", live music following the race, and beautiful weather, participants could not have had a better day.
"We're very honored that a brand like the Biggest Loser would select the South Shore as the location to bring their event to," Speros Batistatos, President and CEO of South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority said. "Lots of credit goes to Marci Crozier. Marci's personal brand is incredible. I'm a huge fan of her, her family, and what she has done for community even before she was part of the Biggest Loser. I'm honored to have her as one of my close friends and associates. I also want to shout out Rick Flutka, our sports development manager. He's awesome! And Franciscan Alliance played a huge part. We've proudly called them a partner since 1991. We're happy to put the South Shore's best foot forward."
Crozier is the Regional Director of Marketing and Sales at Omni Health and she and her daughter, Courtney, were contestants on Season 11 of The Biggest Loser. They were excited to be part of the race. Even Batistatos and girlfriend, Aimee Beauchamp, were able to take part in the fun and run the 5k, while Crown Point City Mayor David Uran took part in the half marathon!
The crowds were wild as 5k finishers started crossing the finish line after only 18 minutes, and later as the half marathon champion Brent Ksenak crossed after about an hour and 20 minutes. Having run between 30 and 40 half marathons previously, Ksenak was very excited with his race. "I love the distance, it kind of fits exactly what I'm looking for," Ksenak panted minutes after finishing, "I can still feel great and feel like I'm performing well after I finish a half."
Wellness Manager at Omni Health and Fitness Center in Schererville and Exercise Physiologist Leah Okner was one of many running her first half marathon that day.
"One of the best parts of leading a healthy lifestyle is that you feel GREAT all the time!" Okner enthused, after leading the crowds in the 'Cupid Shuffle' to warm up. "It's so important, it's the quality of your life, especially as you start to age!"
There certainly was no shortage of smiles as every participant crossed the finish line at the end of both races. Thank you to Lake County Fairgrounds, the City of Crown Point, Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, Franciscan Alliance, the Indiana South Shore, Fleet Feet Sports, Crown Brewing, Direct Fitness Solutions, Precor, Freemotion, McColly Real Estate, The Times, Green Layer, Jennie-O, and Planet Fitness for sponsoring and making today possible! Congratulations go out to Brent Ksenak, half marathon winner, and Daniel Herrera, 5k winner of the day.
