Tour de La Porte: Worth the Trip

Tour-de-LaPorte-Run-Event-GeneralTour de La Porte – an evolution
It started 13 years ago on a lazy summer morning as a non-competitive biking and walking event in La Porte, Indiana. Now, the Tour de La Porte has evolved into a three-day sporting weekend that includes distance cycling, mountain bike and road bike time trials, a trail run, chip-timed running events (5K, 10K and half marathon), a 5K walking event and family centered activities.

And in the end, 100 percent of funds raised are used for direct patient assistance and cancer screenings in the community.

“Over the years, getting involved with the Tour has been amazing. We see how this one event alone does so much for the community,” said Mark Kosior, Tour de La Porte Committee Chairperson.

The event draws beginners to serious athletes from up to 1,000 miles away. It pulls the community together in many different ways: a spaghetti dinner the night before, student artists designing the half marathon awards, and families coming together to run for a loved one.

PLUS - The Crossing in La Porte is your official Tour de La Porte Training Center! A state-of-the-art spin center, personal trainers and wellness specialists will help guide you through a program before the big event. It’s all about going the distance for cancer care.

The Tour de La Porte – August 22-24
Register today at tourdelaporte.org
219.326.2471 or 877.265.4539

Go Off Road – Tour de La Porte offers first trail run
It’s nice to get off the road and try something different. It’s even better when your own two legs take you there. Introducing the first Trail Run at Tour de La Porte – a chance to race yourself against a backdrop that is dramatically different than blacktop.

“Runners are used to pounding the pavement, but with a trail run, you have a gentler impact on the body. This trail run is an excellent way for anyone from beginners to seasoned runners to go off road, experience nature, and challenge themselves as much as they want,” said Tom Koniczny, a cross country and time trial runner who helped plan the Tour de La Porte Trail Run. The 5K course leads runners through woods, some sand, and a beautiful bridge clearing with Stone Lake on one side and Pine Lake on the other. “There are some hills, and some roots, but anyone can run this course at their own pace.”

Some runners could use the Tour de La Porte Trail Run to experiment or familiarize themselves with trail running. Others can go for their best time ever in this event. Either way, with a view like that, you just can’t lose.

The Tour de La Porte Trail Run – August 22
Going the Distance for Cancer Care
Register today at tourdelaporte.org
219.326.2471 or 877.265.4539

Tour-de-LaPorte-Sobecki-Worth-the-Trip1000 Miles in Memory
If you’re traveling 1,000 miles to run a 5k race, there must be something special about it.

“People’s participation in the Tour de La Porte literally saves lives. The Tour, The Foundation and IU Health La Porte Hospital give hope, comfort and life back to cancer patients and their caregivers and loved ones,” said Ryan Sobecki, US Air Force Security Forces, Rapid City, South Dakota.

The Sobecki family – Ryan, brother Eric and dad Jeff - began sponsoring Tour de La Porte in 2010 after their mom Linda, who was cared for at La Porte Hospital, passed away from cancer.

“When my mom was going through treatment she asked if we would run in the Tour de La Porte. I flew from Texas at the time and ran the race while my mom walked it,” said Eric Sobecki, a B-1 Pilot also in the US Air Force in South Dakota. “This event was an inspiration to my mom and may have just helped her make it another year,” Eric said.

“Not only did the Foundation help my mom extend her battle with cancer and ease her pain in her time of need, but they probably also saved my dad’s life by helping to ease the financial burden, pain, shock and stress of my mom’s illness,” Ryan said.

Both men agree that living far away was difficult during their mom’s illness, but that the sense of community generated by Tour de La Porte helped ease their minds. “I knew the Foundation and La Porte Hospital were right by our side to help my parents when we couldn’t be close,” Ryan said.

“It’s a great event! All funds raised stay locally to assist local families and the event has grown to be one of the best charity events around,” Eric added.

Tour de La Porte - It’s Worth the Trip - August 22-24
Bike * Run * Walk
Going the Distance for Cancer Care
Register today at tourdelaporte.org
219.326.2471 or 877.265.4539