FAQS
Where is the event located?
The event takes place in La Porte, Indiana.
What time zone are you in?
We are in CST time (think Chicago, not Michigan).
Do you have a minimum age to participate?
Participants of all ages are welcome with the following notes:
Mini Obstacle Course is just for kids 4 to 12.
5K Walk is open to all ages.
5K Run is for ages 8 and older
Half Marathon is for participants 13 and older
What is the best way to get to the event?
From Pine Lake Ave (Hwy 35), turn onto Waverly Road (one option for turn!) From Waverly Road, Soldier’s Memorial Park/Cummings Lodge is the first left. This is the safest entry point for event participants.
Local participants, take note of the running/walking routes to find the best way from your home to Cummings Lodge. Many of the back roads around the lake will be closed off Saturday morning for the safety of all participants.
What is parking like at the event?
The grass field behind Cummings Lodge will fill first, and the lower parking lot will be filled after. Please drive with caution and follow volunteers’ directions to help fit as many cars as possible! As the lot fills, your walk to Cummings Lodge will get a little bit longer so arrive with plenty of time to prevent having to rush to your starting line.
Plans changed/I was injured – can I get a refund?
Sorry, no refunds. No exceptions. We are happy to transfer your registration to another participant – contact us at tdl@lpymca.org with all required information to make this change (i.e. name, DOB, gender, shirt size).
What happens if there is bad weather?
All running, walking and cycling Tour de La Porte events will be held rain or shine! For the safety of all participants and volunteers, the race will either have a delayed start or, depending on the intensity of the weather, be cancelled if lightning is present in the area. The Event Management Staff, in coordination with the Fire Chief, will determine whether the event needs to be delayed or cancelled. We will announce on our website (www.tourdelaporte.org) and our Facebook (www.facebook.com/tourdelaporte.org) if there is the need for a delay or cancellation. As there are multiple events on multiple days, make sure to check back often for updated information about the Tour de La Porte. No refunds are available for the Tour de La Porte.
When is packet pick-up?
We provide early packet pick up on Friday from 4 – 6 pm. You can also pick up your packet during check-in on event day (just arrive with enough time to accommodate!).
Can my friend pick up my packet too?
Yes – that is fine! Packets include your running bib and/or cycling bracelet with the emergency support number. Make sure you don’t forget to get these items and bring them with you to the event!
Do I get a t-shirt?
Registrations prior to August 13th include a complimentary t-shirt (excludes Mini Obstacle Course – $1 per child ages 4-12). Following August 13th, shirts are limited based on availability.
Is there food at the event?
Yes – we offer healthy food options post-race on Saturday, and during the day on Sunday at Cummings Lodge. We have a ton of great sponsors who do a great job so make sure to tell them Thank You!
What kind of fluid replacement will you have?
At water and SAG Stops, we have water and Gatorade for you. Don’t get them confused and pour the wrong cup on your head!
How do I make sure I don’t get lost along the running course?
We will provide you the following:
Signage along the side of the route
Directional painting on the road
Volunteer road guides who are familiar with the route
Are headphones allowed?
They are but make sure you can hear all course and safety instructions from volunteers, race coordinators and police.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, for the Saturday events, but be careful not to run anyone over as you pass! Also, if you don’t believe you’ll stay at the front of the pack, please don’t start there.
Are wagons allowed?
Only for the 5K walk, and please start toward the rear of the walkers for everyone’s safety.
Are pets allowed?
For safety reasons, we prefer you do not bring your pet.
Who receives an award?
All Half Marathon Runners receive a finisher medal at the finish line.
Top three winners in each age category (both male and female) receive a medal and a special gift. Overall male & female winners, as well as overall male & female masters each receive the coveted Golden Shoe Award!
Can I walk the half marathon?
If you can walk at a 13.50-minute mile pace – yes! If not, then sorry, no. We cannot block traffic and keep our volunteers on the site past the 3-hour finish limit we have set. Runners unable to meet this minimum time limit will be rerouted on a reduced distance route for their safety. Because of this, the roads would open for traffic, and you would no longer have road guidance or water stop support.
Can I start the half marathon early to finish in time?
No – for the same reasons listed above.
How do I access route maps – do you have turn by turn navigation?
Yes – though Ride with GPS is generally for cyclists, we’ve take advantage of this app to provide offline maps or turn by turn navigation information for our runners too! We’re still finalizing our 2022 routes, so please check back soon for more information!
Are the cycling events timed?
They are not. As this is not a closed course, we don’t want to encourage you to take safety risks in an effort to have a faster time!
Why do you have start times for the cycling routes?
These start times help us better plan and provide support for you at the SAG locations along the route. They also allow you the opportunity to find other cyclists who ride at your pace to enhance your experience and safety. We will provide a lead car for the first several miles of each distance (except for 5 miles) at the suggested start time (for the reasons listed above).
Are cycling helmets really required?
We are helmet advocates – so yes! Cyclists must wear a bike helmet!
Are tag-a-longs, tandems or bike trailers allowed?
This is a family friendly event, these types of items are definitely allowed!
How do I make sure I don’t get lost?
We will provide you the following:
Printed route map based on your mileage (you can take multiple if you haven’t committed to a certain mileage yet).
Color coded, connect-the-dots, directional markings on the road. Each route has its own specific color and matches the color of your emergency contact wristband!
Turn-by-turn navigation for your route. Join our Club on Ride with GPS! We’re still finalizing our 2022 routes, so please check back soon for more information!