Valparaiso hosted their first Monster Dash run at the Porter Health Amphitheatre on Sunday October 27th that was sponsored by Porter Regional Hospital and Urschel Laboratories. The day called for experienced runners, students, and families, in costumes or not, to come down to downtown Valpo and run in either a 1K or a 5K around the area. The day was set up with perfect weather for the runners and families alike.
The first of the events was the 1K family run where all of the costumed runners made their way around the block. Mayor Jon Costas gave a short encouragement speech before the race began and was in the front, running with the rest of the participants. The race wasn’t timed, but the all of the runners that made it across the line were rewarded with candy and an orange ribbon at the finish.
Eventually the 5K fun run began for the ones who decided to give the three mile run a go. This event was timed and the first place finisher Leo Fry made the trek in under eighteen minutes. Those runners were awarded at the end of the night. The trophies were given out to runners between the increments of five years, then were handed the trophy in either first through third place.
After the 5K was complete, families were invited to free water around the area, to continue to used the bounty castle or inflatable slide, and the YMCA along with Z Fitness Studios started kid zumba at the amphitheater stage. Around seven gyms and health centers from around the area also set up camp to offer attendees memberships or services they had to offer.
Dan McGuire, Recreation Superintendent of Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation, said that the idea for the run came up when the Valpo Fit City Council wanted to put on an event in the fall and to start up events again. They teamed up with the schools to get the kids active again. The most attended school from around the district at the event was given with a $500 wellness grant towards the programing in their school.
In addition, he said, “I know that in the winter and when it starts to get cold outside most people want to get in a hibernate a little, so we’re lucky to have a beautiful day and to have them come out - and to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.”
The Monster Dash seemed to have run off without a hitch, due to the help given by clubs from Valparaiso University and Chesterton High School. The monsters who came to dash gave their best and in return made the day a great first year for event. Maybe next year more families in costumes will come out once again to give Valparaiso another great annual race.