​Jasper, IN- Feb. 25, 2025 – The highly anticipated Parklands 6-Hour Endurance Relay is set to return in 2025, inviting runners, fitness enthusiasts, and community members to take on the endurance challenge while raising funds for Mentors For Youth. The event will take place at The Parklands of Jasper, offering participants a scenic yet challenging course that tests endurance, teamwork, and determination.
 
The Parklands 6-Hour Endurance Relay is a unique event where teams made up of 2 members, 4 members, 6 members or even an individual complete as many laps around The Parklands as possible within six hours. Whether participants run solo or in teams, the event encourages camaraderie, perseverance, and a shared commitment to supporting youth through the impactful programs of Mentors For Youth.
 
"This event is about more than just the challenge—it’s about bringing the community together to support a great cause," said Erin Kidwell, Executive Director for Mentors For Youth.
 
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
📍 Location: The Parklands of Jasper (start/finish will be at KlubHaus 61 parking lot
🕘 Time: 6:30am – 12:30pm EST
💲 Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Jasper/Parklands6HourEnduranceRace
 
Participants of all experience levels are encouraged to join—whether competitive runners aiming for maximum mileage or casual participants looking to enjoy a fun, active day outdoors while supporting a great cause. Spectators and supporters are also welcome to cheer on the athletes and enjoy the event festivities.
 
Proceeds from the relay will directly benefit Mentors For Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering one-on-one mentoring relationships that empower local youth to reach their full potential.
 
For more information, to register, or to explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.DCMultisport.com or contact DC Multisport by calling 812-482-9115 or email [email protected]. For more information on Mentors For Youth visit mentors4youth.com. 

FOR RELEASE DATE: December 6, 2024                                                                                         
Contact: Whitney Lubbers, DC Multisport
[email protected]  |  812-482-9115

​Dubois County, IN – DC Multisport has had another successful year for their events, including their Ferdinand State Forest hikes, Color Fun Run, Parklands 6 Hour Endurance Relay, Full Moon Kayak, Strassenfest Bike Ride, Battle of the Paddle Pickleball Tournament, and the Heartland Half Marathon, DC Multisport’s first event upon conception.
 
In 2012, DC Multisport started with an idea. Kevin Manley, leading Dubois County Tourism at the time, believed in the importance of health and wellness events in our communities and noted other larger tourism entities’ ability to have sports commission, something outside of Dubois County Tourism’s reach. Through in-depth conversations with elite Dubois County athletes, a committee was formed, and a vision began to take shape. The committee, including Tara Eckman, Terry Flick, Michael Kern, Wes Laake, Kevin Manley, Susie Stetter, and Chris Welp decided on “DC Multisport” a non-profit organization focused on health and wellness while giving back to our communities.
 
Shortly after in the same year as the formation, conversations for the Heartland Half Marathon began with four individuals: Kevin Manley, Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang, avid runner Philip Wolf, and Rita Howell, formerly with Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center. Alongside the mission of DC Multisport, it was vital that a benefactor be chosen that would be the recipient of any net proceeds. The Phillip R. Dawkins Heart and Vascular Center was chosen. Additional individuals joined the event committee, adapting a name, brand identity, advertising, and many hours of planning. The name of “Heartland” and the slogan of “Run for Your Heart” was adapted. The inaugural year, over 750 runners showed their support for the Heartland Half Marathon and 5K. It was a success.
 
Throughout the years, participation numbers remained strong with its peak in 2014 with 861 participants with the addition of the Kids Fun Run, a 1.1 mile run with an optional 12-week one mile pre-program to create a total of 13.1 miles, and the Team Challenge, dividing the half marathon route amongst four relay team members. The Kids Fun Run was led by Sarah Leonard and Audrey Werner for a new initiative for our region with Girls on The Run Serving Southwest Indiana. Financials were separate for that event initially with proceeds going directly to that cause. Later, the event was completely merged with net proceeds split evenly amongst the two causes.
 
In 2020, the committee had to make the important decision to keep others safe and release a virtual-only half marathon option. Since then, participation numbers did not return to the previous approximately 600-count; however, the count was still a great number for our community.
 
For the 2024 event, through the support of the 451 participants, many sponsors, volunteers, and committee members, the Heartland Half Marathon, 5K, Team Challenge, and Kids Fun Run was able to raise over $16,000 to be split amongst the two benefactors.
 
