michigan runner july/ august 2009

In This IssueJuly / August 2009 Vol. 31, No. 3

Mark Bauman photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios.

At the Races

Features & Departments

CalendarJuly - October 2009 p. 40

Editor’s Notes: Stop & Go By Scott Sullivan p. 4

Mark Bauman: 40 Bostons and Going Strong By Bill Kahn p. 6

The Other LSD By Nicholas A. Stanko p. 8

FentonWoman Runswith Boston’s Elite By Bill Kahn p. 10

Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard p. 12

TheWorst Day Running By Dean Johnson p. 13

Johncock, 81, Adds to U.S.Marks By Daniel G. Kelsey p. 14

Dave Kanners: A Tribute By Doug Kurtis p. 16

Michigan Runner Race Series 2009 p. 20

Beyond the Chip: Appreciating Running by Playing theMandolin By Robin Sarris-Hallop p. 22

Reviews: Summer Trail Shoes By Cregg Weinmann p. 24

The Sound of Running By Dave Foley p. 26

Ellen Nitz: Running, Racing, Giving By Tracey Cohen p. 36

Running with Tom Henderson p. 58

GLSP Television Network 2009 Events p. 60

Michigan Runner - July / August 20092

River Bank Run Draws Record Crowds Despite Course Change, Rain By Grant Lofdahl p. 18

Grosse Ile Grows Under Sunny Skies By Tracey Cohen p. 20

Rock & Road Hills Pose Test By Ron Marinucci p. 23

Variety Spices 36th Annual Dexter-Ann Arbor Run By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 28

State TrackMeets Feature Brilliance, Bees By Scott Sullivan p. 30

Novi Host Wednesday-Night ‘Flight’ for Funds By Ron Marinucci p. 32

Big 10 Outdoor T&F Championships, Cooley Law School 5K, Hillsdale Gina Relays

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios p. 33

BostonMarathon Elite Mile Photo by Victah Sailer / photorun.net p. 33

Training Pays Off in Bayshore Marathon Debut By Bill Kahn p. 34

Homann, Hatfield Hit Homers at Road Ends Romp By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 35

HartlandMemorial Day RunMemorable Indeed By Ron Marinucci p. 36

Ferndale Foot Frolic Features Stars, Team Green By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 37

Fruitport Retro Race Charms . . . and Grows By Daniel G. Kelsey p. 38

Tax Trot Takes Fitness Toll By Bill Kahn p. 39

4 Michigan Runner - July / August 2009

Once upon a time I believed the pointof life was to do things. Go! Grab forall the gusto you can! And so on!

I have since recanted. The exclamation-point key on my keyboard broke and I wasdrowning in doubts over basing my life on abeer slogan. I define myself now on thecountless things I don’t do.

Take cocktail parties I don’t attend,where talk tends to run like this:

• “I was running an ultra from the North toSouth poles the other day ...”

• “We’ll hold Junior’s third birthday party inthe Roman Colosseum, where he’ll pick uphis Nobel Peace Prize.”

• “Split the atom lately?”

I’ve done none of these things. Nor careto. For my friends who have sprinted up Mt.Everest, pre-enrolled fetuses at M.I.T. and setGuinness world records for eating seven-acrefruitcakes, congratulations.

I’m happy living life to the emptiest. Ihave seen what I need and could do with awhole lot less.

It took effort to put the “fire” and“desire” that were lyrics of every rock song Iused to listen to, on ice -- nipping them in theBuddhist bud, so to speak.

The scapegoat, Gautama Buddha, taughtdesire causes suffering; be content with whatis, want nothing. I can’t get enough of thethings he said.

Just as there’s a one-upmanshipinvolved in being a Mover, Shaker or otherterms dangled to spur folks to race likecomets and miss the universe, there’s a one-downmanship affected by we, the world-weary:

• “What did you do when your houseburnt?”

“Roasted marshmallows.”

• “Did you see your son born?”

“I was paring my nails instead.”

Stop & Go

Editor’s Notes

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It’s hard doing nothing. The things I dodo -- breathe, eat, drink -- may be by default,not intent, but still land me in deep doo-doo.

I need food to eat, hence must make aliving. To share words of wisdom aboutwanting nothing, I need a writing gig andcomputer -- ideally with gigabytes out theyinyang.

To breathe, I need air, best inhaled run-ning. To bring on oblivion we, theWeltschmerz-afflicted, crave, I need drink.

This “life” thing is one big trap.

The more I run, the more toxins I clearfrom my mind, soul, body. Add miles, subtractflab. You can never get too much nothing.

“Go for it!” I say. MR

Flannery Sullivan runs with herdad, Scott Sullivan, at theFruitport Old Fashioned DaysRace.

By Scott Sullivan


By Bill Khan

Back in 1970, the running boom hadn’teven begun and marathoning was farfrom being a mainstream activity.

In April that year, Mark Bauman ofFlushing was a 19-year-old junior collegerunner who arrived in Boston with his coachand some teammates to tackle the famedmarathon.

Much has changed since then.

The Boston field increased from 1,174 in1970 to 23,162 finishers this year. Themarathon demographic has also changed dra-matically, as runners of all ages and abilitiesattempt the 26.2-mile distance these days. Itwould be two years before women could offi-cially participate, with only eight finishing in1972, compared to 9,302 this year.

However, Bauman’s routine the thirdMonday of April has remained a constant.For 40 consecutive years, he has completedthe Boston Marathon, an accomplishmentthat puts him in very select company in therace’s 113-year history.

Only four men have ever run 40 Bostonsin a row, all of them adding to their streaksthis year. Neil Weygandt, 62, of Drexel Hill,Pa., ran his 43rd straight Boston, BennettBeach, 58 of Bethesda, Md., his 42nd, andMartin Duffy, 68, of Belmont, Mass., his40th.

“It’s just a matter of being lucky enoughto stay healthy,” said Bauman, owner ofBauman’s Running & Walking Shop in Flint.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be healthyenough to do it. I try to be consistent. WhenI’m healthy, I can get out there, get somemileage and run some 20s (20-mile runs).”

Bauman had the fastest time in the 40-year group this year, finishing in 4:06:17.

He has a Boston PR of 2:30:32 set in1975, but he no longer focuses on his time.

“I’m way more low-key,” Bauman said.“I just go to finish. That’s the goal, to getfrom point A to point B. I’ve slowed enoughthat I don’t run the qualifying time everyyear. I’ve been lucky enough to get an exemp-tion the years that I don’t.

“It’s a great trip, a great experience. It’s alot of fun. There are good people on thecourse and things going on all weekend. It’slike the runners’ Super Bowl.”

Bauman ran for what is now MottCommunity College when he went to his firstBoston Marathon with coach Paul Griffinand teammates John Gault, Tyrone Griffinand Durk James.

Mark Bauman:40 Bostons and Going Strong

Mark Bauman finished the 113th Boston Marathon in 4:06:17-- a few minutes before these finishers crossed the line.

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7Michigan Runner - July / August 2009

Mark Bauman (right) and other 30-year veterans of the Crim Festival ofRaces 10 Mille get an early start.

Mark Bauman’s Running and Walking Shop in Flintis a familiar exhibitor at race expos.

“There was a qualifying standard,”Bauman said. “I knew I met two of them.One was your time in a half marathon, whichI had done. Another was a note from yourcoach and you also had to pass a physical,which they gave us at a school the morningof the race.”

Bauman has three other noteworthy run-ning streaks, having competed in all 33Volkslaufes, all 32 Crims and all 31 DetroitFree Press Marathons.

“I’ll go as long as I can, as long as thegood Lord’s willing,” Bauman said. MR

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By Nicholas A. Stanko

After recently running across threebooks that help to describe ArthurLydiard’s aerobic training philosophy,

I would like to clarify a common misconcep-tion about successful aerobic training.

It is in a runner’s best interest to understandand properly use Lydiard’s misunderstood ingre-dient of aerobic training that should be part ofa well-rounded training plan.

After reading “Self-Made Olympian” and“Running Your Best” by Ron Daws and“Healthy Intelligent Training: The ProvenPrinciples of Arthur Lydiard” by KeithLivingston, then reflecting on years of suc-cessful and unsuccessful training experiences,it has become clear to me the important rolelsd should play in one’s training.

Before we move on to how one can suc-cessfully use lsd, we first need to clarify thismisunderstood form of aerobic training.

In the running world, LSD is commonlyknow as long slow distance, aka running atan easy pace. Easier running to recover fromharder sessions does play a crucial role inone’s training, but the misinterpretation ofLydiard’s successful aerobic training plans liesin the quality of aerobic running an athleteshould do.

Somehow distance runners have beenmisinformed on the concept of aerobic train-ing, and now incorrectly associate it witheasy-slow running for extended peri-ods. Runners have successfully misinterpretedwhat Lydiard meant by aerobic running.

By taking a closer look at what Lydiardhad his successful stable of runners doing,one can see it was far from the LSD runnersknow today.

His runners and others who understandtrue aerobic training were not runningslow. Their lsd runs should be referred to aslong steady distance, runs close to or a littlefaster than marathon race pace. Anything butslow! May I repeat again ... anything but slow.

“Steady” is a subjective term and will bedifferent for every runner, but it is a pace thatis crisp and should feel like you are pressingit. Not running all-out or racing, but similarto a tempo-run effort.

Towards the end of the run you are hurt-ing, your muscles are beginning to fatigueand your breathing is heavy. This steady paceis hard and controlled, but it never becomes100-percent anaerobic.

A common workout that has receivedpress during the past few years and is a greatlsd (long steady distance) session is the pro-gression, or cut-down, run, where a runnerstarts out at an easy/medium pace and picksit up as the run continues.

An important characteristic of these lsdruns is they should be run more on feel, nottime. Let your body (muscles and breathing)tell you how fast you are going, not a watchthat has no idea how you are feeling. Really... your watch might be touching your body,but it has no idea how you are feeling.

Timing these runs is not a problem, aslong as you refrain from looking at yourwatch until you hit the stop button when youare done. Every month or so, if you reallyneed to, you can take splits to check yourprogression from mile to mile, but you don’twant to make it a habit. Let your body tellyou how fast to go on most lsd runs.

Recording your overall time will showyour improving fitness as weeks and monthspass, or if you are over-training and are stilltired from your last hard session or race.

Another valuable lsd session is a fartlekrun, where one alternates steady-pace run-ning with easier running. Remember, you arerunning on instincts and not the watch.

Keep in mind these characteristics of lsd(long steady distance) running when you areout on the roads or trails.

• Run by feel, not the watch.

• The effort should feel like marathon tohalf-marathon race pace.

• Vary your lsd workouts. The options areendless:

* 2-6 mile fartlek, with multiple 1/4- to 1-mile of steady effortsand easy running in-between.

* Long run with 2-15 miles of steadyeffort.

* 4-12 mile progression run.

• Use open roads and trails, and stay awayfrom the track’s confinement.

• Include lsd running 1-3 times per weekthroughout the year.

Aerobic training is the bread and butterof successful distance running, and it isimportant to remember that it does not meanonly slow or easy running. Aerobic trainingshould also include uncomfortable-hard-con-trolled efforts.

When incorporating lsd (long steady dis-tance) and LSD (long slow distance) intoyour training schedule, think of lsd as asteady effort and LSD as a recovery effort,both aerobic.

Running long steady distance throughoutthe year will provide your body and mindwith the right amount of stress, withoutbreaking you totally down and leaving noth-ing in the tank for race day or a hard anaero-bic track workout every few weeks.

Lsd can be used in a variety of workouts,and anywhere from 1 to 3 times a week. Byvarying the quantity and quality of your lsdrunning from session to session, you will keepyour mind and body on their toes and ready toput it all on the line when it truly counts.

Learn to properly use lsd and in a monthor two you will be running anything but slowon race day.

Nicholas A. Stanko runs for Brooks Sports, Inc.and resides with his family in Haslett. MR


The Other LSD

Nick Stanko competes in theSolstice Run, 2008.

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Fenton Woman Runswith Boston’s Elite

By Bill Khan

Lisa Veneziano of Fenton couldn’t helpbut be a little star-struck April 20 asshe stood at the start line of the Boston

Marathon.

Here she was sharing small talk with U.S.Olympian Kara Goucher and mingling withrunners that included defending-championDire Tune of Ethiopia, four-time OlympianColleen De Reuck and eventual-championSalina Kosgei of Kenya.

Veneziano, 44, earned a spot in the elitewomen’s field with her time of 2:58:55 in theIndianapolis Monumental Marathon Nov. 1,2008. She was one of 15 masters runnersamong the 60 women who started 28 min-utes early.

