NAC Hosts the “Best Dyngus Yet”

While the nation’s eyes were focused on the Boston Marathon, runners in Northwest Indiana braved a downpour in Michigan City on Tuesday for a good cause.

The 2014 Dyngus Day Dash 5K Run/Walk began and ended at the Northwest Athletic Club, with hundreds of participants turning out to support the La Porte County Red Cross.

“This was such a great event, I loved it,” said Chesterton resident Nora Fernandez, a running veteran who has competed in the Chicago Marathon, but never in the Dyngus Day Dash. “This was very well organized, and with great food and music to greet us after the race. I will definitely be back again next year.”

Conditions were anything but ideal for the runners, many of whom were running as a part of the Calumet Region Striders. The race included an uphill portion after mile two, which occurred for the bulk of the participants just as the rain was getting heavier.

John Marx, a Michigan City resident competing in his third Dyngus Day Dash, said despite the rain, 2014 was the "best Dyngus yet."

"The course was good, the ups and downs really make the run," he said. "The rain slowed down some runners, but you don't always want perfect conditions."

While the wet weather may have slowed some times a bit, it didn’t deter Michigan City resident Charlie Keene, who said the “wind and uphill battle” was more of a challenge.

“It didn’t feel too bad out there,” Keene said. “It could have been below 40. Everything went well and it was a good run for charity.”

Valparaiso resident John Borman was the first to cross the finish line, timing in at 17 minutes, 42.8 seconds. Borman was followed by Ralph Nurse (18:07.4) and Chad Lawless (18:51.0).

Chrys Davis, also of Valpo, was the first female finisher, clocking in at 20:08.6.

Sponsors of the event included Extra Mile, the Northwest Athletic Club, Indiana Beverage, Michigan City Parks Department and Sauers Ford-Lincoln of Michigan City.

 Click here for more photos of the Dyngus Day Dash!