Fort Wayne Trails gears up for 5K and 10K Fall Races

Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2011

All welcome at September 18th Pufferbelly 5K Family Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids’ Fun Run and October 9th Aboite Trails’ Great ANT Race

Fort Wayne, Ind. – August 18, 2011 – Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. (FWT) today announced plans for two family-friendly races on trails that have attracted hundreds of participants and spectators throughout the greater Fort Wayne area – the 2nd Annual Pufferbelly 5K Family Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids’ Fun Run, scheduled on Sept. 18, and the Great ANT Race 5K/10K, scheduled on Oct. 9.

The Pufferbelly 5K Family Run/Walk event is presented by title sponsor Fort Wayne Pediatrics, as well as Silver sponsors Summit City Bicycles and Fitness, Fort Wayne Cardiology at Parkview Hospital, LaBov & Beyond Marketing Communications, and Bronze sponsor Baker & Daniels LLP. The Aboite Trails’ 4th Annual Great ANT Race 10K and 5K Run/Walk is presented by title sponsor Lutheran Health Network/Lutheran Hospital. Silver sponsors include Best Buy, Fort Wayne Cardiology, Summit City Bicycles and Fitness, and Swiss Re. Bronze sponsors include Lake City Bank, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, and Tower Bank. In 2010, more than 425 people participated in the Aboite area run and walking events. Registered participants at both race/walk events will receive a free t-shirt and a reusable bag filled with special items donated by various businesses in the community. Participants can register online at http://www.GetMeRegistered.com or by completing entry forms available at http://www.facebook.com/FortWayneTrails .

2nd Annual Pufferbelly 5K Family Run/Walk

New this year, a 1 Mile Kids’ Fun Run has been added to the 2nd Annual Pufferbelly 5K Family Run/Walk. A portion of the race will be run on the Salomon Farm Trail and the newly constructed section of the Pufferbelly Trail from the Parkview YMCA to Wallen Road. “This event showcases the benefits that the trails offer to residents and visitors alike – scenic beauty, healthy and active lifestyles, connections with area destinations, and a chance to experience our city at a natural pace, ” said Mark T. Adams, M.D., a founding physician at Ft. Wayne Pediatrics.

The race will start and finish at the Salomon Farm Park (817 W. Dupont Road) located on the south side of Dupont Road between Coldwater and Lima roads.

dult race registration is $20 before Sept. 1. A performance shirt is available for $10, while supplies last. After September 1, adult registration is $25. On-site race-day registration begins at 11:30 a.m., also $25 for adults. Registration for youth under age 15 is $10 before Sept. 1, and $15 after Sept. 1. Registration for the 1 Mile Kids’ Fun Run for children aged 11 and under is $3.

Awards will be given at the completion of the 5K Run/Walk. All pre-registered participants in the Kids’ Fun Run will receive a participation award. Limited quantities will be available to all others on the day of the event. There will be a live band for entertainment for adults and children alike.

“The proceeds generated from the Pufferbelly event will be used to advance our work in providing more connectivity for northwest Fort Wayne and Allen County,” said Lori Keys, executive director, Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. “The Pufferbelly Trail along the former New York Railroad will offer both recreation and transportation options for people on foot or wheels and, when completed, will link downtown Fort Wayne to Pokagon State Park in Angola. Public participation in this year’s race event is an important part of the future quality of life in Ft. Wayne.

Aboite New Trails’ 4th Annual Great ANT Race 10K and 5K Run/Walk

“The Aboite Trails’ 3rd Annual Great ANT Race 10K and 5K Run/Walk generated $22,000 in proceeds for the regional multi-use trail system last year,” said Keys. “Year by year, thanks to our participants and sponsors, we are making significant progress in achieving our ultimate goal to create a state-of-the art trail system that will link population centers with destinations throughout all of Allen County and beyond.” The Aboite Trails’ 4th Annual Great ANT Race 10K and 5K Run/Walk includes looped 5K and 10K routes that will begin at Deer Ridge Elementary School on Scott Road. The race includes awards for the top three male and female finishers in 13 age groups.

“It is truly amazing to see families and people of all ages participating in the annual Great ANT Races,” said Joe Dorko, CEO, Lutheran Health Network. “We are proud to be involved with this event because it highlights the year-round enjoyment the trails provide. Support of a great trail system that enhances our health, safety, and quality of life in Allen County is a perfect complement to Lutheran Health Network’s mission.”

About Fort Wayne Trails

Created in January 2011, Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. is a dynamic, not-for-profit [501 (c) (3)] corporation dedicated to enhancing our vibrant and healthy community through the development of an ever-expanding multi-use trail network. FWT’s inception is the result of merging three area non-profit trails’ initiatives – Aboite New Trails, Greenway Consortium and Northwest Allen Trails. There are currently 61 miles of trails, with plans to extend the trails in every direction from the city’s center to connect communities, attract economic development, and improve overall livability throughout Fort Wayne and Allen County. For information or to donate, please contact Lori Keys at 260.969.0079 or lori@fwtrails.org. Please visit http://www.facebook.com/FortWayneTrails for updates while http://www.fwtrails.org is under construction.

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