As part of the elite field, Venezianoenjoyed perks such as a bus ride to the startin Hopkinton, Mass., a chance to hang outwith fellow elites in a special area before the

race and post-race massage.Veneziano made sure to take plenty of

pictures before the race.

“They were all very open and friendly,”she said. “It was cool to be out with all thelead runners in the world.”

She wound up finishing in 3 hours, 9minutes and 34 seconds, falling short of hergoal of going below three hours, but this mayhave been Veneziano’s most enjoyablemarathon experience.

“My time wasn’t great, but it was a greattime,” she said. “I can’t even tell you howawesome it was.”

Veneziano ran much of the race alone, asthe faster women were down the road andthe elite men didn’t catch her until about thehalfway mark. Even getting passed was acool experience.

“It felt like I was standing still, but it was

exciting to be part of it,” Veneziano said.“All the cameras were rolling and everything.It was really neat. I’ve never run with world-class men.”

Veneziano has managed to run 5Ks in thelow 18-minute range on a program of 30-mile weeks and sessions on a stationary bike.Even though she got in some 20-milers in herBoston build-up, she said she wasn’t nearlyprepared to race at the level she wanted.

She hopes to post another time fast enoughto get into next year’s elite women’s field.

“I told Jay (Owens, her husband) thateven if I do qualify again, I will absolutelytrain,” Veneziano said. “I’ve got to get mymiles up. I’ve got to train for this course withthe ups and downs.

“I’ve done well here before. I felt thecourse a lot more than I ever had when I’verun it. Whenever I’ve run it before, I had abetter base mileage-wise,” she said. MR

Lisa Veneziano (white singlet, foot on “S”) starts with the elite women at the 113th Boston Marathon.

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Trivia: Who was thewomen’s winner ofthe 1979 Old Kent(now Fifth Third)River Bank 25K

Run?

STORY LINE. I’veshared my story inthis space for morethan 25 years.Running, and in thepast 10 years,cycling, have beencentral themes,

although I’ve strayed a time or two to relatewhat seemed good tales.

What’s appeared here, for the most part,have been examples of things I’ve seen, heard,read about or done myself. First-personaccounts are fine, fun and great ways to con-nect with an audience, but I enjoy even moreseeing the sport through others’ eyes.

Sometimes doing so is eye-opening. Irecently learned my own brother, Don, a super-star runner in his day, had no idea how I gotstarted in the sport. Say what? So I did whatany dazed and bemused brother would do: Ipatiently described my initiation into organizedrunning while wondering what other smalldetails about life-altering events in my life hewas unaware of.

But there you are: Despite our history therewas still unexplored territory, something left tolearn. Don didn’t know as much about me as Iassumed, but via idle banter we connected, fill-ing a gap.

From day one in organized running, I wassurrounded by other runners, high school team-mates. As time went on, we all got to knowmore about each other.

Given the limitations of attending a hugehigh school with teammates spread all over thecity, none of them nearby and me lacking a car,I didn’t get to know them as well I could have— but I knew far more about them than myother classmates.

In college, I got to know my teammatestwice as well as in high school because we spentso much time together; in living situations, ontrips and, of course, in training.

One of the beautiful things about beingpart of a team are the friends you make, rehash-ing old times, watching career paths as theydevelop, flourish and, if you grow old enough,diverge. It never grows old listening to others

describe what they remember and what wasimportant to them. It’s extra fun to see if theirversion of events matches or varies from myown.

I’m lucky that I regularly see old teammatesand the bond built of shared experiences warmsme in their presence. Corny, but true.

Following graduation from college, I con-tinued living in Ann Arbor until 1994. Duringthose 20 years I watched running explode inpopularity, filling the streets and swelling racefields.

It was pretty cool to be surrounded by somany more runners, to see the growth andattention given the sport, and I made hundredsof new friends. I knew most only in a cursory,social way, but many others became goodfriends through shared experiences and I got toknow a couple handful fairly intimately.

Not until the early 1980s, when I starteddoing finish-line announcing, did the contrastbetween friends and a vibrant-but-anonymoussea of faces tip the connection factor way out ofwhack.

I’ve said a lot of names over the past 27years, drawing attention to deserving finishers. Ilove doing it, but I do so most of the time at abit of a remove, a subtle separation.

Recognizing finishers is a joy, but I don’treally know them, their backgrounds, jobs,friends, goals and hobbies. They’re with methree seconds and gone.

While announcing, it’s overwhelming toconsider who’s drawn to running and I wish Icould do more to convey how inclusive thesport is. Too often, runners are just numbersand sweating faces with a hand in the air whenI call their name, yet sometimes they becomeflesh and blood, strangers no more.

As I crossed an intersection on my half-milewalk to the start of the Flying PigMarathon/Half-Marathon in Cincinnati May 3,a woman fell in step with me. It was about 6a.m. and dark. It had rained overnight andwater hung in the air.

We’d only gone about 10 yards when shesaid, “I think I’ll walk to the start with you, ifthat’s OK.” I was dressed in street clothes so Iwasn’t sure what gave away my destination, butI quickly said, “Sure, it’s a few blocks away.”

We made small talk, then she asked if I’dever heard the lyrics of a song she’d beensinging to herself. She recited a few bars and Isaid, “No, new to me.” She said, “You must be

too young then.” I told her I was 56 and shesaid she was 62.

I took a good look at her in the streetlightglow and couldn’t believe she was more than42. She told me what 1950s TV show the songhad been from and we talked about old showswe grew up with.

She asked where I was from. “I live inAtlanta with my husband, who’s a scientist,”she said. “We’ve also lived in London, Ont.,and Madison, Wisc. My name is Judy Altman.”

She had a low number and I asked whichrace she was running. “I’m in the marathon,”she said. “I don’t go very fast, but I really loveit.

“I only started doing things like this a fewyears ago,” Judy continued. “I never did muchactive as an adult, but I’m really enjoying theraces. I travel to different places to run.” I askedwhat she hoped to run and she said,“Somewhere around six hours.”

She asked what I was doing there. When Itold her to announce at the finish, she said,“Oh my, you’re the voice at the end? That’sgreat. I hope you see me when I finally comein.”

By now, we were at a corner where she wasto meet others. We talked more about running,Atlanta and upcoming plans. Her friendsarrived and she introduced me to them, “This isScott. He’s the finish-line announcer!” We allstood around, talking about the good marathonweather and incidental things, before Judyexcused herself to find a bathroom.

As I walked up an embankment, it hit me,“Everybody’s got a story to tell!” And therewere so many stories lined up (about 12,500starters). Some had shared their tales in pre-raceonline write-ups, but here I’d been treated to astory that tumbled out naturally, unsolicitedand refreshing in its candor.

It was the perfect way to start my long day— a big positive. Buoyed, I looked on as othersscampered about and I wondered what storiesthey could tell.

After the start, I went to the finish not faraway and started in with commentary, observa-tions and name after name after name. I mayhave set a name-calling PR.

The finish line was “officially” open forseven hours, but stayed open for the last strag-glers. From the 5-1/2 hour mark on, I scannedmy screen and incoming faces for Judy. When Ileft at 7:03 into the race, I still hadn’t seen her.

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The next day I learned she finished in 6:53,which meant she must have started way in theback and/or a bit late from her pre-race pottybreak. Dang, I thought. I probably left minutesbefore she came in. That saddened me a littlebecause my day of announcing would havebeen fittingly rounded out if I could have saidher name as she finished.

And we would’ve talked afterward. Thestory would’ve come full circle. My loss.

RIVER BANK RUN ITEMS:

1. Maybe I should’ve stayed home; I bring rain.A torrential downpour soaked runners for morethan 30 minutes the last time I was in GrandRapids for the race. About the same this year.

2. I stood in the finish chute, looking at faceswith 1,000-yard stares that follow long, inten-sive efforts.

3. Kudos to race officials for making the alter-nate-course decision, and to measurer RalphDewey, who worked extra hard to get thingssquared away with little time to spare.

4. It took seven minutes for the last 5K runnerto cross the start line.

5. The driver of the press truck deserves a goldstar for maneuvering between cones, the edge ofthe road and wheelers in each direction.

6. Living back in the Grand Rapids area aftermany years away, seven-time race winner GregMeyer is doing a terrific job working with therace in a variety of capacities.

7. Total entries reached a record high in theRiver Bank Run’s 32nd year, mirroring growthat other events around the country. This is agood thing.

8. Pretty cool that $4,000 in prize money wasup for grabs in the 5K and 10K races.

9. I enjoyed chatting with Amby Burfoot, long-time Runner’s World editor. Amby confessed hiseditorial interests these days lean toward what’snew in sports medicine.

10. Great to see Al Owens on the press truck.He’s been with the race since its infancy.

11. Special salute to Marie Smythe, the onlywoman to run all 32 of the 25K races. She rana 3:05 this year.

12. Hosting a National Championship withattendant prize money always adds a buzz tothe mix, attracts some of America’s best runnersand guarantees fast times deep in the results.

Answer: Cheryl Flanagan won the River BankRun 30 years ago in 1:36:39. Her daughter,Shalane, won the bronze medal at 10,000

meters in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The Worst DayRunning

By Dean Johnson

My training schedule called for ahard 7-miler as I prepared forsummer races like The Legend and

Dances with Dirt. Little did I realize howhard the run would be!

Since I had both morning and eveningmeetings, I would have to make it an after-noon workout.

On the way to work, I stopped at the autoshop to have a problem looked at on my 1998Dodge Caravan. The shop guy took one lookand yelled, “Your strut tower cap is complete-ly rusted away! You can’t drive this van anoth-er mile!” He told me I had to leave the vanwith him and it would cost $1,400 to fix.

At 2 p.m. it was 80 degrees and 78-per-cent humidity. I’m a pastor, so I borrowedour church van and drove up to MayburyState Park, where it’s cooler on the moun-tain bike trail in the woods.

I get migraine headaches (real migraines,not like when people have a bad headacheand say “I think I have a migraine.” If youhave to say “I think …” then you don’t havea migraine). About a mile into my run, Istarted to experience the “aura” I get as aheadache is setting in — blurry eyesight andcrossed vision.

An aura makes me panic more thananything in life, because it means excruciat-ing pain is coming. I’ve been able to identifywhat brings on my migraines — stress, lackof sleep, or a changing weather front (ahigh-pressure system puts high pressure onthe arteries in my head). But that day I was-n’t stressed (I was running on a trail) orsleep-deprived, and as far as I knew theweather wasn’t changing.

I needed to get to the prescription medsin my briefcase, so I had to get back to thevan. I left the trail for a nearby road, travel-ing through a field of little plants with threetear-shaped leaves and red-dotted stems(read: poison ivy).

Back at the van with a throbbingheadache and blurred vision, I could stillmake out the ticket a park ranger put on thechurch van because it didn’t have a statepark sticker. I do have a sticker on my vanbut it was … back at Dick Scott Dodge,costing me $1,400.

I jumped in the van, reached for mybriefcase … and realized it was in my officeback at church.

I sped out of the park with an agonizingheadache, drove 12 miles to church and wasmet by a man seeking counseling. Not at allapologetic, I blurted, “I’m sorry, Pete, I justcan’t do it right now!”

Two Midrin, one Tylenol 3 and a 10-minute nap later, I emerged from my officeto find that the man had made phone callsand taken care of his problem himself.

I hurried back to Maybury, because ifyou buy an annual sticker the same dayyou get a ticket, you don’t have to pay forthe ticket. I started to wonder what itwould be like to follow my headache andstomach-wrecking medication with a runrather than a 3-hour nap that I usuallyhad to take.

So I bought a pass and then headedback out, across the same poison ivy-strewnfield, and picked up the trail at the exactplace I had left it.

I was OK until the forest grew dark, thesky opened and I found out why I’d gotten aheadache — it was the worst thunder andlightning downpour I’d run in since the1986 Crim, when the rain washed out acontact lens on the Bradley hills. I still set alifetime 10-mile PR, but I’d have run aminute faster if I could have seen …

You’d be surprised how quickly amountain bike trail turns to a muddy riverin a thunderstorm. I ran most of the rest ofthe way in a 2-inch-deep river, ruining myalmost-new Brooks Cascadias.

Back at the parking lot I found anotherticket, because I had neglected to put thesticker I bought on the windshield. BUT IGOT IN MY 7-MILE RUN!

I have a saying that, “The worse dayrunning trails is still better than the best dayrunning roads.” I’m going to adapt that to,“The worse day running is still better thanthe best day not.”

