Men, women and children of Northwest Indiana braved the cold weather Saturday morning to run in the 5K timed and 2K fun Hub Run at Bulldog Park in Crown Point. More than one thousand participants took over the streets of Crown Point in the 39th Annual Hub Run that benefits income-based scholarships and programs at the local Dean & Barbara White Southlake Family YMCA.
“We’ve been doing this race for 39 years, and it helps provide scholarships to our families and children in need for membership and programs at the Y,” said Chris Mallers, Executive Director of the Dean and Barbara White Southlake Family YMCA. “We are an all access facility, we don’t turn away people away for their inability to pay for memberships and programs at the Y.”
Though race organizers battle the weather each year, it never stops anyone from coming in droves to help the cause and support their community. In the past, the race kicked off on the historic Crown Point Square. This year, the race grew with the city and moved to a brand new starting line, Bulldog Park.
“It a great event and it’s grown over the years. We’re excited to get the support from the city to get traffic control and utilize Bulldog Park this year,” Mallers said. “The weather does play a little factor but it’s okay and it’s a great day for the runners.
One of those dedicated supporters who planned to run in the rain or sunshine was ArcelorMittal USA, an avid supporter of the Y and sponsor of the Hub Run.
“All of us at ArcelorMittal are excited to be here and support not only the YMCA who's hosting this event, but also a very good charitable cause which are their need-based scholarships,” said Jerry Yothment, General Manager of Information Technology for ArcelorMittal USA.
ArcelorMittal USA’s company focus on health and safety was also a prime motivator for participating in and supporting the run.
“We take health and safety very seriously in the company, and [this event] was a way we could express that in the community and it’s just an exciting time, ” Yothment said. “You can find us in the sea of orange, our company color.”
The community event not only helped to provide assistance to families and children at the YMCA but also helped bring people together all on one road.
“It’s exciting,”said Deanna Blink, Human Resource Manager of Corporate Technical Staff at ArcelorMittal USA. “I can’t believe how many people signed up. You have a lot of talented athletes that are involved and then we have some people that are here to just have fun.”
The top finisher for men was Michael Bukur, who completed the 5K in 18:01.0. The top finisher among women was Eliza Pycraft, who finished in 19:49.0. Congrats to all the participants!
