VALPARAISO YMCA // RINGING IN SPRING 5K

Extra Mile Fitness Company YOUTH RUNNING CAMP! 🏃🏃‍♀️

Ages 5 -13

All abilities are welcome!

Camp Dates:

TUESDAYS

June 9

June 16

June 23

July 7

AND RACE DAY: One Mile Challenge July 11th.

Practices are 6:00-7:00 pm - arrive early for check-in at 5:45pm

Location:

Sunset Hill Farm County Park - 775 Meridian Rd #8507, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Our 4-week Youth Running Camp introduces youth to running in a safe and fun environment. These camps are a grassroots program, designed to break down barriers and ensure every child has the opportunity to participate. Additionally, we give back by supporting local middle and high school Cross Country programs, donating proceeds from the One Mile Challenge. This event introduces over 500 youth to running and cross country, fostering a positive experience that we hope will inspire a lifelong love for the sport.

Campers will have 4 weeks of training practices and will compete in the Extra Mile One Mile Challenge Race on Saturday, July 11.

Parent/Information meeting:

Tuesday June 9, (day 1 of camp)

Check in will start at 5:30pm, followed by a 10-15 min parent meeting.

Sunset Hill Farm County Park 775 Meridian Rd #8507, Valparaiso, IN 46383

EXMI Presents “The One Mile Challenge”

THE RACE WILL BE HOSTED AT THE VALPARAISO FAMILY YMCA PAVILION OFF of CUMBERLAND DRIVE

Run a Flat Mile Course in a competitive WAVE start race against your age group peers. All Competitive Race Entries must be able to complete a mile in 15 minutes or less. See the course map for details of the starting and finishing locations.

This is event # 7 in the Race the Region Racing Series. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RACE THE REGION SERIES

Custom Finishers Medal, Custom Finishers Certificate, Live results via text and email messaging, race course will be clearly marked and all turns will have directional signs.

COST:

Early Registration on or before 7/7 $30 - 1 Mile Challenge Entry

Late Registration 7/8/ - 7/10 $35 - 1 Mile Challenge Entry

Race Day Registration - $40

Must Register by June 24th to guarantee shirt.

Participants can choose the no race shirt option and save $5

Online registration will remain open until 5:30PM on race day. People wishing to register on race day may do so on their mobile device or from home before heading to the race. There will be no on-site registration on race day.

PACKET PICK UP ~ Early packet pick up will be available from July 9th and 10th - 10am - 6pm, and July 11th from 10AM-3PM at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Race day packet pick up at the race site will open on race day at 4PM at the Valparaiso Family YMCA PAVILION Off of CUMBERLAND AVE. To avoid long lines at the race site and potentially missing your race starting time we highly encourage participants pick up their race packets in advance.

Custom Unique Overall & Age Group Awards – Top Overall Male & Female, Top Masters Male & Female,

Top 3 male and female in the following age groups: 10 & Under, 11–12, 13–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45-49, 50–54,

55-59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75 and up

Participants will start in waves according to age on the following schedule:

Ages 9-13 and any boy or girl in this age category that will not be enrolled in High School this fall - 6:00PM

Ages 8 and under - 6:05PM

Ages 60 and over - 6:20PM

Ages 50 to 59 - 6:30PM

Ages 40 to 49 - 6:40PM

Ages 30 to 39 - 6:50PM

Ages 19 to 29 and anyone in this age category who will not be enrolled in High School - 7:00PM

High School Girl's (ages 13-18 and anyone who will be attending High School this fall) - 7:10PM

High School Boy's (ages 13-18 and anyone who will be attending High School this fall) - 7:20PM

We will be recording the starting time for each participant. Your time will be the net time from start to finish.

*** MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE****

Race the Region wants to support local High School and Middle School running. Race the Region and The Extra Mile Fitness Company will make a donation to the Boy's Cross Country programs to the top three high schools with the most male students that participate, and a donation to the Girl's Cross Country programs the top three high schools with the most female students participating. The middle school with the most total number of students participating will also receive a donation to their schools running programs. *School totals will be calculated after 5PM the day before the race. Students must be registered for the race before that time in order to count towards their school's participation total.

StRides Against Suicide & Overdose 2025 is hosting a 5k Run/Walk and 10, 40, 60 and 100 mile bike rides to raise funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment for those in Northwest Indiana that are in need and cannot afford the treatment.

Strides Overview

We are addressing an important issue that affects many people. Our mission is to spread awareness and raise money. The annual U.S. suicide rate increased 30% between 2000 and 2020. SUICIDE is the 2nd leading cause of death amongst 15–34 year olds in Indiana. In 2020, 100,306 people died by overdose in the US. One major barrier to mental health and substance abuse treatment is cost/and or lack of insurance. Our solution is to fund that treatment. Profits from the StRides Against Suicide and Overdose 2023 will be used to provide scholarships for mental health and substance abuse treatment for clients who are uninsured or cannot afford treatment. Your involvement is critical to our success in reducing the devastating numbers of Suicides and Overdoses. Thank you again for your help.

Every $525 raised pas for one individual to receive 7 sessions.

Volunteer Here!

Lace up your running shoes and join us at the fairgrounds for a fun and meaningful 5K race supporting Agricultural Education! Set against the backdrop of open skies, barns, and show arenas, this event brings together runners, walkers, families, and community members to celebrate and invest in the future of agriculture.

🌱 About the Event

The Fairgrounds 5K is a community-centered race designed to raise funds for local agricultural education programs. Proceeds will support:

FFA and 4-H student leadership programs

Classroom resources and hands-on ag science labs

Youth livestock and crop education initiatives

🏃‍♂️ The Course

Participants will enjoy a scenic route winding through the fairgrounds, passing livestock barns, exhibit halls, and open fields. The course is mostly flat, making it perfect for:

Competitive runners aiming for a personal best

Casual joggers

Walkers and families with strollers

Clearly marked pathways and enthusiastic volunteers will guide participants along the route, with water stations positioned to keep everyone energized.

🎉 Race Day Highlights

Timed 5K race with awards for top finishers

Farm-fresh snacks

Music and a lively finish-line celebration

🌽 Why It Matters

Agricultural education shapes the next generation of farmers, scientists, business leaders, and innovators. By participating in this 5K, you’re not just running—you’re investing in hands-on learning opportunities that cultivate leadership, responsibility, and real-world skills.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come experience a morning of fitness, fellowship, and farm pride. Together, we can help agriculture continue to grow strong for generations to come. 🌾