MR contributor and longtime runner DeanJohnson is pastor of Lake Pointe Bible

Church in Plymouth. MR


Johncock, 81, Adds to U.S. MarksBy Daniel G. Kelsey

Roger Bannister of Britain broke thefour-minute barrier in the mile in1954 at age 25. Jerry Johncock of

Gun Lake broke the four-hour barrier in themarathon in 2008 at age 80.

In doing so, each man established a newstandard, Bannister for everyone, Johncockfor Americans of his age group.

But Johncock went Bannister three betterby resetting the bar four times at three dis-tances in a year. USA Track & Field creditshim with records among men 80-84 in themarathon, at 30K and at 50K.

He hopes he’s not done yet. He has his eyetrained on a record at 25K. “I’ll try to get it thisyear if my old bones hold together,” he said.

Johncock, 5’7” at a stretch in racingshoes and 145 pounds sopping wet withsweat, turned 80 on Feb. 2, 2008. Like agroundhog in search of spring, everywhere helooked he saw the shadow of Minnesota’sLloyd Young, five years his senior, holder ofall four records he sought.

He began his quest to get Young at theBayshore Marathon in Traverse City May 24.

“In the second half I knew my time waspretty close,” said Johncock. “After I got to24 miles I managed to get a little more speed.I pushed as hard as I could.”

Coming around the curve of the finishingtrack, seeing 4:11 on the clock, he knew hehad it made. His 4:11:52 eclipsed Young’srecord by more than a minute.

Next up was the Milford Labor Day 30KRun Sept. 1.

“That’s a hilly course. They said, ‘You’regoing to have trouble breaking it,’” Johncockremembered. “But I’d run Milford before.”

He posted a 2:45:26 to chip four and ahalf minutes off Young’s standard.

Then it was another shot at 26.2 miles,this time on Young’s home turf, the TwinCities Marathon in Minneapolis Oct. 5. Withthe record already in his back pocket, he hadfour hours in the back of his mind.

“You always want to run as fast as youcan,” he said.

Halfway through the race he could tellfrom his split sheet he was three or four min-utes ahead of his pace.

“When I got to 20 miles, it wasn’t eventhree hours,” Johncock said. “I told myself,‘I’ve got a 10K to go, and if I do it in anhour, I’ll make it under four hours.’”

On screaming calves, as much limping asrunning, he crossed the finish line in 3:59:05.

Record-breaking race number four camein the Freedom Park New Year’s Ultra Run atMorganton, N.C., Dec. 31. By 30 milesJohncock could have crawled to the recordon his belly like a warrior. His 5:36:27 shat-tered Young’s mark by 17 minutes.

“It was pretty flat. A couple of hills,” hesaid.

As a souvenir he brought home one offour official watches with the same reading ofhis time down to the second.

That left one leg of his quest undone. He’dmade a run at Young in the Houston MastersSports Association Classical 25K Nov. 9.

“I missed the record by a minute and ahalf,” Johncock said. “If I hadn’t made a pitstop I would’ve got it.”

In the 2009 Fifth Third River Bank RunMay 9 this year, he missed the target of2:14:36 by eight minutes. He said his goalwas to get back to Houston for another go inNovember.

Not long ago Johncock moved back fromGrand Rapids to an eight-acre parcel, bound-ed by the Gun River and the line betweenBarry and Allegan counties, roughly a milefrom where he grew up. In high school atDelton he played basketball and ran track.He was but a year older than Bannister, butby the time the Brit fired off the mile heardround the world, Johncock had hung up hisathletic shoes.

The television serviceman took up run-ning again at age 50 when three of his sonschallenged him to join them in an eight-milerin Delton in 1978.

“It took me 10 years to reach my peak,”Johncock said. “When I was 60 I ran myfastest races.”

His routine, at least these days, is to restduring winter. Beginning in spring he logs 30 to40 miles a week on the muck along the riverand among the farms higher up from the lake.

“I just don’t have the ambition to do themiles I did when I was in my 60s and 70s,”he said. MR

Laurie Decker (l.) appears withJerry Johncock and Johncock’s fos-ter kids, Randy & Michelle, at theCadillac 10K race, 2005.

Jerry Johncock run the Town Crierrace in Saugatuck, April 2009.

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By Doug Kurtis

Dave Kanners (Oct. 12, 1946 – March28, 2009) lived the dream. From rac-ing hot rod cars to climbing the tallest

peaks, riding motocross dirt bikes, road bikesand running, he sought the ultimate adven-tures and often thought they were worthrepeating.

His infectious smile said it all: He wanteda challenge and he wanted to have fun.

Kanners liked being around people andthey liked being around him. Young niecesand old-timer runners alike were inspired byhis positive attitude and energy. I found itamazing that he could schedule a chemother-apy session and be ready to help me review acourse not more than a few hours later.

His memorial service was packed withathletes, friends and family. Most had storiesto tell.

Roger Mollencopf talked about going fora cycling ride together, followed by Dave’ssuggestion they cross the United States. Afterdipping their tires in the Pacific Ocean thedeal was sealed. Dave decided to see how fasthe could go on one steep decline en route.Roger recalled Dave’s glee when he screamedout, “62 mph!”

Dave liked good beer and fine restau-rants as well as hole-in-the-wall diners andjunk food. He loved roughing it, whichcould mean showering in his runningclothes so he could remain in one outfit allweek. He loved music too. His wife, Sue,noted that he liked everything from classi-cal to country.

Kanners was a graduate of DetroitCountry Day High School. One of his hob-bies was drag racing pro stock cars forAmerican Motors in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

His much-younger brother Don said thatDave had a fascination with hot rods andcould fix just about anything. He was theretired owner of Kanners All Star repair shopin Rochester Hills.

When Don was six, Dave gave him hisfirst driving lesson because he needed some-one to steer a car he planned to tow. “I need-ed phone books to look over the steeringwheel,” Don remembered.

“There were usually had about 10 cars outin front of the house, all in some state of repair.Dave thought a car really wasn’t broken in untilit hit about 200,000 miles,” Don said.

Kanners started running to help with hismotocross preparation and fell in love withit. Dick West said that Dave loved trail rac-ing, the muddier the better. Thanks to gener-ous age handicaps, Dave’s Great Lakes Relayteam, the Fox and Hounds, often won orwere near the top finishers.

I first met Dave when he called to ask meto join the Grand Masters (over age 50) run-ners. From that point he didn’t hesitate tooffer volunteer support when he learned Iwas directing races. Kanners refused to use e-mail but he loved taking time to hand-writelong, thoughtful letters critiquing events oroffering suggestions.

He had lots of friends, especially in theathletic world. Bob Cross helped him organ-ize the Grand Masters running group.Kanners loved training on the Paint CreekTrail in Rochester. He was one of thefounders and president of the OaklandRunning Club.

One of Cross’ favorite memories was oftheir trip to Grandma’s Marathon inMinnesota the year everyone sat aroundwatching the famous police chase of O.J.Simpson’s white Bronco.

“Race day was warmer than usual forDuluth and nearly 75 degrees at the finishline,” Cross remembered. “We started togeth-er, but Dave fell off the pace a bit early and Icontinued. When I reached the finish, I wait-ed for him to come running in with that bigsmile on his face, but he was nowhere to beseen. In fact, it was quite a while before hefinished.

“When Dave finally did, he was wetterthan he should have been. When I askedwhat happened, he said that he got really hotand had always wondered what it would belike to jump in a lake during a race. So hedid!” He jumped right into cold LakeSuperior.

Kanners loved unusual adventures suchas competing in both the Antarctica andNorth Pole marathons. He just missed theGuinness world record for fastest verticalmile by 90 seconds. This consisted of climb-ing 70 stories of stairs in the RenaissanceCenter in Detroit and returning to the firstfloor. Kanners said it took weeks to recoverfrom the trip down.

He climbed the tallest peak in every stateexcept Mt. McKinley in Alaska, because itwould take too much pre-planning and logis-tics. After Dave discovered he had pancreaticcancer, his goals included climbing all thehighest peaks a second time.

Dave was blessed to have the support ofhis wife, Sue, with many of his endeavors.She accompanied him on numerous hikes.One yearly adventure included a bike tourwith friends from their Michigan home inColumbiaville to Frankenmuth for a chickendinner. His tough, energetic friends wouldmake the return trip too.

The Kanners also had a home on KiawahIsland in South Carolina. They often askedfriends to drop in for a visit. Many of usthought Dave was going to be around foreverand kept delaying our opportunity to visit.

On the back page of Kanners’ memorialprogram was this: “Of all the forces thatmake for a better world, none is so powerfulas hope. With hope one can think, one canwork, one can dream. If you have hope, youhave everything” (Unknown author). Thiswas spot-on Dave.

These are a few of Dave’s favorite things:Mountain Dew, Little Debbie snacks, purplethings, Sudoku puzzles, cowboy boots, “LesMiserables,” jambalaya, cherry Twizzlers andcollecting lucky pennies.

It will be impossible to forget Dave, hissmile, his desire to make each day count byhelping others. We will miss his voice but hisinspiring presence will always be with us.

Doug Kurtis, who holds world records formost marathon wins and sub-2:20

marathons, remains active running, directingraces, planning courses, writing and celebrat-

ing friends in the sport. MR

Dave Kanners: A Tribute

Dave Kanners


River Bank Run Draws Record CrowdsDespite Course Change, Rain

By Grant Lofdahl

GRAND RAPIDS (5/9/09) — Running a 25-kilometer race is a challenge in the best con-ditions. Those familiar with the traditionalFifth Third River Bank Run course know thatwhile flats pervade the first half, the laterstages of the course provide enough hills tochallenge even the fittest runners.

In this year’s 32nd running of the race,however, the entire course was a challenge —not to mention the weather.

Spring rains and flooding along theGrand River forced race organizers to eitheralter the 25K course or make the race aduathlon with a swimming section in themiddle.

They wisely chose the former, adding astretch of road on O’Brien Street that madethe Butterworth Avenue hills in the secondhalf of the race seem easy by comparison.

If the revised, more-difficult courseweren’t enough, the rains that had forced thechanges came back with a vengeance on raceday, soaking 10K runners midway throughtheir event and drenching the 25K fieldbefore they even started.

Despite the unfamiliar (for them) coldrain, Kenya natives Isaack Kimaiyo andGenoveva Kigen gave their country two moreRiver Bank Run victories. Kenyans have wonfive of the last six men’s races and twostraight on the women’s side.

Neither Kimaiyo nor Kigen had comfort-able margins of victory, as Americans DanBrowne and Sally Meyerhoff made thingsinteresting.

Browne closed well, catching third-placefinisher Linus Maiyo in the final mile.Kimaiyo finished in 1:15:36, with Browne in1:15:56 and Maiyo close behind in 1:16:00.

Women’s champ Kigen crossed the line in1:27:16, just 12 seconds clear of runner-upMeyerhoff. Those times were the third andfourth best by women in the past five years,making some wonder how fast the two couldhave gone on the “normal” River Bank Runcourse.

While Browne (the 2003 overall 25Kchampion) and Meyerhoff picked up USATFnational titles, the top Michigan finisherswere Emmanuel Korir (fifth overall in1:16:16) of the host city and Ryan Sheehan(seventh in 1:16:23) of Rochester on themen’s side, and Carol Jefferson (12th in1:34:15) of Clinton Township and AnnieGasway (19th in 1:37:53) of Lake Orion onthe women’s.

Rounding out the top-five in-state com-petitors were Haslett’s Nick Stanko in 13th(1:17:36), Redford’s Paul Aufdemberge in20th (1:21:08) and Grand Rapids’ Jon Griesin 21st (1:21:10); and Grand Rapids’Samantha Westveer (20th in 1:40:32),Bloomfield Hills’ Marybeth Reader (21st in1:40:46) and Grand Rapids’ Alicia Hanson(22nd in 1:42:17).

Two other runners with local connectionsplaced well: former Rockford High Schoolstandouts Jason Hartmann and Linsey(Blaisdell) Smith were fourth (1:16:14) and13th (1:34:57) respectively in the men’s andwomen’s overall standings.

Ffih Third River Bank Run, Grand Rapids

Women’s champion GenovivaKigen just edged Sally Meyerhofffor the 25K victory.

Dan Browne caught Linus Mayo inthe final mile for 2nd place andthe USATF 25K national title.

Kenyan Isaack Kimaiyo is the 200925K champion.

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Race Director Kristen Aidiff.

Carol Jefferson, Clinton Township,was the top Michigan woman inthe 25K.

Michigan’s top runner in the 25Kwas 4th place Emmanuel Korir ofLansing.

Aufdemberge, 44, took the MichiganRunner masters title, as he has done routinelysince turning 40. Reader, did so for thewomen. Aufdemberge was also the overallmasters champ, while Reader placed secondto Susan Empey of Mercer Island, Wash.