On Wednesday, December 4, DC Multisport presented $8,026.49 to Memorial Hospital Foundation, c/o Phillip R. Dawkins Heart and Vascular Center to be utilized for new integrative medicine services provided to patients at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center.
[Attached Photo Caption L to R | Joshua Leonard, M.D., Heartland Cardiology; Adam Dawkins, M.D., Heartland Cardiology; Jill Kidwell, MHA, Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center;, Jamie Jahn, DC Multisport Board Member; Jessica Lindauer, DC Multisport Board Member; Deidra Church, Director of Memorial Hospital Foundation; Heather Weyer, DC Multisport Board Member; and Geoffrey Day, M.D. at Heartland Cardiology.]
 
Later that same day, DC Multisport presented $8,026.49 to Girls on the Run Serving Southwest Indiana to assist in their dedication to making an impact on girls’ lives in our community, empowering them to build healthy physical and mental habits that further improve self-esteem and self-worth.  
[Attached Photo Caption L to R |  Jamie Jahn, DC Multisport Board Member; Jonna Breitwieser, Executive Director Girls on the Run Serving SW IN; Heather Weyer, DC Multisport Board Member; Beth Phillips, Program Coordinator of Girls on the Run Serving SW IN, and Sarah Leonard, Board President of Girls on the Run Serving SW IN.]
 
After the twelfth year of hosting an in-person event, DC Multisport is closing a chapter, marking 2024 as the last Heartland Half Marathon, 5K, Team Challenge, and Kids Fun Run. A total of over $200,000 has been gifted in net proceeds over those years, with $131,951.41 to Phillip R. Dawkins Heart & Vascular Center, $62,948.03 to Girls on the Run Serving Southwest Indiana, and $11,801.50 to Lange Fuhs Cancer Center.  
 
DC Multisport Board Member, Whitney Lubbers who has been on the Heartland Events committee since its inception states how proud she is of the accomplishments of this event. “This is a bittersweet moment for us. It has been amazing to be a part of this large, successful event that has made such a phenomenal impact in our communities. At the same token, I am excited to take our passion and energy into another direction, allowing us to adapt to the needs of our county.”
 
DC Multisport plans to continue their other 2024 events and focus on growth and future collaborations.
 
The 2024 Color Fun Run led by DC Multisport Board Member Rachel Waninger had record attendance with many in-kind donations for giveaways alongside additional financial sponsors. With the net proceeds, DC Multisport presented $4,753.53 to The Dove Recovery House for Women. The Dove House works to provide life-saving treatment services to some of the most vulnerable, yet resilient women in recovery in our community.
[Attached Photo Caption L to R: Wendy Noe, CEO Dove Recovery House for Women; Whitney Lubbers, DC Multisport Board Member; Megan Durlauf, Director of Operations Dove Recovery House for Women for Dubois County; and Dana Wood, Clinical Manager Dove Recovery House for Women for Dubois County.]
 
The 2024 Parklands 6 Hour Endurance Relay successfully had 24 teams and supportive sponsors. With the net proceeds, DC Multisport presented $4,517.88 to Behind the Wire Ministries for Next Step Recovery Home for men, providing transitional housing, along with a balance of faith and evidence-based treatment to the incarcerated male population upon their release.
[Attached Photo Caption L to R: Joshua Jackson, Asst. Program Director for Behind the Wire Ministries;  Jessica Lindauer, DC Multisport Board Member;  Dannielle Highberger, Founder/Program Director for Behind the Wire Minitries; and Scott Highberger, Founder/President of Behind the Wire Ministries.]
 
The 2024 Battle of the Paddle Pickleball also had impressive net proceeds to donate through participants and sponsors. DC Multisport presented $3,757.94 to the Tri-county YMCA for their many initiatives and commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, fostering a sense of social responsibility, and granting access to the essentials needed for individuals to learn, grow, and thrive.
[Attached Photo Caption L to R: DC Multisport Board Members, Jim McFaul and Heather Weyer;
Tri-County YMCA Director, Mike Steffe, and DC Multisport Board Member, Jessica Lindauer.]
 
Ten percent of the net proceeds across all the events are invested into the DC Multisport Endowment for future years of charitable gifting. This year, DC Multisport presents $3,160.54 to the Dubois County Community Foundation for the endowment.
 
This year’s diamond level sponsors that allowed the over $33,000 in charitable donations include: Active Nutrition and Supplements LLC, Advanced Rehabilitation Inc, Debbie K Allen State Farm Agent, Downtown Running, Dubois County Tire & Supply, Dubois-Pike Federal Credit Union, German American Bank, Heartland Cardiology, Kimball International, Liberty Federal Credit Union, Mann Enterprises, Masterbrand Cabinets, Memorial Hospital & Healthcare Center, Messmer Mechanical, Old National Bank, Pfau Family Dentistry, Randy & Cindy Norris Mind, Body and Spirit Endowment, Seufert Construction, Tri-County YMCA, Vincennes University Jasper Campus, Visit Dubois County, and Webb Wheel.
 
In total since inception, DC Multisport has been able to donate $330,543 to charitable causes through participant registrations, sponsorships, and volunteers.
 
Kevin Manley, founder of DC Multisport and current Board President, declares, “A special thanks to all who have been a part of this organization over the years.  This organization has been a huge success promoting health and wellness while giving back to the community. This is something that I hope you are proud of and has a special place in your heart. I truly appreciate your hard work and teamwork but most of all your friendship.  A big thank you!”
 
Another new chapter for the organization occurs as after 13 years, Manley will be retiring from the DC Multisport Board at the end of the year to focus on his health and spending time with family and friends.
 
His vision and the vision of the inaugural DC Multisport Board has carried forth with a forecast of exciting new opportunities on the horizon.
 

Dubois County, Ind. – DC Multisport was formed in 2012 to promote health and wellness while giving back to our communities. In 2023, proceeds from four events totaled $27,509.87 in addition to the $2,000 that was generated from DC Multisport’ s endowment funds that purchased clothing and hygiene products for each school corporation in Dubois County.

Wednesday, December 6, members of the Heartland Half Marathon, 5K, Team Challenge & Kids Fun Run committee presented checks totaling $16,749.80 to the Phillip R. Dawkins Heart & Vascular Center & Girls on the Run of Southwest Indiana ($7,867.09 each). The event hosted 451 runners from the tri-state area to participate in the first heartland event in Ferdinand, IN. Funds raised from the Heartland events are used to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies to improve services for cardiac patients at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center while Girls on the Run uses the funds to increase accessibility for children that need financial assistance that can benefit from the programming offered. In 2024, the Heartland Half Marathon, 5K, Team Challenge will move back to Jasper, IN on Saturday, September 21 with the Kids Fun Run taking place on Friday, September 20th.

The third annual “Battle of the Paddle” pickleball tournament took place September 23rd and 24th at Bohnert Park. 30 teams participated in five different categories of events coming from around the state. Proceeds totaling $3,036.42 were given to the Tri-County YMCA on November 28th. The annual event will take place again on September 28-29, 2024 at Bohnert Park.

Proceeds from the Color Fun Run event held in Ferdinand raised $4,639.38 for the Dove Recovery House, located in Jasper. The home houses up to 15 women providing free housing and comprehensive clinical services to assist women impacted by substance use disorder. The Color Fun Run will take place April 6, 2024 in conjunction with the Solar Eclipse events taking place in Dubois County.

The Parklands 6 Hour Endurance Relay took place at the Jasper Parklands hosting 13 teams to see which team could run the most laps in a six-hour time-frame. Proceeds from the event totaled $3,085.89 and were given to the Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Coalition on November 28th. SWICACC was formed in 2009 to provide services to children in Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Martin, Orange, Perry and Spencer Counties that are victims of maltreatment. SWICACC coordinates the multidisciplinary teams, conducts forensic interviews with the children reported to victims of child abuse to be used as evidence during the investigation and prosecution of child maltreatment and is continuing to increase services for victims. Next year’s Parklands 6 Hour event will take place May 18, 2024.

The Strassenfest Bike Ride takes place in conjunction with the annual Jasper Strassenfest in August. With approximately 120 bike riders in 2023, this event continues to be a local favorite. Proceeds from this event support the general funds to make DC Multisport events possible.

DC Multisport also hosts the annual “Jingle Bell Jog” taking place during O’Tannenbaum Days in Jasper and the “Cabin Fever Hike” and “Howl at the Moon Hike”. The hikes will take place at the Ferdinand State Forest in 2024 with the Cabin Fever Hike planned for Saturday, February 17 and the Howl at the Moon Hike during Fall Break.
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Thank you to the Diamond Level sponsors that make these donations possible; Advanced Rehabilitation Inc, Debbie K Allen State Farm Agent, Downtown Fitness & Running, Dubois County Tire & Supply, German American, Heartland Cardiology, Kimball International, Mann Enterprises, Masterbrand, Memorial Hospital & Healthcare Center, Old National Bank, Pet-Agree Professional Dog Grooming, Pfau Family Dentistry, Randy & Cindy Norris Mind, Body and Spirit Endowment, Seufert Construction, Tri-County YMCA, Vincennes University Jasper Campus, Visit Dubois County and Zax Creamery. Sponsorship letters will be mailed out to businesses in the coming weeks to request funds to support the 2024 events that give back to the many local non-profits.

Dubois County, Ind. – DC Multisport, a leading advocate for community well-being through health and wellness, is proud to announce a series of donations made to support local schools in Dubois County. Through the many events hosted throughout the 11 years of DC Multisport’ s existence, 10% of each event proceeds is invested into the DC Multisport Endowment through the Dubois County Community Foundation.

