HOOFIN-IT 5K RACE

Striding Towards Greater Independence | 2023 3rd Annual Hoofin-It 5K Race | Reins of Life, Inc.  | South Bend, IN 

On your mark, get set, GO! Run for children and adults with disabilities at the annual 'Hoofin-It' 5K at the Reins of Life, Inc. in South Bend, IN on September 9th, 2023. Run or walk along the 24 acres of horse pastures and 10 acres of wooden trails to a finish line you'll remember. All registered 5K runners and 5K walkers will receive a race tee and registration packet; along with ribbons and awards for top placements on site. See full list of award placements listed below.

Stride through pastures & wooded trails on foot ! Every step you take is a stride towards greater independence for the children and adults with disabilities that take part in ROL programming. 

Benefits of Equine-Assisted Services are available to children and adults with almost any disability. For individuals with impaired mobility, horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves their bodies in a manner similar to normal human walking, which can assist with improved muscle tone and muscle memory.  For those with learning disorders, mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with a warm, soft, friendly, responsive horse has special healing values.  We see them mature from self-conscious children to confident members of society. The community benefits from the socialization and communication skills and their improved health that allows many of the riders to become productive members of the workforce.

Through our programs we partner with many local organizations including school systems of South Bend Community School Corporation, Success and Career Academies, Michigan City Area Schools, South La Porte Special Education and many others. The goal is to improve educational outcomes for students in danger of failing academically and help with overall engagement. Our alternative education support program offers a new method of learning that brings to life tactile experience that directly integrates learning objectives identified by the Indiana Department of Education.

Help us celebrate the resilience of our riders, programs and organization; as well as, continue to reach new community members, reduce stigma towards persons with disabilities and support our clients’ journeys and goals.  

THE REINS OF LIFE, INC. MISSION
-To improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy.

THE REINS OF LIFE, INC. VISION
-To promote the mental, physical, emotional, and social growth of all involved in the program
-To educate the community regarding the benefits of riding as therapy, and the abilities of children and adults with disabilities
-To improve the attitudes of society toward persons with disabilities

Round-up your friends, family and kiddos AND see you at the RACE! 

*No pets please.*

Start Times:

• 7:00AM EST | Registration Packet Drive-Through & Day of Sign-up Opens
• 8:00AM EST | 5K Run
• 8:30AM EST | 5K Walk
• 8:45AM EST | Pony Club Family 1 Mile Walk

Race Details:

Registration & Day of Sign-up

Registration opens at 7AM EST at 55200 Quince Road South Bend, IN 46619. At the Registration Drive-Through runners/walkers (if already registered) will be able to pick up their race packets prior to parking.  If you are taking part in the Pony Club Family Fun 1 Mile Walk or need to register for the race you will be asked to pull into the new registration area to register.

Opening Ceremony: Warren Township Fire Department will be in attendance for our national anthem.

*Additional Race T-shirts are available to purchase onsite for $20 each. *

Timing & Bib Company: 

Fast, Dependable, Accurate, Affordable. South Bend Timing uses the Jaguar Timing System.  The South Bend Timing system features antennas, not mats, and a disposable chip that is placed right on the bib.  

Awards & Results: A PDF of results will be posted on the Run Signup webpage following the conclusion of the event. Award Ceremony will begin 9:00AM EST. Awards will be given to the following positions:

• Overall 'Grand Champion' Winner | Includes All Ages, Genders & Registration Types
• Overall 'Reserve Grand Champion' | Includes All Ages, Genders & Registration Types
• 1st Place - 5K Race - Men's | 2nd Place - 5K Race - Men's | 3rd Place - 5K Race - Men's
• 1st Place - 5K Race - Women's | 2nd Place - 5K Race - Women's | 3rd Place - 5K Race - Women's
• 1st Place - 5K Race - Youth | 2nd Place - 5K Race - Youth | 3rd Place - 5K Race - Youth
• Fastest Time - Female Veteran / First Responder
• Fastest Time - Male Veteran / First Responder
• Fun 'Metals' will also be given to Pony Club Family Fun 1 Mile Walkers that complete the Hoofin-It Scavenger Hunt and turn-in for approval at the Registration Table. 

5K Run

5K Run begins at 8AM EST. Included within Registration Fee is ONE 2023 Hoofin-It Race T-shirts ; sponsor and host promotional items; snack and water.

5K Walk

5K Walk begins at 8:30AM EST. Included within Registration Fee is ONE 2023 Hoofin-It Race T-shirts ; sponsor and host promotional items; snack and water.

Pony Club Family 1 Mile Walk

Pony Club Family 1 Mile Walk begins at 8:45AM EST. At registration, Pony Club Family Fun 1 Mile Walkers will be asked to fully register. This means that all members of the household will need to complete Visitor Form and COVID 19 Waiver. At registration, walkers will also be asked to list all family members in Family Group. MAXIMUM OF 4 PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH HOUSEHOLD. Included in Registration are : TWO 2023 Hoofin-It Race T-shirts ; sponsor and host promotional items; snack and water. 

*Additional Race T-shirts are available to purchase onsite for $20 each. *

Virtual 5K Ride, Walk or Run at Home!

Not able to make it to the race onsite on September 9th, 2023? That is A-OK. Saddle up or double-knot those sneakers at home for a virtual 5K. All virtual 5K results will not be included within race award ceremony. Race t-shirts and registration packets can be picked-up at 55200 Quince Road South Bend, IN 46619 by appointment. Please email staff@reinsoflife.org to schedule your packet pickup between 9/1/2023 through 9/30/2023. Virtual race 5K times can be submitted to Reins of Life, Inc. via email 9/9/2023 through 9/30/2023 by emailing staff@reinsoflife.org. On your mark, get set, GO!