Lisa Veneziano, 40, of Fenton was thesecond masters woman from Michigan in1:42:54, while Pontiac’s Eric Green, 40, wasthe men’s masters runner-up in 1:32:09.

Leading the grand masters in the MRRace Series were 50-year-olds Kevin Deyo ofTraverse City (1:35:50) and Peggy Zeeb(1:54:25) of Colon. The senior masters wereheaded by Dave Minier, 60, of Wyoming(1:46:34) and Sharon Dolan, 67, ofWestphalia (2:12:45).

In all 4,600 people completed the 25Kcourse, a new race record. Nearly 2,800 fin-ished the 10K, won by Grand Rapids’ MattLogan (33:57) and by Louisville, Kentucky’sTaryn Gibson (36:57).

Former Michigan collegiate stars DerekScott of Bloomington, Ind. (15:14) andMandi Zemba of Allendale (16:50) took theoverall crowns in the 5K, which added anoth-er 4,610 finishers.

Factoring in the Fifth Third Junior racesand 5K walk, more than 17,500 peoplebraved the wet weather and the hills to par-ticipate in the 2009 Fifth Third River BankRuns. MR

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By Tracey Cohen

GROSSE ISLE (5/25/09) — “What abeautiful race and great way to end theweekend!” exclaimed Grosse Ile MemorialDay 5K finisher Pat Soter. All who I spokewith, myself included, couldn’t agreemore.

The Island Road Runners haveoffered Memorial Day races at Grosse IleHigh School for more than 25 years. Firstcreated to showcase the island’s beautyand introduce the club to the community,the race has achieved that goal and more.

Cashing in on temperatures in the 50sand mostly-sunny skies, this year’s 5K, 8Kand free mile fun run enjoyed a record600 entries plus.

The course features a spectacularview of the Detroit River, woodland trailmaintained by club members, bike pathand smooth track finish.

Club members credit veteran racedirector Greg Everal with the events’improvements, including the presentroute.

Because of the increased participation,the 5K and 8K race starts were staggeredby five minutes and ChampionChip tim-ing, courtesy of Everal Race Management,was used. When asked how the changeswere working, club member Tim LaPortesaid, “Awesome! It’s a no-brainer!”

Events began with the national anthemsung by Grosse Ile High School alumnaCree Carrico. The race sweatshirt, includ-ed in the entry fee, sported red, white andblue, as did medal ribbons earned by age-group winners and all mile finishers.

Male and female winners in the 8K wereDavid Homann (26:58) and MichelleMiskelley (29:17). Masters crowns went toSteve Menovcik (27:41) and Kelly Jewell(36:43).

Grand master titlists were JohnTarkowski (30:06) and Joan Mathews(39:19). Honors for senior grand masters,an award added thanks to lobbying bylongtime age-group standout Jim Forshee,were Dale Monteith (38:06) and EllenNitz (43:37).

Overall 5K winners were Phil Kosky(16:57) and Angela Matthews (17:47).Masters crowns went to Todd Kelly(18:19) and Dianna Ashton (22:17).

Runners were encouraged to bring non-perishables to be donated to the local foodpantry. They were treated to bagels, fruitand home-baked goodies courtesy of theRoad Runners at the finish.

For information on next year’s race andcomplete results, visitwww.islandroadrunners.net andwww.everalracemgt.com/results.

Tracey Cohen can be reached by e-mail [email protected]. MR

Grosse Ile Grows Under Sunny SkiesMemorial Day Run, Grosse Ile

Michigan Runner Race Series 2009

Al Kayner’s St. Patrick’s Day Races 8K, Bay City - March 22

Meteor 10 K, Dearborn Heights - April 4

Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K, Grand Rapids - May 9

Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Run ~3.8 Mile, Mackinaw City - May 23

Brian Diemer Amerikam 5K, Cutlerville - June 13

Alpenfest Run 10 Mile, Gaylord, - July 18

Steve’s Run 10K, Dowagiac - July 25

Run Thru Hell 10 Mile, Hell/Pinckney - cancelled

Crim Festival of Races 10 Mile, Flint - August 22

Kensington Challenge 15K, Milford - September 19Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon, Detroit - October 18

Grand Rapids Half Marathon, Grand Rapids - October 18

Race Series Points

5/3 River Bank Run 25K,Crim 10M,

Detroit MarathonOpen Masters Senior50-25-15 30-15-10 6-4-2

All Other Races:Open Masters Senior30-20-10 15-10-5 3-2-1

Open: all age groupsMasters: 40+;

Senior: 50+ age graded

Nine best finishes count forMichigan Runner of the Year

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Debra Johnson of Trenton ran theMemorial Day 8K.


By Robin Sarris-Hallop

Recently I decided to learn to play themandolin. My husband had given meone as an anniversary gift two years

ago; it had sat in a corner for a while, but Ifinally signed up for lessons this spring.

I have now fallen in love with playing themandolin.

I have long been able to read music andtablature, but always dabbled in too manyinstruments to ever be skilled at one of them:requisite piano as a child, clarinet in juniorhigh band classes, guitar and wood recorderin the hippy-folksy ‘60s and a long term love-hate relationship with the banjo.

For some reason, the mandolin seems tofinally be my instrument. It has a distinctivesound, is suited to my small frame but longfingers, and lends itself to rock, folk, blue-grass, Irish and other world music.

What does this have to do with running?Being newly hooked on something I amenjoying but not very good at (yet) makes methink about running in a way that I haven’tin a long time.

After being a runner for 27 years, I sel-dom take time to appreciate what I enjoyabout it because I am “going through themotions.” Many of us are reminded how wefeel about running when it is suddenly takenaway from us by injury. I may hate getting upat 5:30 a.m. in the dark to train, but envy theperson who is out there if I can’t be.

Taking up a new hobby leads me to pon-der the similarities and take newfound joy inthe important part running plays in my life.

It takes discipline and you need to maketime for it every day. This is something I loveabout running. I am not sure whether it is theroutine and order, the challenge or the sched-uling and tracking (having always been a log-keeper and a graph-er). I notice that when Idon’t run with discipline and plans, I get lazyand my running suffers.

This spring I’ve been working hard tobring back the tracking and weekly goals thatwere much more a part of my running adecade ago — and it makes a difference. My

times may not get faster, but I am enjoyingmy running more each week.

I have also managed to fit an hour a dayof mandolin practice around my work hours.Sometimes being more disciplined makes youa better time manager as well.

Repetition and focus on your weaknessesmakes you better. Miles, miles and moremiles — I have never added up the hours I’vespent running over the last two and a halfdecades, but I know my muscle memory,body type and strength are the cumulativeresult of the work and focus. I also knowthat running half-mile repeats at 7 a.m. is notas enjoyable as sitting with a cup of coffeeand newspaper, but I wouldn’t trade it.

I may drive my husband nuts playing thesame three measures over and over from thenew song I am learning, but that’s what ittakes to master it. The calluses on the tips of

my left fingers are my new badge of honorfor hard work in the same way that my fit-ness in my mid-50s is the result of workingover a long period of time on things thatdon’t come easily or without sacrifice.

You need to spend time around peoplewho are better than you are to get better atit. Running is ultimately a solitary sport, butthose who are faster usually have somethingto teach you. We can all learn from others’successes and mistakes by taking time to lis-ten to advice.

Whether we are working with a coach orspeed group, reading running magazines,meeting a world-class runner at a expo orjust talking after a race with a runner weadmire, these things help motivate us all todo our best.

Taking music lessons from someone whocan teach me shortcuts and keep me movingincrementally forward is key to sticking withmy mando playing. I may be frustrated at try-ing to play along with better musicians, butsometimes, for a few measures, it clicks andis really cool.

Sharing your passion with others helpsmake it an integral part of your character.Starting the racing season each spring allowsus to reconnect with people we don’t seeoften during the winter months. I enjoy beingaround people who love the sport as much asI do, both as a competitor and a spectator.

Other runners really know what it meansto run a PR, finish a marathon, nurse aninjury and suffer the frustrations of trainingthat doesn’t seem to pay off. Sure, you cantalk about these things with your family orco-workers (if they will tolerate it), but theycan’t understand it in the same way.

I have always loved music — rock, folk,bluegrass, alt-country and world music par-ticularly. I recognize songs and lyrics in just afew notes, own a large music collection andam always on the lookout for new artists. Myhusband and I try to make it to at least a fewlive performances each month.

Being able to make music allows me toappreciate music when I am in the audiencein the same way that I can appreciate sportsas a fan differently than I would if I were notan athlete myself.

Beyond the Chip

Appreciating Runningby Playing the Mandolin

Robin Sarris-Hallop

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I hope I am starting on a commitment Iwill keep to becoming a reasonably-accom-plished “musician,” at least to the point thatI can use the word to describe myself. I doubtI will ever perform on a stage or earn even adollar at it — but that is OK. I’d like to beable to comfortably play songs with othersand hold my own.

On the other hand, I have known for along time that I am a runner and an athlete. Inever expected to be “on stage” or earn

money at it either. Racing on an indoor trackis close enough to count as a “performance”and I did win enough prize money to have toclaim it on my taxes.

If I could do it over and have back thehours I spent becoming this runner, I wouldgladly spend the time the same way again ...although I would like to learn from my mis-takes …

Can I start again from the top? A one,and a two and a …

Robin Sarris-Hallop has been running for 27years without missing a beat, er, season. Shewas MR’s 1999 Woman Runner of the Year,1998 and 2002 Masters Runner and 2006

Senior Runner of the Year. She now considersherself semi-retired from serious running.

When not running, she is the administrativedirector in the LSA Dean’s Office at the

University of Michigan and enjoys making artquilts (and music), reading history, gardening

and traveling. MR

Rock & Road Hills Pose TestBy Ron Marinucci

WEST BLOOMFIELD (5/17/09) — Veteransof the old West Bloomfield Marathon andHalf Marathon wouldn’t be surprised to findhills on the Rock & Road 5K and 10Kcourses. In fact, Rock & Roll (as in rolling)might be an equally good name for the chal-lenging races.

This was the fourth year for the R&R,which replaced the half marathon as a springroad race in West Bloomfield. Numbers keepinching up each year, with just over 200 in2008 and “almost 250 this year,” said last-minute race director Denny Trochak.

Trochak was handed the reins in the lastfew weeks, but was quick to credit “thegreat staff” and volunteers for making lifeeasier for him. He’s thinking long-term forthe Rock & Road.

“We’ll be looking at the numbers,” hesaid before the race. “We have more than150 pre-registered, but there are lots of racesthis weekend.”

He was pleased that “the weather wasfantastic!” Indeed, frosty early-morning tem-peratures warmed to the lower 50s. Mostrunners ran in shorts and tees.

The sunny skies carried fairly stiff north-west winds, but they weren’t much hin-drance on the winding courses buffered byhomes and woods. Doug Kurtis designedboth courses.

The 5K race ended short, runners racing“just about two miles” according toTrochak, due to a mix-up on the course at acrisscross spot. Instead of including a 1.1-mile loop around a lake, runners were sentback to the finish.

“A couple runners were pretty upset,”

Trochak said. “What could we do at the endof the race except to apologize?”

Some entrants voiced disappointment, butothers, such as blind runner Michael Holmesand his guide, Bob Drapal, got a kick out oftheir new 5K PRs.

The 10K was long enough. It traced the5K route for about 1.5 miles before splittingoff on its own, with ample amounts of hills.It continued on well-marshaled residentialstreets until mile three. Runners then enjoyeda mile of trails through the West BloomfieldWoods Nature Preserve.

At about halfway, 60-64 age-group winnerGeorge Croitori was running well enough toremark, “Can’t beat the scenery.” No, but thehills came with it.

A half-mile on a crushed rails-to-trailspath and another half on dirt roads led to afinishing mile of cross-country. Along theway, especially on the trails, runners encoun-tered quite a bit of slop — mud and puddles.It was a pretty, but challenging course.

The Eiswerths made a family morning ofit. Megan, 13, who had run the race twicebefore, won her age group and was thefourth overall female in the shorter race.

“I was a little mad that the course wasshort, but I liked it,” Megan said.

Brother Max, 16, also won his age group,placing 10th overall. “I liked it,” he said. “Itwas pretty flat through the neighborhoods. Butit was a little short.”

Dad Eric Eiswerth, 44, was fifth overalland third in his age group in the 10K. “It’s anice course,” he said. “The second half isreal tough, a lot of hills. The weather wasgreat, but there was a lot of mud and water.There were a lot of volunteers, too.”

Mom Eiswerth was on hand cheering forher family.

