As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation's annual Lake Loop bike, run, paddle has been reimagined as the Virtual Lake Loop Challenge!
Lake Loop will still celebrate Lake Hopatcong as a recreational resource, only now we will come together virtually, with a goal of getting active for 2,020 hours and raising $60,000 to support the lake environment and enhance the lake experience for all.
Let’s challenge ourselves, cheer each other on, support New Jersey’s largest lake, and put "2020" behind us!
You can choose your own challenge, set your goals, and ride, run, walk, or paddle (exercise, swim, do yoga – whatever you like!) anywhere you like while raising money to benefit the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. We will stay connected online through fun contests, group challenges, class offerings, and more!
STEP 1. RegisterRegistration is now open! Registration is $20 (kids 12 and under free!). Include our commemorative Lake Loop t-shirt for an additional $25.
Everyone who registers will be entered in a drawing for a $100 Ramsey Outdoor gift card!
Lace up for some "fund-racing" and help us reach the $60,000 finish line! Once you register, claim your fundraising page and share it with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, to raise money to support a vibrant and healthy Lake Hopatcong and its surrounding community. There are no fundraising requirements or minimums, however, top fundraisers will be recognized on our leader board and awarded prizes!
Make a donation Top fundraisers
Our event goal is 2,020 hours of recreation from October 1 to 11 (but you can start your personal challenge anytime!). You pick the place, the activity, and the experience. No matter what challenge you choose, you'll be doing something good for yourself and making a positive difference for New Jersey's largest lake! If you choose, you can track your time or mileage on our STRAVA club (more details below). Along the way, we will stay connected online through fun contests, giveaways, group challenges, class offerings, and more!
If you are unable or prefer not to record or submit your hours on STRAVA, you may use our time submission form.
Anything at all that either gets you moving or improves your wellbeing! Some examples include:
Help us reach our goal of 2,020 hours of activity from October 1 to 11 by tracking your time/activities on STRAVA. It's a great way to come together as a community while we all get moving! (Using STRAVA is not required to participate in the event, but is needed if you want your time to go toward our event goal.)
STRAVA is an internet service for tracking exercise which incorporates social network features. STRAVA is FREE to join and you do NOT need the paid version to join the Lake Loop STRAVA club.
You can upload your activities to STRAVA using any of the following methods:
For more information on how to link your Fitbit, Peleton, Zwift or other fitness devices to STRAVA, visit How to get your activities to STRAVA.
For those new to STRAVA, it is very user friendly, however, below is an information sheet and a how-to video if you need a little assistance getting signed up!
If you are unable or prefer not to use STRAVA, you may submit your hours using our Time Submission Form.
Teams and individuals are encouraged to fundraise for the cause! While there are no fundraising minimums, individuals are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 and all who do will be entered into a drawing to win a fitness basket worth over $300!
Proceeds from Lake Loop benefit the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and its numerous programs and initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant and healthy Lake Hopatcong and its surrounding community. Click HERE to learn more.
Donors are recognized on our fundraising board and prizes will be awarded to the overall top fundraisers!
Direct your support network over to your fundraising page and ask them to donate! When you registered for the Virtual Lake Loop Challenge, your own unique fundraising page was automatically created and emailed to you. You can also access your page by clicking HERE and searching for your name in the list of fundraisers. Choose your page and then just grab the link in the web browser and share it, on social media or in an email!
Feeling creative? Once on your fundraising page, you can edit it by clicking the “manage” button. You can add a picture, personalize your story, even create a personalized vanity url to share with people.
Easier still, you can simply direct supporters to the general donation page for this event, and instruct them to choose your fundraising page, when prompted:
Everything helps bring attention and donations to your page and the cause!
For even more tips on fundraising and sample letters and posts, check out our Lake Loop Virtual Fundraising Toolkit.
Thank you so much for your support!
Questions? Contact caitlin@lakehopatcongfoundation.org
We have lots of fun contests and great prizes planned!
All funds raised on Friday, September 18, will be matched by Culligan of Sparta (up to $500). The individual who raises the most money in donations on Friday will receive basket of soaps and bath products all products made and donated by local business Bonard Bars, right here in Hopatcong.
Congratulations to the winner of our first contest, Michelle O'Halloran! Great job to all who raised funds, Thanks to your efforts, more than $800 was raised, making a total of $1,300 with the match! Thank you again to our contest sponsor, Culligan of Sparta, for their $500 matching gift and to Bonard Bars for donating the awesome prize! ✨
Share those selfies! Post photos of how you’re getting ready for Lake Loop to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #LakeLoopChallenge, or email your photos to contests@lakeloop.org. Photos posted or emailed on Sept. 25 – 27, will be entered into a drawing for a 5-pack of classes from Tru Nature Yoga & Wellness Center!
Why register alone when you can have more fun and raise more money as a team? Name your team something clever, funny, or inspiring and encourage your favorite folks to join or root for your team!
If your personal Virtual Lake Loop Challenge will be on the road or on the lake, please:
Help us spread the word by sharing any of the below resources.
Website:
PDFs:
Images:
A selection of sponsorships are available for the Virtual Lake Loop Challenge, providing valuable publicity opportunities within the Lake Hopatcong community (and beyond!) spanning four towns and two counties along with many surrounding areas.
Proceeds from Lake Loop benefit the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and its numerous programs and initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant and healthy Lake Hopatcong and its surrounding community. Click HERE to learn more.
Please do not hesitate to contact Lauren Rossi, lauren@lakehopatcongfoundation.org, or Roberta Schmidt, roberta@lakehopatcongfoundation.org for more information.
Share your photos on Facebook or Instagram using #LakeLoopChallenge to be entered to win prizes in our Lake Loop photo contest! Not on social media? Email your photos to contests@lakeloop.org with PHOTOS in the subject to enter.
Our social media board is sponsored by Franklin Mutual Insurance.
