Runners with pounding hearts, riders gripping their handlebars anxiously and families cheering from the edge of the trails are all participant experiences of the Tour de La Porte. An event that has been around since 2001, the Tour de La Porte has only grown, welcoming all ages, fitness levels and family sizes to enjoy La Porte’s many trails, lakes and smiling faces.
All money raised by the Tour de La Porte goes to the needs of patients with cancer. These needs include anything from medication to wigs through the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (transitioning from the previous La Porte Hospital Foundation Cancer Fund. The Foundation also uses these funds to offer free cancer screenings within the community.
Check out our photos from previous years!
2013 DAY 1 and DAY 2
The Tour de La Porte is a three-day running and bike-riding event that begins on August 19 and ends on August 21. All of the events will begin at beautiful Soldiers Memorial Park, located in La Porte at 250 Pine Lake Avenue. Early packet pick-up begins at 2 PM on Friday, August 19, and lasts until 6:30 PM. The 5K Trail Run also takes place on the 19th, beginning at 5 PM.
Saturday is all about running. The activities start early with the chip-timed half marathon kicking off at 6:30 AM. If that distance is a little too daunting (or the start a little too early), the 10K chip-timed run begins at 7:30 AM, followed by the 5K chip-timed run and non-competitive walk at 8 AM. Children ages 4-8 can take part in the Mini TDL Fun Run that begins at 9 AM.
Sunday offers a variety of cycling events, covering distances ranging from 5 to 100 miles. Those looking for a serious challenge can sign up for the 100-mile event, but they have to start at the early time of 6:30 AM. This event takes riders through scenic La Porte County, which makes the ride worth every second. The next event, which starts at 8 AM, is a 60-mile ride for participants who still seek a scenic ride but are not quite ready to take on the 100-mile course. The rest of the biking events start at 30-minute intervals: the 40-mile ride at 8:30 AM, the 25-mile ride at 9 AM, the 15-mile ride at 9:30 AM, and lastly the 5-mile ride at 10 AM.
Any runners or bikers wanting to participate at the last minute can sign up for any event up to 30 minutes before their event begins. Any participants wishing to push themselves and give the most they can to patients with cancer and the health of the community may sign up for 2-event and 3-event combos. These combos allow the participants to take part in two or three events of their choice for a single price.
Any athletes who wish to take part in this health-oriented and fun event that gathers people from all around the nation (and the world!) can go to tourdelaporte.org for more information. Be a part of the event that showcases La Porte’s natural beauty and sign up today!
Check out the official Tour De La Porte Promotional Video: