Race Into the New Year: Urbano's New Year's Resolution Run 5K
"Run Out the Old, Race in the New!"
Our race is built on the spirit and legacy of our late father, Urbano, a man whose life embodied hard work, generosity, and heart. For 38 years, Urbano dedicated himself to his career as a millwright at Inland Steel, tirelessly providing for his wife and five children. No matter how demanding his schedule was, he always found time to support extended family, friends, and anyone in need. Urbano’s unwavering work ethic and compassion continue to guide us today.
After retiring, Urbano discovered the world of running. At 59 years old, he joined his youngest son on the race circuit, embracing the sport with the same commitment he brought to every part of his life. He soon became a proud member of the Calumet Striders, finding joy and purpose in the running community.
Urbano not only participated in races, but he also excelled beyond expectations. He earned an impressive 20:00 minute personal record in the 5K within the 60–65 age group bracket. Even with elite running times, Urbano loved the shared determination, encouragement, and friendships formed on the course. What made the sport special to him, and to a lot of us, was the camaraderie.
Urbano passed away in 2015, ending his fight with Pancreatic Cancer. His beloved wife, Maria-Luisa, passed away in 2018 after battling Pancreatic Cancer. This holds a special place in all our hearts, losing Urbano and Maria-Luisa to the same type of aggressive cancer. Their spirits are honored through this memorial race held on New Year’s Eve.
Urbano’s legacy lives on in every runner who shows up with heart, who supports the person beside them, and who pushes forward with purpose. We celebrate not only competition but also the community.
Join us in running with the same passion, humility, and joy he brought to every mile.
See you all at the starting line!
Join Us:
By participating in the New Year's Resolution Run, you’ll honor Urbano Aburto's legacy while raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against this disease, ensuring that the struggles faced by so many do not go unnoticed.
Take the first step towards your best year yet! Urbano's New Year's Resolution Run is not just a race—it's an inspiring journey to kickstart your resolutions and carry them through to the finish line, all while welcoming the exciting possibilities of the year ahead.
Event Details:
– Date: New Year's Eve, 2025 – New Year's Day, 2026
– Distance: 5 kilometers (3.1 Miles)
– Start Time and Location: 11:45 PM Wicker Memorial Park, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, Indiana 46322
– Finish Line Location: Erie Lackawanna Trail (Fuzzy Line Brewery) January 1st, 2026, as the calendar turns to the New Year. –
Other Information: The course will be lit in areas on the bike path, please bring head lamps if you feel comfortable.
Awards: Overall Male & Overall Female, Male and Female 1st in respective age groups: 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 +
Timing: This is a chip timed event courtesy of Tempo Run Timing and Events.
Packet Pickup Information: Beginning at 9:45 – 10:45 PM at Fuzzyline Brewing 2712 Condit St. Highland, IN 46322
Parking/Logistics Information: Park at Fuzzyline Brewing (see address above) for packet pickup and head to the starting line which is inside Wicker Park.
Directions to the Start Line: Take the Erie Lackawanna Trail North to Grand Blvd. Turn Left and pick the trail back up after the railroad tracks eventually heading underneath US 41-Indianapolis Blvd into Wicker Park itself. The start line will be to your right. The race will begin at 11:45 PM SHARP!
Recommendation: Bring Headlamps/flashlights for safety, we will have LED markers on portions of the trail to guide runners along the Bike path at Wicker Park and portions of the Erie Lackawanna also has lights.