Brendan Gimby, 12, was third in theshort race. “It was my first time here,” hesaid. “I liked how it was mostly flat.”(Funny how the kids thought the course wasflat, but the more mature runners allremarked about the hills.)

Grimby knew the course was short, butadded, “I wasn’t too sorry. I liked the foodat the end, too!”

Eric Seifert, 36, was the overall 10Kwinner in 38:23, with repeat masters winnerJohn Tarkowski, 56, runner-up less than halfa minute back.

Jill Sherman-Marx, 41, was the firstfemale (48:34). “I’ve run this race every yearsince they started it,” she said. “But this isthe first time I was overall winner in a race!

“It was windy out there and the coursewas challenging. The last mile was very hilly.But it was wonderful. It’s a ‘must-do’course,” she said.

There were three events for younger run-ners (ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) up to a half-milelong. Awards were presented promptly, withmost recipients remaining to claim theirmedals. Trochak was happy he gave out allbut 17 of the nearly 120 awards.

Many stayed around for the post-racefeast of Greek salad, pita roll-ups and Coneyislands along with standard bagels, fruit, andwater — courtesy of Greek Island ConeyRestaurant and Whole Foods Market.

Complete results can be found atwww.westbloomfieldparks.org.

Ron Marinucci can be reached [email protected]. MR

Rock & Road 5 and 10K, West Bloomfield


The Sound of RunningBy Dave Foley

Standing in my driveway, I look up to seea blue jay squawking at me. I insert theear buds of my iPod and the jay’s cries

vanish, replaced by James Brown telling mehe feels good.

My head fills with the driving beat ofBrown’s Fabulous Flames and those pulsingrhythms get this run off to a fast start. Doesthe iPod help me run faster? I’m not sure, butthis arrangement allows me to combine twoof my favorite things, running and music.

Over the years I’ve recorded several hun-dred hours of music on my Mini-Disc. TheChristmas gift of an iPod last year opened myears to the world of podcasts as well theiTunes Store.

While the flow of new music continues tofill up iPod space, I’ve learned to downloadtalk shows and news programs. Since wedon’t have cable TV, this introduces me tomedia options well beyond network TV pro-gramming. For me this amounts to audiooverload.

My daily runs used to be the only time Iwore headphones or earbuds. Now I routine-ly fire up my iPod when I’m kayaking, canoe-ing, doing yard work, fishing or snowshoe-ing. I spend about two hours a day in myiPod world. I am deaf to whatever is happen-ing outside my earbuds.

It was not always like this. In the mid-1970s, hats were the only thing that coveredmy ears. The sounds of nature and hum oftraffic was my soundtrack.

At that time I was teaching and running12 miles back and forth to the junior high. Inthe predawn as I ran alongside Lake Mitchelland down country roads leading to Cadillac,I would hear owls hooting, unseen animalscrashing through brush and dogs barking.

While striding down the road one darkmorning, I heard the click of nails on pave-ment and looked down to see the black-and-white shape of a skunk crossing my path. Iinstinctively hurdled it. Without the warning,I would probably have kicked the skunk andreceived a stinking retaliation.

On another occasion what I heardoffered no escape. On this night I embarkedon an out-and-back run as a snowstorm esca-lated into a howling blizzard. The swayingtrees creaked and groaned. All I could seewere waves of snow whipping across theroad in the darkness. It was frightening andexhilarating.

Then I heard the ripping and tearing of atree toppling near me. Where was it? Aheadof or behind me? I couldn’t tell. An adrena-line rush sent me into a sprint.

When I was sure I was safe, I headedback and found a huge fallen poplar blocking

the road. Had I been listening to music, Iwould have missed the adventure, neverknowing how close that tree had come to hit-ting me.

Despite the occasional excitement, what Iheard mostly was silence except for the ran-dom bird call, dog bark or monotonoussounds of traffic.

When a Bone Fone was advertised inRunner’s World, I ordered one. It contained aradio and battery pack in a cloth sleeve, to beworn around the neck like a horse collar andsecured with a strap. Northern Michigan’slack of radio signals during the early 1980slimited me to a rock music station that fadedin and out.

Within a couple years I graduated to theSony Walkman, a yellow, waterproofradio/cassette tape combo, then replaced itwith a CD player before finally getting aMini-disc, then an iPod.

Now the music comes through so clearlymy head is like a soundstage. My runningroutes take me along roads and trails windingthough woods of a changing tableau thatincludes snowy landscapes, thick greenfoliage and magnificent shows of fall color.

I see it all but hear none of it. Am I miss-ing half the experience or does the R&Bsound of the Rolling Stones or thepolyrhythms of Santana provide a more-fit-ting backdrop for these runs?

In the last year I’ve made changes. Mostdays I’m still plugged in, but when I thinkintriguing sounds may be present I leave myears open.

Now when the shrill cries of peepers fillspring wetlands or flocks of squawking geesefly overhead, I’ll let them provide the sound-scape. I love rainy days: hearing sheets of rainrushing toward me, the heavy plopping ofdrops on leaves, thunder rumblings and crackof lightning strikes.

When nature serves up an auditory show,I want to be there. When people are out inmy neighborhood, I want to hear their greet-ings and be able to respond.

Most runners, however, wear iPods.When I see them with tiny wires danglingfrom their ears, we nod, smile and mouth a“Hi there” greeting. Happy in our cocoons,we may be shutting out some of the sweetestsounds of all.

Nowadays when technological advancescan bring the world to our ear buds, wemight want to find time to log milesunplugged and rediscover the music of every-day life.

Retired Cadillac teacher and coach DaveFoley is editor emeritus of Michigan Runner

magazine. MR


Variety Spices 36th Annual Dexter-Ann Arbor RunBy Charles Douglas McEwen

ANN ARBOR (5/31/09) — While Ryan Sheehan, 25, of Rochesterdominated the men’s Dexter-Ann Arbor half marathon from the gun,Kassi Andersen, 25, of Ann Arbor had to battle the defendingwomen’s champ for most of the 13.1-mile race.

Both, however, came away with victories in the 36th annual race,presented by Comerica.

“Rachel (Kinsman) and I were neck-and-neck until mile 11,” saidAndersen, a ex-steeplechaser at Brigham Young University. “Then Idecided to go for it. And I stayed strong to the end.”

Andersen had breathing room at the finish, winning in 1:17:34.Kinsman, 35, of Archbold crossed in 1:18:16, while AndreaPomaranski, 26, of Farmington Hills was third in 1:19:10.

Kinsman, the two-time defending champion, set the pace early.But Andersen stayed with her until she made her move. “I knew whenI took the lead, I couldn’t let it go,” she said.

Andersen is now training for road races with University ofMichigan women’s cross country coach Mike McGuire. Prior toDexter-Ann Arbor, she had never run a race longer than 5K.

“I decided to do this three weeks ago,” she said. “I knew it wasgoing to be a big jump from 5K to a half marathon. I just changed mytraining a little bit and put my mind to it.”

Sheehan, who competes for the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project,opened a big lead early in the men’s race and held it to the finish.With his winning time of 1:04:38, he came within shouting distance ofAlene Reta’s 2007 course record of 1:03:04.

“Ryan has a PR of 1:03:38,” said coach Kevin Hanson. “But hehad guys with him in that race. Today he was all by himself the wholeway.”

Dan Jackson, 19, of Dexter finished runner-up in 1:06:32. RyanKienzle, 23, of Canton took third in 1:06:47, a PR for him.

The race enjoyed near-ideal weather. But its more than 6,000 run-ners and walkers had to navigate a construction area that turned asmall section of Huron River Drive into a dirt trail.

“It had a little construction,” said Paul Aufdemberge, 44, ofRedford. “But we got through it with no problems. It’s always a greatcourse. Really scenic. Very enjoyable.”

Aufdemberge finished first among masters men in the halfmarathon (1:08:14). Lisa Veneziano, 44, of Fenton topped the masterswomen (1:22:26).

Sheehan’s Hansons-Brooks teammate Todd Snyder, 32, of ShelbyTownship won the men’s 10K in 30:52, easily beating Scott Setzke,28, of Wyandotte (33:10) and Andrew Porinsky, 24, of Dexter(33:46).

Dexter Ann Arbor Run, Ann Arbor

Four-time Olympian Sheila Taormina (right) contrat-ulates Kassi Andersen after Andersen’ victory in theDexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon.

Ryan Sheehan dominated the men’s Dexter-AnnArbor half marathon from the gun.

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Snyder, who won the half marathon in2005, went to Ann Arbor Pioneer HighSchool and the University of Michigan. “Thisis a homecoming race for him,” Hanson said.

Snyder finished just 31 seconds off thecourse record. “I was trying to kick it in toget closer to 30 minutes,” he said. “But it justwasn’t happening. That last hill (a long, steepone at the finish) is pretty tough.”

Another U-M alum won the women’s10K. Leading from the start, NatashaLuppov, 22, of Ann Arbor timed 37:49, farahead of her closest rivals KristiMatuszewski, 37, of Brighton (41:02) andRebecca Boggs, 32, of Onsted (41:05).

“I went out a little harder than I intendedto, but I was able to maintain a good pacethe rest of the way and do pretty well,”Luppov said.

In fourth place, a 16-weeks pregnantSuzanne Larsen of Fenton finished in 41:27and won her 30-34 age category.

“This is totally uncharted territory forme,” said Larsen. “This pregnancy thing real-ly slows you down. I was saying, ‘OK baby,come on. This is our first race together. Let’sget to the finish line.’”

In the 5K, Sam Skeels, 31, of Adrian(16:05) edged Dan Dixon, 45, of Jackson(16:07). The two raced into the final miletogether.

“I took the lead at about two and a halfmiles,” Skeels recalled. “I figured I’d kick

hard and go under 16 minutes. But that bighill at the end had other ideas.”

Skeels’ 16:05 was still a PR. (His previousbest was 16:10.)

For the women, Erin Webster, 23, ofDearborn captured first in 17:12, whileSkeels’ wife, Sally, came in second (19:49).

Jessica Pontius, 23, of Grand Blanc tookthird (20:11).

For complete race results, go towww.DxA2.com. MR


Sam Skeels (5479) ran a PR toedge Dan Dixon in the 5K by 2seconds.

Natasha Lupov of Ann Arbor ledfrom the start to win the 10K.

5K winner Erin Webster (left)chases 5K masters winner DaveFurey.

Kids raced on Saturday, May 30, on the Ypsilanti High School grounds.

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By Scott Sullivan

Megan Goethals, Mike Atchoo andEast Kentwood’s sprint-happy boysenjoyed big days May 30 at the

Michigan High School Athletic AssociationDivision 1 track and field finals.

Four divisional boys and girls meets forLower Peninsula schools were held in theGrand Rapids area. The Upper Peninsulaheld three divisional meets the same windyday at Kingsford.

Although all ran smoothly with greatperformances, the L.P. Division 4 meet atForest Hills Eastern had one of those “JustWhen You Think You’ve Seen Everything”moments when it was delayed due to swarm-ing bees.

***

Goethals, of Rochester, capped a junioryear that included state and Midwest regioncross country titles, plus third in the Foot

Locker cross country nationals, by sweepingthe 1600- and 3200-meter track crowns in4:51.2 and 10:37.5 respectively. The latterwas a D1 state finals record.

Atchoo, a Troy junior, broke the boys all-division 1600 state finals mark held since2000 by Dathan Ritzenhein, completing fourlaps in 4:07.71. Atchoo will shoot for thestate-best 4:05.9 “Ritz” ran in a conferencemeet next year.

Host East Kentwood’s boys bagged theirfirst state track crown in school history with79 points, more than doubling runner-upPortage Northern’s 34. The speedy Falconsfinished 1-2 in the 100 meters and sweptrelays at 1600 (3:21.41), 800 (1:26.72) and400 meters (41:4). The latter two set newstate-meet standards.

The D1 girls competition was much clos-er, with Romulus, Rockford and Ann ArborPioneer finishing 1-2-3 in the meet-ending1600 relay to close in the same order. Teamtotals were Romulus 38, Rockford 37 and

State Track MeetsFeature Brilliance, Bees

MHSAA Track and Field Finals, Kentwood, Zeeland, Comstock Park, Ada, Eastern, Kingsford

East Kentwood’s boys swept relays to win their first state track crown in school history.

Mike Atchoo’s 4:07.71 brokeDathan Ritzenhein’s all-division1600 state finals mark from 2000.

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Leah O’Connor of Crosswell-Lexingtonedges Haslett’s Monica Barnes for the800 meter run title.

Kent City’s Alex Wilson won both the3200 and 1600 meter run titles.

Pioneer 36 points, respectively.

