11th annual Race for YMCA set for July 16 in St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- The YMCA of Greater Michiana has announced the schedule for its annual Race for YMCA 5K/10K.

It is set to kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 16 and will start and finish at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum in St. Joseph.

The race includes 5K and 10K runs which travel from the arboretum along the St. Joseph River, Lake Michigan, Silver Beach, Lions Park Beach, and the Howard Recreational Trail.

In addition, there will be a 5K walk, and options to compete virtually.

Virtual participants, who will also receive this year’s official race gear, may run or walk the distance anywhere, including the original course, a treadmill, outside in a neighborhood, or at a nearby park.

People of all ages are invited to participate in the largest fundraiser of the year for the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA.

“One of the YMCA’s pillars is healthy living, and we extend that through all of our programming for all ages,” said Monica Norton, race director and senior healthy living director at the YMCA of Greater Michiana.  “We encourage families to come out to the race and be healthy together while having fun and supporting the Y.”

It is $35 to register participants aged 15 or older, $25 for those aged 14 and under, and registering on the day of the race will cost $40. 

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA’s annual campaign which provides financial assistance for memberships and programs to local children and families in need.

For more information and to register, visit www.ymcagm.org/RaceYMCA