Local nonprofit puts on St. Patrick's Day race to promote community health

NAPPANEE, Ind. -- St. Patrick’s Day is typically a common holiday for local races. And now one Leprechaun Leap in Nappanee is uniting the community…through movement. The Leprechaun Leap is a 5-mile race in Nappanee hosted by the nonprofit, Ignite Infinity. The race, being one of the first this year for many runners, is attracting people from beyond the Nappanee community.

Organizers are expecting over 300 participants and will be enforcing COVID-19 precautions. The race is led by a “leprechaun” and if you pass her, you are entered in a raffle for a prize. All of this comes after a year, where physical and mental health were especially emphasized. Sara Nephew and Kati Andrews tell ABC57 uniting people after such a hard year through physical activity is the best part!

“Running and racing brings so much joy to people, and I know everyone who signed up is so excited,” says Andrews.

“It is like a celebration of you know what we are moving forward. It has a been a year, we are getting back out, races are starting back out, we are going to put in COVID precautions of course but it’s a celebration, it brings so much joy to the community,” says Nephews.

Ignite Infinity is a non-profit organization focused on inspiring wellness and an active, healthy lifestyle to the communities of Elkhart county. The organization offers programs focused on all sides of health, both physical and mental, as well as groups, to unite people and create a motivational atmosphere.

“We all know the benefits of exercise but I have found what I am more passionate about is when you actually move with each other and people. You open up and talk to each other more and at least when we run lots of miles that happens. At a time when mental health and physical health is so important, obviously the physical benefits, what it does for you mentally, get outside get fresh air and to just move and exercise and help to release those chemicals in your body that give you those feel good feelings and make you healthier,” says Newphew.

If you are interested in running Saturday, the race starts at 10 a.m., and you can show up to participate. There also is a one-mile option that cost just $5. Further information can be found here.