Christienne Linton was a one-womangang for Romulus, claiming the 300 hur-dles (42.86) and long jump (18’8.25”),placing second in the 100 hurdles andrunning a leg on the meet-winning relayteam.

In the distances, Grand Haven’s BeccaAddison repeated as 800 queen (2:12.5)and Waterford Mott reigned in the 3200relay (9:13.03).

Other noteworthy D1 distance effortswere posted by boys champs ReedKamyszek of Kenowa Hills in the 3200(9:16.66), sophomore Nick Kaiser ofTemperance-Bedford in the 800 (1:52.13)and Detroit Catholic Central’s 3200 relay(7:47.57). How deep was this relay field?The eighth and last team to place ran a7:53.77.

The Division 2 meet at Zeeland sawHamilton and East Lansing win boys andgirls team crowns, respectively.

Top boys distance individuals wereKyle Anderson of Milan in the 3200(9:24.68), Brandon Hoffman of ParmaWestern in the 1600 (4:18.08) andTommy Brinn of Otsego in the 800(1:55.49).

Madison Heights Lamphere’s StephenMurphy set a new state-meet mark in the400 (47.94) to edge Brinn (48:08), whoalso eclipsed the old standard. BrandonVandreil of Sparta won his third-straight100-meter title (10.98).

D2 girls distance standouts includedCrosswell-Lexington’s Leah O’Connor inin the 1600 (5:03.38) and 800 (2:15.41),and Milan’s Jordan Tomacek in the 3200(11:07.43). Best-name honors went toChelsea’s Olivia Destroyer, 400 winner in57.64.

Also fittingly-named Ryan Hopsonwon the D3 boys long jump (22’10.5”),placed in high jump and ran legs on thewinning 400 and 800 relays to paceAlbion to a team title at Comstock Park.

Man-mountain Zack Hill broke hisown state marks in the shot put (63’9.5”)and discus (181’0”) to help Allendaleplace second.

Kent City’s Alex Wilson was D3 dis-tance king, sweeping the 3200 (9:25.4)and 1600 (4:17.82). Benzie Central’s NickRadonoff claimed the 800 (1:55.86).

Frankenmuth captured the D3 girlscrown on the strength of 1600- and 800-meter relay wins.

Individual standouts included triplestate queen Rachel Hoffman of Shelby(long jump, 100- and 300-meter hurdles),freshman Ali Wiersma of Allendale in the3200 (11:04.55), Carla Cremeans ofJackson Lumen Christi in the 1600(5:05.88) and Rachel Whitley of LeRoy-Pine River in the 800 (2:16.09).

Potterville survived the bee swarm tocapture both boys and girls D4 titles.

Boys distance standouts wereSaugatuck’s Princeton-bound ChristianBirky in the 3200 (9:32.24), Potterville’sLarry Julson at 1600 (4:16.94) and CollinWard at 800 (1:58.26). Auburn HillsOakland Christian’s Kurt Schneider set anew D4 finals record winning the highjump in 6’10.5.”

Bagging D4 girls distance crownswere Homer’s Nikki Wurster in the 3200(11:28.61) and 1600 (5:08.16), andSaugatuck’s Ana Capotosto in the 800(2:20.6).

Gladstone’s boys and Marquette’sgirls repeated as Upper Peninsula D1champions.

Boys multi-event D1 winners wereManistique’s Garde Kangas in the 100(11.17), 200 (22.79) and 400 (50.68);Marquette’s Mickey Sanders in the 1600(4:32.25) and 3200 (10:08.1). For thegirls, Gladstone’s Lindsey Lusardi sweptthe 1600 (5:23.51) and 3200 (11:42.41),Iron Mountain’s Kristin Nelson the 400(1:01.22) and long jump (16’6.5”); andSault Ste. Marie’s Selena Meser the 200(27.09) and 300 hurdles (46.81).

U.P. D2 titles went to Ironwood’sboys and the girls from Munising.

Ironwood’s Dominic Beckman sweptthe boys 800 (2:03.29) and 1600 (a newmeet record 4:34.33). Munising’s AbbeyKelto claimed the girls 1600 (5:37.15) and3200 (12;11.7), while anchoring herschool’s champion 3200 relay team.Chassell’s Jamie Dompier swept the 100(12.89) and 200 (26.47), the latter a newD2 finals record.

The small-school D3 meet sawCrystal Falls Forest Park’s boys andBrimley’s girls reign triumphant.

Claiming multiple titles wereOntonagon’s Mike Schmaus in the 100(11.3), 200 (23.38) and 300 hurdles(41.45); and Painesdale-Jeffers’ JonathanKilpela in the 1600 (4:35.05) and 3200(10:11.92).

Tops in the girls meet were Bark River-Harris’ Karrie Meyers in discus(115’7.75”) and shot put (37’7.5”);

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Abbey Kelto claimed both the 1600 and3200 titles in the Upper Peninsula’s D2.

Homer’s Nikki Wurster finishes just aheadof Rachel Carter for the D4 1600 win.

Powers North Central’s Brooke Granquist in the 100hurdles (16.82) and 300 hurdles (48.07), Crystal Falls’Maria Valesano in the 100 (12.93) and 200 (26.87), andEben Junction Superior Central’s Lauren Spranger in the400 (1:00.73) and 800 (2:27.28).

Complete results are available online at www.mhsaa.com.For more on beekeeping, visit www.gobeekeeping.com. MR

Novi Host Wednesday-Night‘Flight’ for Funds

By Ron Marinucci

NOVI (4/29/09) — “It’s good to run an evening event,” said age-groupaward-winner Jerry Mittman after the 20th annual Run Fit 5K. Othersamong close to 300 finishers, up from 193 in 2008, agreed.

Running Fit stores hosts the race as a fundraiser for the Leukemia andLymphoma Society; it raises thousands of dollars each year.

Stores owner Randy Step calls the 5K, “old style: the most informal,laid-back run in the state.” Yet this year, for the first time, timing stripswere used to gather results. Hmm.

“This is the world’s largest 5K evening road race,” Step announced atthe start, then added, “run in Novi.” His tongue stayed in cheek when heclaimed there were runners “from 20 countries and all 50 states” in atten-dance. He also noted that when this event began, the now-paved roadswere dirt, something longtime returning runners recalled with nods.

The out-and-back course is not flat. While there are no steep hills,each half of the race has a couple long (400 yards or so) upgrades. It’s agood test of early-season fitness, especially after the tough Michigan winterof 2008-09.

This year’s Wednesday race enjoyed mostly-sunny skies, giving way toclouds with temperatures in the mid-50s. Although daylong winds died downsomewhat, runners still faced a pretty stiff breeze going out (east) on the courseand were happy the wind was at their backs for the second half.

Jerry Mittman of Northville was happy at the finish. “I do the Run Fitevery year,” he said. “Randy puts on an excellent race. It’s a good coursefor runners.”

Of more than two dozen first-time racers, many were members of thestores’ Running 101 class. Their goal was to train, run and finish a race.

“It was really fun,” said class member Pam Abdallah. “I ran the wholething and didn’t walk. My kids ran too.” She then set her sights on hernext race, the Flirt with Dirt trail run in June.

Masters runner David Homann ran a 16:31 to lead all finishers. Nextcame Daniel Orday (16:55) and Jonathan Miller (17:10).

Finishing fourth overall was women’s winner Erin Webster, whose17:59 outpaced runner-up Sarah Sherwood (19:14) by more than a minute.Rachel Ingle also broke 20 minutes, grabbing third place with 19:59.

The first masters woman was Mary Dorazio (20:51).

Hugh Sweeney, 78, was the oldest finisher in 27:53, an 8:59-mile pace.Other good senior performances were turned in by Monte Piliawski, 65(21:47, age-graded 17:02) and Ellen Nitz, 68 (26:36, age-graded 19:14).

Top age-group finishers carted home Run Fit coffee mugs. Five pairs ofSaucony running shoes were also raffled.

Complete results can be found at www.runfit5K.com.

Ron Marinucci can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]

Run Fit 5K, Novi

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Big 10 Outdoor T&FChampionships

Michigan’s Lex Williams finishedsecond to Minnesota’s HassanMead in both the 10,000 and 5,000meter runs.

Cooley Law School 5KRace for Education

Steve Menovicik of Grand Ledgewas 3rd overall and 1st Master atthe Cooley 5K Race for Educationin Lansing, June 5.

Hillsdale Gina Relays

Mason Cathey of the IndianaInvadors set a Gina Relays recordof 10:17.24 in the women’sinvitational steeplechase.

Big 10 Outdoor T&F Championships

Cliff Miller, Michigan State University freshman, finished 4th in thedecathlon at the Big 10 Outdoor Track and Field Championshipswith 6903 points. In the decathlon high jump event, Miller fin-ished second with a height of 6-10.75.

Boston Marathon Elite Mile

Anna Willard won the inauguralBoston Marathon Invitational Mile in4:38.6. Willard’s always-intriguing hairis dyed-to-match her Nike singlet.

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Training Pays Off in Bayshore Marathon DebutBy Bill Khan

TRAVERSE CITY (5/23/09) — I had neverrun a marathon before, but I didn’t feel like arookie when I lined up for the BayshoreMarathon.

I have had the good fortune of trainingwith knowledgeable runners in the Flint areafor years. After miles and miles of hearingtheir marathon stories — both good and bad-- as well as receiving excellent advice duringour training runs, I felt like I’d already run afew marathons before making my debut.

Everyone told me not to start out toofast. Bill Robson of Grand Blanc warned methat if I felt really good at 22 miles, just bethankful and don’t tempt fate. He crashed inhis first marathon when he decided that all hehad left was a four-mile race after mile 22.

So, armed with all of that knowledge anda great training base, I expected much ofmyself when I took the start line at Bayshore.

My goals were ambitious. I not onlywanted to qualify for the Boston Marathon,which would require a time of 3 hours, 30minutes and 59 seconds (8:03 pace) for a 46-year-old man, but I wanted to run somethingaround 3:25. I targeted at 7:45 pace duringtraining.

Was I biting off more than I could chew?

Actually … no.

As my training progressed, I becamemore and more confident. I felt I could runfaster than 7:45 pace, but had no idea howfast.

I found out at Bayshore when I averaged7:19 per mile and crossed the line on thetrack at Traverse City Central High School in3:11:38.

How did I do it?

Beats me.

I started off at 7:44 for the first mile andjust slowly dropped time as the race wentalong. My halfway split of 1:37:07 ranked129th in the field. My second-half split of1:34:31 ranked 45th.

I achieved negative splits, something Inever dreamed could happen for me in amarathon.

That was the only thing negative aboutmy marathon. And maybe that’s why I did sowell. I never sold myself short, never settled

for merely finishing a 26.2-mile race, which Iunderstand is an immense accomplishment inand of itself. Very few people ever finish amarathon, something that we runners forgetsometimes since many of our friends have runmultiple marathons.

As my times dropped in training and myconfidence grew, I was not afraid to go foreven loftier goals. Nothing worthwhile isaccomplished without a certain degree ofrisk, without taking a leap of faith. In mycase, I trusted my training, which went betterthan I could have imagined.

I never missed a day of running to aninjury or illness during my 16-week build-up.I used the Smart Coach training program atthe Runner’s World Web site as a foundationfor my training, but wound up tweaking itconsiderably to suit my strengths.

I basically ran four days a week, alternat-ing speed and tempo every week, doing along run and two “easy” runs, which wereusually done a little faster than marathonrace pace once I got rolling. I also did one ortwo spinning classes a week, which wasinvaluable in turning me from a 20:50-some-thing 5K runner last summer into a runnerwhose times I don’t even recognize.

The race was an amazing experience. Thescenery was wonderful, as we ran an out-and-back course along Grand Traverse Bay.I felt stronger as the race progressed, gainingstrength from the fact I kept passing otherrunners.

In the back of my mind, however, I knewthe real test would come after mile 20. Sureenough, at some point after the 20-milemark, I got the first twinge of pain in mycalves. I hoped it was temporary, but itturned into a constant companion over thefinal six miles. Nearly every step hurt and Ifeared that the pain would become too greatand I would be forced to stop and walk.

I slowed from a pace that reached 6:58per mile over the three miles preceding thepain, but didn’t totally crash. My slowestmile was a 7:55, which I was happy withconsidering how badly I was hurting.

As I approached the finish on the track,all the pain seemed to vanish when I caughtsight of my sister holding up a sign andscreaming, “You’re going to Boston!” I hadno idea my sister would make the three-hour-plus drive from Fenton all the way toTraverse City to watch me finish my firstmarathon. It was a total surprise.

I got choked up at this point and finishedthe race with tears in my eyes, flying aroundthe track as if it was just another speed work-out.

