3rd Annual Lake Loop Raises Nearly $50,000 for Lake Hopatcong

Lake Hopatcong, NJ, October 28, 2015 --(PR.com)-- They came, they saw, they rode, walked, ran, and paddled. More than 250 participants in the third annual Lake Loop fitness event on October 11 collectively raised more than $48,000 to help support the Lake Hopatcong and its efforts to protect and improve New Jersey’s largest lake.

“The Lake Loop embodies so many aspects about the lake that we love; getting folks out on the water, exploring the nature landscape around the lake all while bringing together a community that is focused on enjoying the lake and getting fit. This year all of those elements aligned so nicely for a perfect day that will benefit the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s mission of improving Lake Hopatcong for all now and in the years to come!” said Development Director of The Lake Hopatcong Foundation, Lauren Rossi.

The annual event was held at Hopatcong State Park in Landing on a beautiful autumn day, and gave participants the option to ride a bike around the lake on a 62-mile, 40-mile, or 20-mile loop; run or walk a 1-mile or 5K trail hike; paddle a 1- or 2.5-mile on-the-water route; or any combination of those events. A handful of participants completed all three challenges.

For those who were watching, supporting, or recovering at the State Park, a collection of local bands performed music while free chair and back massages were available to those who needed them. JenniHoops provided a hula-hoop warmup for the trail runners (and anyone else who felt like hula hooping) and TapSnap gave complimentary photo booth photos to all who wanted to capture the day. Breakfast and lunch were supplied by Bagels on the Hill, Dunkin Donuts, Sal’s Pizza, Cambiotti’s Tomato Pie Café, Sandwiches Unlimited, QuickChek and the Taco Truck, and a variety of fuel-up snacks kept all of the athletes ready with energy for the events.

“It really came together to be such a beautiful day and everyone rose to their various fitness challenges,” said Lake Hopatcong Foundation president Jessica K. Murphy. “And the amount of fun activities and delicious food available throughout the day at the park really made it a great day for all. Most important, our participants and their supporters set us up to continue to do important work for Lake Hopatcong and the surrounding community by helping us nearly reach our goal of $50,000 for the day. It really is an auspicious time for Lake Hopatcong.”

Participant Andy Hargreaves of Landing took on the longest challenge: the 62-mile bike ride. Afterward, he said, “The 62 mile bike route was just great. I ride the area all the time, but had not ridden on 40 percent of the roads on the course. I hope this event just gets bigger and bigger each year.”

The day was made possible with the help of more than 40 volunteers as well as sponsors: Marty’s Reliable Cycle, MarineMax, Preferred Care at Home, QuickChek, Ramsey Outdoor, RE/MAX, Sal’s Pizzeria, Sandwiches Unlimited, Signarama Ledgewood, SUP New Jersey, The Taco Truck, TapSnap Phototainment, 4imprint, Bear Paw Studios, Cambiotti’s Tomato Pie Café, CP Painting, Inc., Culligan Water, Michael Gruber, DMD, FAGD, PA, Dunkin’ Donuts, Henry O. Baker Insurance Group, Jefferson Lumber & Millwork, Kitchin Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Lakes End Marina, Lakeside Maple, Lawrence & Triste Brooks, RJW Contracting.

The Lake Hopatcong Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to improve Lake Hopatcong for everyone, now and in the years to come. Its projects focus on water quality, safety, lake education, community building, recreation, and beyond. To learn more about the organization, go to www.LakeHopatcongFoundation.org.