33rd Anniversary of RINGING IN SPRING 2026 - RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

The Valparaiso Family YMCA is proud to present the 2026 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 33 years! Join us in celebrating our 33rd anniversary by 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 4, 2026
Start Time - 8:00 AM (CST)

REGISTRATION DATES

Registration Begins - October 1, 2025 (12:01 AM CST)
Registration Ends - April 4, 2026 (7:45 AM CST)
Important Note: Race day registration is only available online 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 2, 2026 from 10 AM to 6 PM CST
Friday, April 3, 2026 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 33rd 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 2026 Ringing In Spring Shirt (Deadline for guaranteed size availability is March 16, 2026) 
• (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 the overall male and female for Masters.

OUR COURSE

Beginning just outside of the YMCA (by UPS in front of the Valpo YMCA) and meanders through the North end of Valparaiso until returning back to the 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, 75-79, 80+

The Ringing in Spring is the 4th race in the Race the Region racing series.

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 a 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 Volunteer Manager, Jackie Bovy, using the info below.
Phone - (219) 462-4185 ext. 233 
Email - jbovy@valpoymca.org