Yes, I had a huge day, but the best partwas seeing my sister cheering me on near thefinish. It was one of those memories you’llkeep with you forever.

One neat part about the out-and-backcourse is that you could see the really fastrunners do their thing as they were comingback and you were still going out.

Perhaps the most impressive performanceturned in by the front-runners came fromwomen’s half marathon winner MarybethReader of Bloomfield Hills. Reader set thewomen’s course record with a time of1:24:36, doing so as a masters runner at theage of 40. She now holds two course recordsat Bayshore, having set the full marathonrecord of 2:46:23 last year.

Reader actually had faster 13.1-milesplits in last year’s marathon, going out in1:23:47 and negative-splitting with a 1:22:36.She is just rounding into shape after recover-ing from two stress fractures.

“I’m so sad because I ran faster for the

Rock & Road 5 and 10K, West Bloomfield

Bill Kahn is pictured here finishingthe Crim 8K in 2007.

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marathon last year,” she told the TraverseCity Record-Eagle. “But I paid serious duesafter that marathon. I had eight months ofinjuries. I’m just coming back.”

Nick Krus set the men’s course recordwith a time of 1:09:26.

“I ran about 1 minute and 15 secondsfaster three weeks ago at Indianapolis,” Krussaid. “I was coming into this pretty confi-dent, but it was a little warmer here than Iexpected. I was hoping for 40 to 45 degrees.But it was 55 at the start. I run much better

in the cold.”

In the full marathon, Grayling graduateNathan Peters crossed in 2:26:47 to beatJerome Recker by 50 seconds.

“I ran this race for the first time in 2005in memory of my mom,” Peters said. “Shebattled cancer for 10 years. Doctors gave hersix months to live. She ended up having herbrain tumor operated on and lived another10 years. In 2004, she passed away. In 2005,I ran this marathon for the first time in hermemory. This was for her today.”

Sarah Plaxton was the women’s winnerin 2:54:06, beating Janet Becker by 33 sec-onds.

“It was a good race,” Plaxton said. “Isurprised myself. I didn’t think I would runthat fast today. I was just hoping to get underthree (hours). I’m getting older and I’m feel-ing it. I’m happy with that (time).”

Traverse City West graduate Geoff Burnswon the 10K run in 32:49.61. Suttons Baygrad Margot McGlothlin was the firstwoman in 39:24.83. MR

By Charles Douglas McEwen

PINCKNEY (4/25/2009) — Michael Gould,54, of Flint had to do some convincing toget his daughter to the starting line of theRunning Fit Road Ends Trail Run.

But once the gun sounded, Carrie GouldHatfield, 30, also of Flint, ran away with the

women’srace, finish-ing the hilly,5-mile courseat PinckneyRecreationArea in35:50.

“Carrie wasreluctant tocome downhere,”MichaelGould said.“I knew onceshe got here,she wouldhave a greattime. I wasstill talkingher into it onthe drivedown,though.’

Hatfieldworried ini-tially thatshe didn’thave a sitterfor her three

children. Her father — also her coach, trainingpartner and chief motivator — solved that.

“He got me a sitter, signed me up andput me in the car,” she said. “The next thingyou know, we’re here.”

Hatfield had just five men finish aheadof her.

“It felt good to win again,” said the for-mer Eastern Michigan University runner. “Ihad my third baby a little over a year agoand I’ve been dying to race again.

“This is a hard course to start out on,though. It took a lot out of me. I’ll be hob-bling tomorrow, I’m sure.”

Her father finished fifth in his 50-54 agegroup, but struggled with hills. “I’m terribleon these hills,” Gould said. “But I love thesetrails.”

Gould said his daughter has no prob-lems with hills. “She just floats up them likea butterfly,” he said.

Helen Fuller, 26, of Ann Arbor took sec-ond among the women in 37:51.

“It’s amazing,” Fuller said of the trailrun. “It’s so much fun. But the hills are evil.You can’t admire the scenery, because you’relooking at the ground the whole way mak-ing sure you don’t trip over a rock.”

Cynthia Hamkins, 39, of Whitmore Laketook third for the women in 39:22, followedby Sharlene Day, 39, of Ann Arbor in 39:30.

Dave Homann, 41, of South Lyon hadfinished second in the men’s race the pasttwo years. This year he left no doubts,jumping out to a big early lead and winningby more than two and a half minutes.

“It’s hard to run fast on this trail,” hesaid. “I kept chickening out on the down-

hills, while the young guys went nuts downthem.”

Homann stillran prettyfast. He timed30:02, withPeterHamlington,27, of AnnArbor secondin 32:39.

“It wastough,”Hamlingtonsaid. “It’s a lothillier than Iexpected. Mytime was quitea bit slowerthan I wouldhave liked,but with allthese hills it’sthe toughestfive miles I’veever run.”

Ricky Steven,15, of Howellwas third in33:14 andPete Bruno,40, ofOkemosfourth in33:32. SinceHomann was overall champ, Bruno wasawarded the masters title.

Christine Boose, 49, of Windsor was thefirst among women masters in 40:57.

For complete race results, visitwww.trailmarathon.com MR.

Homann, Hatfield Hit Homers at Road Ends Romp

Carrie Gould Hatfieldreturned to racingwith a 5 mile win.

Road Ends Trail Run, Pinckney

David Homann wonthe 5 Mile race bymore than two and ahalf minutes.

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By Tracey Cohen

Formorethantwodecades,EllenNitzofMilfordhastrained,racedandgivenbacktorunning.Herpassionisyettowane.

Nitz, who will turn 69 this summer, is alongtime member of the Motor City Stridersand Ann Arbor Track Club. She continues torun approximately 30 races a year, consistent-ly winning age-division honors for herefforts.

After focusing for the last decade onshorter races, Nitz has found the desire toexpand her distances. She plans to run theinaugural Beaver Island Half Marathon thisSeptember and train for a marathon nextyear. She also foresees preparing for a sprinttriathlon.

“As I age, the clock at the finish lineseems to show higher numbers,” said Nitz. “Iknow that’s inevitable, but I want to tryharder to hold the line on the speedy demiseof my race times.”

Nitz volunteers for about 10 races everyyear, recruiting volunteers and assisting racedirectors. She serves on the Ann Arbor TrackClub board.

She credits Motor City Striders presi-dent Ed Kozloff with inspiring her tobecome more involved in the sport. “Hehas helped me realize the enormous amountof work that goes into organizing events,”Nitz said.

Second-year Kensington Challenge direc-tor Doug Goodhue attests to how valuableNitz’s help is. “Ellen was my volunteer coor-dinator last year,” he said. “She was alwaysavailable to talk and meet; she stepped in andwas everywhere!

“Ellen is a caring, dedicated person,”added Goodhue. “She spends a lot of timegiving back to the sport she loves.”

Nitz advises new runners to realizehow easy it is to overtrain — a big reasonfor injuries. “Once injured, it is easy to tryto ignore it,” she said. “Taking time off tolet an injury heal is a lot shorter thanrecovering from a minor injury thatbecomes major.

“Running is a passion filling our lives withhealth, new friends and joy,” she continued. “Iwant to give back as much as possible to thissport and to those who make it possible.

“There are so many race directors, volun-teers, sponsors, running clubs and storeswhose work is often selfless and to whom Iwill always be grateful. There is no end to allthat is amazing about our sport.”

As Nitz’s husband and cheerleader, Walt,says before each race, “Show ‘em how it’sdone!”

Tracey Cohen can be reached by e-mail [email protected]. MR

Ellen Nitz competes in the Cooley5K Race for Education in Lansing.

Ellen Nitz: Running,Racing, Giving Hartland

Memorial DayRun Memorable

IndeedBy Ron Marinucci

HARTLAND (5/25/09) — The runninggods smiled on the Hartland MemorialDay Run/Walk this year. The 5K runnersand 3K walkers were greeted with brightsunshine, temperatures hovering in the low50s and only the slightest of breezes.

Numbers increased from 161 who ranthe 5K last year to 183 this year. The fes-tive atmosphere of holiday activities —including a pancake breakfast, solemncolor guard presentation and parade —added to the morning.

The course started at Hartland HighSchool and ran through the village. Runnersencountered a steep, grinding half-mile hill atthe mile and a half mark, followed by ashorter, yet still-steep hill a mile later.

Maybe it’s a good thing the HartlandCemetery came just before the hills. Had itappeared at the end, some runners mighthave called it quits for good.

Laura Good was excited at the finish.She placed second in her age group in22:39 and enthused, “I PR’d today, withthat hill! It was challenging!”

Two weeks before, Good won her agegroup at the West Bloomfield Rock &Road 10K. “And I ran the Bayshore Half-Marathon two days ago. I PR’d there byseven minutes,” she said.

Brothers Sam and Seth Bedford ran withHartland Round School friends. It was 6-year-old Seth’s first 5K. With a finish-linecookie in hand and smile on his face, he said,“It was fun. But big hill was hard.”

This was Sam’s third 5K. The 10-year-old happily announced, “I did 25 minutes.It was pretty, but I didn’t like the hilleither.”

Mom and dad, Julie and Matt Bedford,also ran. Matt broke 20 minutes to placesecond in his age group. They were rightlyvery excited by their sons’ fine showings.

Hartland Memorial Day Run/Walk


About a dozen Round School elemen-tary students joined Seth and Sam for therace. Matt Bedford said that a PTA auctionraffled phys-ed teacher Jim Curry to trainthe kids for the run. They trained for amonth and a half, even “doing some inter-vals” to get ready.

Other teachers and parents ran withthe young ones, all decked in bright yellowRound School t-shirts.

The race is advertised as a “fun run.”Nine past and present HHS cross countryrunners decided to emphasize the fun partof it.

A couple hundred yards into the race,they pulled off to the side to do push-ups.They repeated this at each mile mark andwater stop.

As if the hills weren’t enough, the nineran up and down the steps of the historicCromartie Library just past the secondmile. At the finish, they said, “Our goalwas to beat our coach. We did!”

Less successful was their singingJourney’s “Don’t Stop Believing” duringthe event.

The event was about racing too. Infact, it was pretty intense up front. Comingdown the backside of the big hill, five run-ners were grimacing at their efforts as theyled the pack.

Nicholas Katsefaras held off the others,winning overall in 16:09. B.J. Pankow,Aaron Usher, Josh Partridge and MikeCamilleri all finished within 27 seconds ofKatsefaras.

In the women’s race, Denisa Costescu(17:47) outdueled Erin Webster by sevenseconds.

The masters winners were Eric Stuber(17:26, age-graded 16:09) and 2008’s over-all female winner Lisa Veneziano (18:42,age-graded 17:14), while the seniors werepaced by Roger Lara (18:27, age-graded16:29) and Cheryl Sorg (30:04).

Jim Carlton, at 66, was the oldest fin-isher, but certainly not the last one. He ranan impressive 20:17 (age-graded 15:38).

Co-race director Rob Buti noted thatthe Hartland 5K has raised more than$10,000 over the past three years for HHSspecial education and the cheer team. Co-director Dennis Tierney hinted that a 10Kmight be added to the event in 2010.

Ron Marinucci can be reached [email protected]. MR

By Charles Douglas McEwen

FERNDALE (5/17/09) — Home-townerDavid Barnett, 35, ran away with themen’s 10K title at the 23rd Ferndale FootFrolic, while Ella Willis of Detroitshowed that she can still dominate awomen’s field at age 51.

Barnett, who graduated from theUniversity of Michigan in 1997, finishedin 34:49, nearly seven minutes ahead ofhis closest rival, Michael Discenna, 28,also of Ferndale (41:20).

“I was just hoping for a good, fasteffort today,” Barnett said. “I’m just gettingback into running. I ran a lot after college,but then my wife and I had two kids and Igot away from it a bit.”

Willis, a three-time Detroit Free PressMarathon winner, finished almost threeminutes ahead of women’s runner-upNaomi Welborn, 36, of Troy.

“She and I ran together for the firsthalf-mile,” Welborn said. “But I prettymuch knew we weren’t going to betogether the rest of the race. She reallytook off.”

Welborn ran a personal-record48:19. Next came Jaclyn Velardo, 26, ofTroy (48:31), Claire Boone, 17, ofToronto (50:28) and Erin Abrams, 31, ofNew Hudson (50:44).

Third through fifth for the men wereMatt Murphy, 37, of Royal Oak (41:51),Duane Stewart, 50, of Royal Oak (42:24)and Jack Folbe, 46, who runs this raceevery year as a Green Team member(42:26).

“The race was fantastic,” Folbe said.“It was very well organized. And it wasbeautiful day.”

