9 events in Valparaiso, Indiana

This is a Race the Region event (#2 in the series) CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE RACE THE REGION SERIES

VALENTINE'S 5K RUN/WALK

Time: 9:00 CST

Where: Starts and finishes at Valparaiso High School, 2727 North Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385

Course: This 5K course starts at Valparaiso High School and takes you through the scenic neighborhood of Forest Park. There are a few rolling hills.

Entry Fee: Early registration —$30 (no additional processing fee) - $25 without a shirt. Entry fee goes up to $35 on January 20th. Race day - $40 Race shirt sizes and availability are only guaranteed if registered before January 15th

Pre Packet Pick Up: This will take place on February 6th 10 AM-6 PM, and the 7th 10am - 5pm at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

Race Day Packet Pick Up: On-site packet pick up will be available at the race site at 8AM - 9AM

ALL REGISTRATION WILL BE DONE ONLINE. ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL THE START OF THE RACE. PARTICIPANTS THAT WISH TO REGISTER ON RACE DAY SHOULD DO SO ONLINE BEFORE HEADING TO THE RACE SITE.

We are currently planning to have all of the participants start at 9:00 AM. The starting line will remain open for 5 minutes. Participants starting after 9:05 will not receive a time.

Distance:

3.1 Mile Run / Walk---All Trail

Course: Sunset Hill County Park

775 N Meridian Rd, Valparaiso

Challenging wooded trail run with rolling hills, unpredictable weather, and fun times!

Amenities:

One water station, Digital clock at the finish, Large amount of real food for refreshments!!! Age group and overall awards.

Age group categories:

Male / Female: 0-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

T-shirts guaranteed to all competitors registered before February 23. Race shirts for those registering on or after February 23, and on race day, will be first come first served. Race awards to both overall male and female winners. First three finishers in each age group (male/female) will receive awards.

$25.00 No Shirt Option (no xyz discount)

$30.00 BEFORE February 23, 2026

$35.00 On or After February 23 (online only)

$35.00 Day of Race

$2.00 Discount for XYZ participants

Police / Fire / Criminal Justice Challenge:

In addition to the open race, there will be a Police/ Fire/ Criminal Justice Challenge. The Challenge takes the top three finishers from their department, combines their finishing places, and uses the total to compete against other departments. Winning department receives bragging rights and a traveling trophy. This also applies to the High School Criminal Justice Programs in Indiana that will be competing against each other. Departments eligible include any department related to Police, Fire and Public

Service. (Final determination of qualification goes to the Race Director, runners must work for or be retired from the department they represent.)

Amenities: One water station, Age group and overall awards. Large amount of real food for refreshments!!!

Early packet pick up available at The Extra Mile Fitness Company, 3400 Calumet Ave. Valparaiso, IN on Friday, March 6th.

Race day packet pick-up at the race site will open at 7:30AM

For questions and information contact:

www.portercountysheriff.com/foot-pursuit-5k

or

[email protected]

33rd Anniversary of RINGING IN SPRING 2026 - RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

The Valparaiso Family YMCA is proud to present the 2026 Ringing in Spring 5k Run/Walk! Start your year off on the right foot by kicking off this year's running season with NWI’s largest springtime race for 33 years! Join us in celebrating our 33rd anniversary by ringing the springtime bell, signaling the end of NWI’s cold, harsh winter and the fresh start of springtime. Run through beautiful Valparaiso neighborhoods and keep an eye out on the course for bright little daffodils welcoming you into the new season.

100% of registration proceeds benefit the Valparaiso Family YMCA Annual Campaign, providing financial scholarship assistance for programs, membership, and childcare services. Our mission is simple - To be a charitable non-profit organization that improves the quality of life in our communities through programs and services that strengthen the spirit, mind, and body for all.

Register, become a sponsor, or donate today and help the Valparaiso Family YMCA run for a cause!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

RACE DATE & TIME

Date of Race - Saturday, April 4, 2026

Start Time - 8:00 AM (CST)

REGISTRATION DATES

Registration Begins - October 1, 2025 (12:01 AM CST)

Registration Ends - April 4, 2026 (7:45 AM CST)

Important Note: Race day registration is only available online up to 7:45 AM CST

RACE LOCATION

Valparaiso Family YMCA Pavilion (Northwest side of main building)

1201 Cumberland Crossing

Valparaiso IN 46383

Phone - (219) 462-4185

Click Here for Directions

PACKET PICK-UP

Location - Extra Mile Fitness, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN

Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 10 AM to 6 PM CST

Friday, April 3, 2026 from 10 AM to 6 PM CST

Race Day: Packet pickup in Valpo YMCA gym from 7:00 to 7:45 AM CST

Note for first-time participants: Pick up your official 33rd Anniversary Ringing in Spring Shirt and disposable on-bib chip for timing purposes ahead of time and be ready to run on race day.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE

• (1) Official 2026 Ringing In Spring Shirt (Deadline for guaranteed size availability is March 16, 2026)

• (1) Disposable on-bib chip for timing purposes

• (1) Top 3 in each age group will receive an official Ringing in Spring medal. Overall, male and female will receive a plaque with the signature bell on it. We also award the overall male and female for Masters.

OUR COURSE

Beginning just outside of the YMCA (by UPS in front of the Valpo YMCA) and meanders through the North end of Valparaiso until returning back to the starting point. Unfamiliar with the area? No problem. We’ll have plenty of volunteers along the route who are ready to help show you the way.

Awards

There will be awards for Overall Male/Female and Overall, Masters Male/Female. Age groups are listed below:

Age Groups (1st through 3rd place will be awarded): 10 and 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, 75-79, 80+

The Ringing in Spring is the 4th race in the Race the Region racing series.

FAQ

Are Strollers Allowed? Yes, strollers are allowed on the 5K route. To ease runner/walker flow, strollers start at the back of the race corral. Regardless of your place in the corral, no worries! Your race time is measured by a chip, which activates when you cross the start line.

Are Dogs Allowed? No, dogs are not allowed with runners/walkers on the 5K course. For the safety of all participants, please leave all four-legged friends at home.

Why isn’t my shirt guaranteed? Quantities are limited. Our “live” shirt inventory shows the sizes currently in stock at the time you are registering.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING RINGING IN SPRING?

Please contact our Event and Volunteer Manager, Jackie Bovy, using the info below.

Phone - (219) 462-4185 ext. 233

Email - [email protected]

Friday, May 15, 2026

Central Park Plaza

(Valparaiso, IN)

6:00PM (5K Run)

6:15PM (1 Mile Dog Walk)

Moisture Wicking Shirts are guaranteed to all preregistered runners and walkers before 5/04/26.

Awards:

Overall Male/Female, Overall Masters ( ≥ 40 yr) Male/Female, Top 3 Male/Female in the following age groups: 0-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-80, 80+

Athena (Female ≥ 170 lb), Clydesdale (Male ≥ 210 lb)

Computerized Timing provided by T&H Timing. Split times at every mile and water stations on the course.

No strollers, bicycles, in-line skates, or scooters allowed. Handicap equipment is permitted.

The 5K run is a road course with moderate hills.

Register on-line at www.Runsignup.com until 8AM on May 15th.

5K Run (all ages) or 1 Mile Walk Ages 13 & Over $30

Children 12 & Under $25 (1 Mile Walk Only)

All mail-in registrations must be postmarked before May 1, 2026

Race Day Registration is $35 Run & Walk

Early packet pick-up will be avalible on Wednesday and Thursday from 10AM-6PM at the Extra Mile Fitness Co. 3400 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN

On-site packet pick-up starts at 4:30PM on Friday.