Paul Stofko after a very wintry run!
Meet Paul Stofko, ultra-runner and founder of The Crazy Legs Race Series
What brought you to the dunes? I was born and raised in Northwest Indiana so our family would come out to the Dunes to enjoy the sun and beach. In high School I began running the trails to stay in shape.
How long have you lived here? The majority of my life was spend in Schererville, IN and for the last 5-6 years we have lived in Chesterton. Though I have lived in a few different places including Flagstaff, AZ, Alpine, AZ, Fort Myers, FL and Loveland, CO. After living at those places I have still always come back to my home in Northwest Indiana
What is your favorite thing to do in the area? We love to visit the downtown shops and restaurants in Chesterton. In the summer time there are many great festivals in Chesterton and the surrounding towns. Of course I love running the Dunes trails to train for my endurance endeavors.
Tell us a secret about the dunes. Majority of people only experience the Dunes in the summer and they are missing out on the beauty winter brings. Snow covered trees, shelf ice on the beach, the stillness and the way sunshine bounces off the snow.
Give us your top three “hidden treasures” (restaurant, shop, trail, beach, event…really anything!)
1) Duneland Pizza– in Chesterton best pizza hand down
2) Third Coast Spice Cafe– in Chesterton great breakfast and lunch place
3) Bark in the Park– event that occur in July in Thomas Park in downtown Chesterton celebrating our wonderful companion dogs (This year it will be on July 11)
What would you like to teach people about the dunes? We need to become stewards of the Dunes. We should respect the trails by not littering and practice “Leave No Trace” concepts. I want these trails to be around a long time, so my children have the opportunity to see the wonderful and diverse life you are able to experience at the Dunes.
Anything else? Besides being an ultra runner I am also a race director. I formed the Crazy Legs Race Series back in 2011 with the purpose to promote non-pavement/pavement races in the Northwest Indiana region through the development and management of new and existing races. At all of our events you will experience a fun and challenging course design in a low-key atmosphere. Races will be held in parks or areas in the Lake, Porter and Laporte counties. Race schedule is listed on web site www.crazylegsraceseries.info
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If you know someone you think would be a good candidate for a “Meet your neighbors” interview, please email eve@digthedunes.com