The YMCA of Greater Michiana is planning its 15th annual Race for YMCA 5K/10K for Saturday, July 18 in St. Joseph.
YMCA Race Director Jill Haboush tells us the event raises money for YMCA programs and scholarships and typically attracts around 350 to 400 runners. She says those who take part can choose to do the 5K or the 10K, or they can just take a relaxing walk.
“It’s a beautiful course,” Haboosh said. “We start down in St. Joe at the Margaret B. Arboretum, and the race, of course, runs along the river and then along scenic Silver Beach, down to the Lions Park, and up along the bluff if you choose to run the further course of the 10K.”
Haboush says the event is a big help to the YMCA here in Benton Harbor-St. Joseph.
“We typically raise anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000 from this event. So it is one of the largest fundraisers for our Benton Harbor St. Joseph Y. And again, it provides scholarships and financial assistance to those children and families in the community that maybe need a little extra support to be able to get involved with Y programs.”
There will be trophies awarded to the top 5K, 10K, and overall runners, as well as medals for the top three in each age group and all youth participants.
Registrations are open online now, and runners can also register on the morning of the race. It starts at 8:30 a.m. on the 18th.
Haboush says the event comes as the YMCA prepares to celebrate 100 years in the Twin Cities area this fall. She says the organization really makes a difference in the community.
“YMCA has three pillars of support — youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We have so many programs for all ages, whether you’re looking for child care, before and after school care, summer programming, swim safety, Live Strong for our cancer survivors, or senior active older adult programming, and of course, lots of fitness opportunities with classes and equipment and cardio and such. It’s quite the spectrum continuum of care from infancy all the way through later in life and seniors. So just a lot of great opportunities. With the YMCA, we’re very collaborative as well within the community and partner with a lot of other nonprofits to bring such great programming to our community.”
You can learn more about the Race for YMCA 5K/10K and register to take part right here.
