The Burns Harbor Park Department Footloose 5K celebrated a successful second annual event with more than 300 participants in attendance.
The 1980s-inspired event drew in local community members as well as regional running enthusiasts of all ages June 27 at Lakeland Park.
Park Board President and event director, Marcus Rogala, said, “We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout, more beautiful weather or a more festive atmosphere for the Footloose 5K. Many thanks to all those who helped make this year’s event a success.”
The 5K run/walk featured 219 participants displaying big hair, neon colors, leg warmers and other totally tubular ensembles. Medals including boom box tokens were handed out to each finisher. Prior to the 5K, 68 children raced around beautiful Harbor Lake during the Kids Fun Run.
Event-goers were treated to decade tunes by DJ Ozzie Moody of Rolling Sounds and Chicago’s 80s Xtreme cover band, the Breakfast Club, who rocked out the after-party with live music. A bounce house by Bounce ‘N’ Around, refreshments provided by the Burns Harbor Fire Department and area vendors, adult beverage garden sponsored by The Mill Bar & Grill as well as fireworks sponsored by Phantom Fireworks and Precision Towing rounded out the evening.
The Park Department thanks the generous event sponsors, including: Allegius Federal Credit Union, BMO Harris Bank, Fifth Third Bank and Indiana Dunes Tourism. In addition, gratitude is extended to the 62 volunteers and staff for their assistance as well as the Burns Harbor and Porter Police departments for providing security for the event.
Those interested are encouraged to save the date for next year’s Footloose 5K event scheduled for June 25, 2016 at Lakeland Park. Inquiries regarding sponsorship for next year’s Footloose 5K or other Park Department events are directed to 219-787-8126.
In addition, the Burns Harbor Park Department will host the Pumpkin Fest and 5K Dash Saturday, Oct. 17 at Lakeland Park. To sign up, visit http://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Chesterton/PumpkinDash.
Photos provided: © 2015 Happy Hoosier Photos