Every year, the DC Multisport board of directors agrees to donate the funds generated from the endowment to a local organization in need. It was brought to the board’s attention the lack of hygiene products and clothing available to students in need throughout the entire county. 2022 and 2023 endowment funds totaled approximately $2,000 and were distributed to each of the school districts according to population.

The DC Multisport board worked with the nurses and social workers at each school corporation to get a wish list of items needed at each of the schools. Items were purchased and donated this week, just before the kids go on Thanksgiving break.
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These donations would not be possible without the support of our loyal sponsors that generously give to DC Multisport each year. Thank you to these diamond level sponsors: German American, Advanced Rehabilitation Inc, Debbie K Allen State Farm Agent, Dubois County Tire & Supply, Heartland Cardiology, Mann Enterprises, Masterbrand, Old National Bank, Pet-Agree Professional Dog Grooming, Pfau Family Dentistry, Randy & Cindy Norris Mind, Body, and Spirit Endowment, Seufert Construction, Vincennes University Jasper, Visit Dubois County, Zax Creamery, Kimball International, Downtown Fitness & Running, Memorial Hospital & Healthcare Center, Tri-County YMCA, and Chris & Dawn Tretter. Gold Level sponsors include Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Kunkel Insurance, Seng Pediatric Dentistry, and Stac Material Handling.
         

Dubois County, Ind. – DC Multisport was formed in 2012 to promote health and wellness while giving back to our communities. Through the many events hosted in 2022, DC Multisport raised $21,647.32 to give back to local nonprofits.

Friday, December 2nd, members of the Heartland Half Marathon, 5K, Team Challenge & Kids Fun Run committee presented checks totaling $15,734.98  to the Phillip R. Dawkins Heart & Vascular Center & Girls on the Run of Southwest Indiana. The event held annually on Labor Day Weekend hosted nearly 350 runners from the tri-state area to participate in the first heartland event in Huntingburg, IN. In 2023, the event will complete the three-year circuit with the events taking place on Saturday, September 16, in conjunction with the Ferdinand Folk Festival. This event would not be possible withouth the support of the Corporate Sponsor, Memorial Hospital & Health Care Center and the many volunteers that assist on race day.

The second annual “Battle of the Paddle” pickleball tournament took place September 24 & 25th at Bohnert Park. 33 teams participated in six different categories of events coming from around the state and even Illinois. Proceeds totaling $1,839.38 were given to the Tri-County YMCA earlier this week.

The new Dove Recovery House, located in Jasper, received $3,750 from proceeds from both the 2021 and portions of the 2022 Color Run event held in Ferdinand. The new home houses up to 15 women providing free housing and comprehensive clinical services to assist women impacted by substance use disorder.

The rest of the 2022 Color Run proceeds, totaling $2,322.96, was split and given to Mentors For Youth and Crisis Connection. The 2022 color run took place in April, offering a fun run using the path around 18th Street Park. DC Multisport also partnered with Girls on the Run allowing this event to be the practice 5K for their participants.

The Strassenfest Bike Ride takes place in conjunction with the annual Jasper Strassenfest in August. With over 160 bike riders in 2022, this event continues to be a local favorite. Proceeds from this event support the general funds to make DC Multisport events possible.

DC Multisport also hosts the annual “Jingle Bell Jog” that takes place around the square in Jasper and the “Cabin Fever Hike” and “Howl at the Moon Hike”. The hikes take place at the Ferdinand State Forest in the early springtime & fall seasons. We ask participants for a donation or to bring non-perishable food items to be given to the Dubois County Food Bank.

In June of 2023, DC Multisport plans to add a new event, Loop the Lake, a kayak and canoe race that will take place around the lake at the Ferdinand State Forest.

Thank you to Memorial Hospital & Healthcare Center, the corporate sponsor for the Heartland Half Marathon, 5K, Team Challenge & Kids Fun Run and the Diamond Level sponsors of the events that make these donations possible; Advanced Rehabilitation Inc, Dubois County Tire & Supply, Heartland Cardiology, Jasper Family Dentistry, Masterbrand Cabinets, REM Bicycle and Fitness, Schroering Plumbing Heating, and Air, Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company, Visit Dubois County, Zax Creamery, Wilson Pfau Dentistry, Kimball Electronics, Kimball International, and the Randy Norris: Mind, Body and Spirit Endowment.
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Sponsorship letters will be mailed out to businesses in the coming weeks to request funds to support the 2023 events that give back to the many local non-profits. For more information on DC Multisport events, follow our Facebook Page or visit www.dcmultisport.com.