The Social Distance 5K

The Social Distance 5K - A "literal" race!

Race the Region in conjunction with the Valparaiso Parks Department is excited to announce a return to competitive road racing in Northwest Indiana.

The goal of the event is to provide a truly competitive racing experience for the participants while adhering to all CDC social distancing and safety guidelines.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 16th at Foundation Meadow Park in Valparaiso, IN.  The race will have a time-trial type set up which will allow runners to start individually or in small groups of associated participants (family member or participants that live together) during designated times between 6:00AM-9:00AM.  While registering, participants will be asked to select a 10 minute starting time slot.  Participants may begin their race anytime during the selected time slot.  There is a limit of 14 starting positions available for each starting time slot and they are available on a first come, first serve basis.  In order to maintain safe distancing and traffic control on the race course participants must start during their selected starting time slot.  If a particular starting time is not available it means it has reached the maximum number of participants for that time slot.  Please do not ask us to make any exceptions, because we will not.  The race course will remain open until 10AM.

Each participant’s start time will be recorded as they cross the starting line.  As participants finish, they will receive a text message and/or email with their finishing time.  A list of overall finishing times for all competitors will be continually updated at www.thtiming.com while the race is in progress.   Shortly after 10AM the final race results along with the Overall, Masters, and Age Group awards will be posted.  Award winners will be able to pick up their awards at The Extra Mile Fitness Company any time during regular business hours after the final results are posted.

Overall & Age Group Awards – Top Overall Male & Top Overall Female, Top Masters Male & Top Masters Female, Top 3 Male and Female in the following age groups: 10 & 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 and up

The first 100 people that register will receive a HEADSWEATS ULTRABAND. (wearing a face mask is not a race requirement)

Registration and packet pick up:

THERE WILL BE NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.  ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE 6:00AM RACE MORNING

THE RACE WILL HAVE A CAP OF 250 PARTICIPANTS

Pre-Race Packet Pick Up  will be available Thursday, May14th and Friday, May 15th from Noon to 5PM at the Extra Mile Fitness Company, 1330 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

Onsite packet pick up will be available on race morning beginning at 6:00AM

Participants are asked to not arrive at the race site any earlier than 15 minutes before their designated starting time.

To help ensure the safety of the participants the racecourse will utilize the Valparaiso Pathway System.  Additionally, all participants must adhere to the following requirements:

• Participants are required to be completely self-sufficient.  No water stops, refreshments, or medical assistance will be provided.
• Participants must follow all CDC safe distancing guidelines.
• Participants must be in good health and symptom free from any illness for at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
• After picking up their race number and upon approaching the starting line participants are required to immediately begin their race.  Participants will not be allowed to congregate or conduct any race preparation (warm-ups, stretching, adjusting or changing apparel, etc.) in the starting area.  Participants should approach the starting line ready to run.
• Except for passing, participants should always remain on the far right-hand side of the pathway.  Participants passing one another on the course must adhere to “no drafting” rules which include being no closer than 10 feet behind or in front of, or 6 feet beside other competitors at any time.  Participants may pass only when there are not any oncoming runners approaching from the opposite direction.  Before passing participants must be sure they can safely remain 10 feet behind and then 10 feet in front of the participant being overtaken before merging back to the right-hand side of the pathway.
• Participants may only utilize the pathway.  Running in the grassy area along the path in order to maintain a safe distance from other competitors is allowed.  Running on the road is strictly prohibited. 
• Participants must follow all instructions of the course marshals and may only cross the intersection of Vale Park and Valparaiso St. when instructed to do so by the course volunteers. Failure to adhere to course volunteer instructions and/or crossing at any time other than when instructed will result in an immediate disqualification.
• Upon completing their run and crossing the finish line participant must continue moving towards the exit of the finish area.  Participants will be required to leave the finish line area and proceed immediately to their vehicle as soon as they complete their race.  No congregating of any type will be permitted either before, during, or after the event.

Failure to adhere to any of the stated race requirements will result in the immediate disqualification of the participant.

Please keep in mind that your cooperation and adherence to all safe distancing practices is the key to us being able to offer competitive events like this in the foreseeable future. 

The race will be limited to 250 total participants.  

This event is not part of the Race the Region Championship and no series points will be awarded for top overall or age group winners.  Participating in this event will count as completing a 2020 Race the Region event and everyone that finishes will receive a Race the Region finisher point. 

A portion of the proceeds and any additional donations will benefit the Northwest Indiana Food Bank