Ringing in Spring

31st Anniversary of RINGING IN SPRING 2024 - RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

The Valparaiso Family YMCA is proud to present the 2024 Ringing in Spring 5k Run/Walk! Start your year off on the right foot by kicking off this year's running season with NWI’s largest springtime race for 31 years! Join us in celebrating our 31st anniversary ringing the springtime bell, signaling the end of NWI’s cold harsh winter and the fresh start of springtime. Run through beautiful Valparaiso neighborhoods and keep an eye out on the course for bright little daffodils welcoming you into the new season. 

100% of registration proceeds benefit the Valparaiso Family YMCA Annual Campaign, providing financial scholarship assistance for programs, membership, and childcare services. Our mission is simple - To be a charitable non-profit organization that improves the quality of life in our communities through programs and services that strengthen the spirit, mind, and body for all. 

Register, become a sponsor, or donate today and help the Valparaiso Family YMCA run for a cause! 
CLICK HERE TO DONATE

RACE DATE & TIME

Date of Race - Saturday, April 6, 2024
Start Time - 8:00 AM (CST)

REGISTRATION DATES

Registration Begins - January 1, 2024 (12:01 AM CST)
Registration Ends - April 6, 2024 (7:45 AM CST)
Important Note: Race day registration is only available on-line up to 7:45 AM CST

RACE LOCATION 

Valparaiso Family YMCA Pavilion (Northwest side of main building) 
1201 Cumberland Crossing
Valparaiso IN 46383
Phone - (219) 462-4185
Click Here for Directions

PACKET PICK-UP

Location - Extra Mile Fitness, 3400 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN 
Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 10 AM to 6 PM CST
Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10 AM to 6 PM CST

Race Day: Packet pickup in Valpo YMCA gym from 7:00 to 7:45 AM CST

Note for first-time participants: Pick up your official 31st Anniversary Ringing in Spring Shirt and disposable on-bib chip for timing purposes ahead of time and be ready to run on race day.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE

• (1) Official 2024 Ringing In Spring Shirt (Deadline for guaranteed size availability is March 1, 2024) 
• (1) Disposable on-bib chip for timing purposes 
• (1) Top 3 in each age group will receive an official Ringing in Spring medal. Overall male and female will receive a plaque with the signature bell on it. We also award overall male and female for Masters.

OUR COURSE

Beginning just outside of the YMCA’s outdoor pavilion (West side of the main Valparaiso YMCA building) and meanders through the North end of Valparaiso, IN until returning back to starting point. Unfamiliar with the area? No problem. We’ll have plenty of volunteers along the route who are ready to help show you the way.

Awards 

There will be awards for Overall Male/Female and Overall, Masters Male/Female. Age groups are listed below:
Age Groups (1st through 3rd place will be awarded): 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-80, 80+

FAQ

Are Strollers Allowed?  Yes, strollers are allowed on the 5K route. To ease runner/walker flow, strollers start at the back of the race corral. Regardless of your place in the corral, no worries! Your race time is measured by chip, which activates when you cross the start line. 
Are Dogs Allowed? No, dogs are not allowed with runners/walkers on the 5K course. For the safety of all participants, please leave all four-legged friends at home.
Why isn’t my shirt guaranteed? Quantities are limited. Our “live” shirt inventory shows the sizes currently in stock at the time you are registering. 

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING RINGING IN SPRING?

Please contact our Event and Donor Relations Manager, Jackie Bovy, using the info below.
Phone - (219) 462-4185 ext. 233 
Email - [email protected]