The Green Team, a group ofHuntington Woods runners who competein races wearing bright-green shirts,included Adam Bornstein and StevenKrasnick (both 51:18), Craig Zucker(51:44) and Barry Leshman (52:20).

“We love this race,” Bornstein said.“It’s a real community event. Peopleare on their porches cheering you on.It’s a real warm feeling you get fromthis race.”

The Green Team shows up at run-ning events in a van with its logo on theside. “People think we’re a landscapingcompany,” Folbe said. “They want us totake down a tree or trim bushes.”

The Frolic also included a one-milerun, won by Anthony Wesley, 52, ofLivonia and Carla Baker, 29, of Ferndale.

“We had 118 participants this year,up 20 from last year,” said race directorBarbara Miller. “We had an excellentday. Everybody seemed happy with thecourse. We’re looking at adding a 5Knext year, which would give us threegreat races.”

Race proceeds benefit FerndaleRecreation scholarships for children.

Complete results can be found atwww.gaultracemanagement.com. MR

David Barnett’s 34:49won the 10K title.

Ferndale Recreation Foot Frolic, Ferndale

Ferndale Foot Frolic FeaturesStars, Team Green

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By Daniel G. Kelsey

FRUITPORT (5/23/09) — The folks who puton the Old Fashioned Days road race hadmore on their hands for the 28th annual run-ning than they were ready for.

With registrations in excess of 400 in the5K and 10K, up from 240 finishers in 2008,organizers ran into shortages. They had toofew ribbons to go around. As a percentage of

finishers, they had fewer medals than normalto pass out. They had too low a stock ofrefreshments.

Their supply of Popsicle sticks, numberedto keep track of the order of finishers, wasinadequate. So they wrote numbers on slipsof paper to cover the back third of the field.

All of which the staff and volunteers tookas calmly as if it was par for the course insuch an old-fashioned event ... and the run-ners took as good-naturedly as if it was incharacter in such an endearing scene.

Where else could a racer sign up for $8early and $10 on race day? Where else couldshe lace up her shoes without fiddling with atiming chip? Where else could he take off orcome home without treading on a timing mat?

The overflow crowd of runners didn’tslow down the overall winners: MichelleMercer (18:18) and Jacob Batch (16:20) inthe 5K, Melissa Bergeron (43:32) and NathanVanDuinen (35:13) in the 10K.

Nor did it slow down Kap-Kirwok, 24,of Allendale. The Grand Valley StateUniversity senior, having just completed histrack season, set out to do tempo in his first5K race ever.

Kirwok, a native of Mt. Elgon, Kenya,had his sights set beyond the finish line onthe track in Fruitport. He hopes to representKenya in the 2012 Berlin Olympics in his spe-cialty at 800 meters.

In Fruitport, an event he found out aboutthe night before, he was just following thoseahead of him to a third-place finish in 17:38.

“I felt good. I felt comfortable. But it wastoo short,” he said. “I would’ve liked morehills.”

In that case, he wouldn’t have liked the10K. Unlike the 5K, which dips through threeravines going and coming, the 10K course,between its departure from and return to the5K course, is mostly flat. Dan Stevens, 56, ofKentwood observed that the back part of thelonger race had but one dip — to a bridgeover water.

Stevens, in his first Old-Fashioned Daysrace, got a medal for taking third place in hisage group with a 47:44.

“It’s something I’d do again. I liked thewhole feel of it,” he said. “They give you aribbon before you even start.”

The low-key registration … the outgoingpeople … the cool weather with a light rainduring the race … it all added up to charm.

“It was a fun, relaxing morning,” Stevenssaid. “I don’t think there was any aspect of itI didn’t enjoy.” MR

Fruitport Retro RaceCharms ... and Grows

Fruitport Old Fashioned Days Run, Fruitport

Jacob Batch won the 5K in 16:20.

Women’s 5K winner MichelleMercer nears the finish line on theFruitport High School track.

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By Bill Khan

FLUSHING (4/11/09) — I arrived for the TaxTrot road race totally convinced of one thing— I was going to get a personal record.

Why was I so self-assured? Even whenwe’re in the best of shape, racing is still a bitof a mystery. You never know quite howyou’ll feel once the race begins.

I had no doubt this was a P.R. day,though, because I signed up for the 15-kilo-meter run. Having never raced a 15K before,an automatic P.R. awaited, so long as I fin-ished upright.

The Tax Trot is one of those multi-eventRiverbend Striders races that allow partici-pants some choices. In this case, there was a15K run, a 10K run, a 5K run and a 5Kwalk. Suffice to say, there was a lot of typinginvolved when I put together the top age-group results for my newspaper, The FlintJournal.

I used Tax Trot as my only racing tune-up for my first marathon, Bayshore on May23 in Traverse City. After getting some inputfrom veteran runners I respect, I chose to runit as a tempo run, because racing all-outmight have cost me some training days as Irecovered.

Tax Trot had three different starting linesfor the three distances and was run on thesame residential loop — one loop for the 5K,two for the 10K, three for the 15K.

This has its plusses and minuses. Withthe 15K starting line the furthest back, wehad the opportunity to catch slower 10K and5K runners as the race progressed. Few thingscan perk up a runner during a race quite likethe feeling of passing people, even if they’renot technically in your same race.

Of course, there was also some conges-tion to deal with, though I didn’t have tostray from the ideal tangent too often.

The biggest problem for me came as Iapproached the only water station on thecourse, just past the two-mile mark for the15K runners. I was positioning myself to graba cup when a slower runner in front of megrabbed his cup — and stopped dead in histracks to savor a drink. There were only twovolunteers who were too close together forme to move around to the second one, so Ijust skipped the water stop rather than breakmy stride.

I had a good shot at the water station onthe second loop, but got a case of butterfin-gers and dropped my cup. This time, I quick-ly turned around and got another one. Imight have lost a few seconds, but I needed adrink pretty badly.

Not having run a 15K, I had no ideawhat would be a good time. As I approachedthe finish line, I looked at my watch and fig-ured breaking 1 hourand 5 minutes would bea worthy goal, so Ipicked up the pace goinginto a strong wind andfinished in 1:04:24.

The goal was to run7:05 to 7:10 pace, butall of my winter trainingmade an average pace of6:55 feel easy. The keywas that two days later, Iwas able to get in a goodworkout, so mymarathon training was-n’t compromised.

I was third in themen’s 45-49 division,but it was a day onwhich youth was served.Three of the six winnersin the various runs werehigh school students.

Seniors Joe Maki(34:01) and SarahDrevon (42:38) of FlintPowers Catholic werethe 10K winners. Makimade Division 2 All-State in cross country inthe fall, while Drevonhelped Powers’ girlsqualify as a team.

Durand junior DavidMadrigal, a two-timeDivision 3 cross countryAll-Stater, won the 5Krun in 16:10. DanielleQuisenberry of Jackson,a former CentralMichigan Universitystandout, was thewomen’s 5K winner in17:28. She was five sec-onds off the courserecord set by Fenton’sSue Larsen in 2007.

From my vantage

point in the 15K race, Lansing’s JeromeRecker was just a rumor. He was way, wayup there, winning in 53:36. At least I didn’tget lapped. Sherrie Teeple of Grand Blancrepeated as the women’s winner in 1:07:21.

There were exactly 400 finishers in thevarious events, with the 5K run attracting themost with 172. MR


Tax Trot Takes Fitness TollTax Trot, Flushing


JulyWednesday, July 1

Wayland Road Runners5 Mile Graveyard RunWayland 6:30 pm5MR, 2.5MWWayland HS TrackRay Antel III(269) [email protected]

Friday, July 3

Mayor’s IndependenceDay 3 Mile RunOak Park 8:00 amOak Park CommunityCenter 3MR(248) [email protected]

YMCA Buck Creek RunGrandville 8:30 amGrandville Middle School5 KR/W, kids runs(616) [email protected]

Saturday, July 4

Black Bear RunEngadine 9:00 am EDTEngadine High School12KR, 6KR/W(906) [email protected]

Boyne CityIndependence Day RunBoyne City 7:30 amDowntown Boyne City10KR, 2 MR(231) [email protected]

Clawson FirecrackerMileClawson 9:00 am14 Mile at Crooks & Main1 MR(248) [email protected]

Coach K 5KSt. Louis 8:00 amSt. Louis HS5KR/W(989) [email protected]/coachk5k

Dorks Brothers 4th ofJuly RunAlpena 8:45 amNational Marine Sanctuary5KRStan Mischley(989) 354-5634

Firecracker 5KBeulah 8:00 amCrystal Lake Pavilion 5KR(231) [email protected]

GHXC Patriots Day 5KRoad and Trail RunGrand Haven 8:00 amGrand Haven High School5KR, kids race(616) 846-5513

[email protected]

Gladstone KiwanisFirecracker Five MileGladstone 8:00 am ESTacross from GladstoneState Police 5MR/W(906) [email protected]

Greatest 4th in theNorthLake City 8:30 amDowntown City Park10KR/W, 5KR/W, 2KFR(231) 839-4163lakecityschools.net/race/

Hanover FirecrackerHanover 8:00 amHanover Fire Station5 MR, 5KW, kids run(517) [email protected]/runjackson/

Hills & Dales RacesCass City 8:00 amHills & Dales Gen.Hospital8KR, 5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Horse Tail ScrambleHancock 1:00 pm EDTChurning Rapids Trails10KR, 5KR/W(906) [email protected]

Hungry Duck Run

Brighton 7:00 am13.1MR, 5KR, kids run(517) [email protected]

Independence Day 5KRunHarbor Springs 8:00 amZoll Street Park5KR(231) 526-7999harborspringschamber.com

Indy 5K RaceKentwood 9:00 am 5KRKelloggwoods Park; 54th& Kelloggswoods Dr.Jason Petersen (616)656-5272 [email protected]/65130Precedes Parade

Larry Steeb MemorialIndependence Day RunWhitmore Lake 8:00 am10KR, 5KR, Splash ‘ndash, Tin Man 800meterFR, 200meter FRWhitmore Lake MS(734) [email protected]/58800

Pizza Hut KidsTriathlonBenton Harbor 8:00 amJean Klock ParkTri: 100meterS/ 3MB/1/2MR or 200meterS/6MB/ 1MR(407) [email protected] 7-14

Run & Walk forFundsNorthport 9:00 am10KR, 5KR, 2 MWHistoric NorthportDepotGeorge W. Anderson(231) [email protected]

Run Thru PurgatoryConstantine 9:00 am10100 Preston Rd.10KR, 5KR(269) [email protected]

Ryan Shay MidsummerNight RunCentral Lake 7:00 pm10KR, 5KR, 1MFRCentral Lake HS TrackKathy Patton(231) [email protected]

Schoolcraft Firecracker5 MilerSchoolcraft 8:00 amSchoolcraft Middle School5MR, 1MFR/W(269) [email protected]

St. Mary’s FestivalWestphalia 8:00 amSt. Mary’s School5MR, 5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Sunday Lake RunWakefield 8:00 am CDT

July - October 2009 Event Calendar

2.8MR Pavillion by thedam on Sunday Lake(906) [email protected]/Calendar.htm

T-Rex Trail 10-MilerLowell 9:00 amFallasburg Park10MR, 8KR(616) [email protected]

Tortoise & Hare 5KAnn Arbor 8:00 amTortoise and Hare5KR/W, kids dash(734) [email protected]

VolkslaufeFrankenmuth8:00 amHeritage Park20KR, 10KR, 5KR/W,2KFR-kids run(989) 860-3388 or(800) [email protected]

Sunday, July 5

Firecracker TriathlonBenton Harbor 8:00 amJean Klock Park1/4MS, 11MB, 3MR, kidstri(269) [email protected]

Firefighters 5KRun/WalkHolly 9:00 am5KR/WHolly Fire Department, 313S. Broad St.(248) [email protected]/

HowellIndependenceAquathlon andOpen WaterSwimHowell 8:00 amHowell City Park2KR/ 1KS/ 2KR or1MSChris Galatis

(517) 546-0693, x [email protected]

MSO Fundraiser 5KRochester 10:00 am5KFR/WClinton River Trail(248) [email protected]

Manistee Firecracker 5KManistee 8:15 amManistee High School5KR/W, 1 KFREric Thuemmel(231) [email protected]/mhs

Pickerel RunAlgonac 8:00 amAlgonac Elementary School10KR, 5KR/W(810) [email protected]

Tuesday, July 7

Richmond Park Cross

CountryGrand Rapids 7:00 pmRichmond Park5KR, 1.5MR, kids run(616) [email protected]

Wednesday, July 8

Doozie’s Ice Cream FunRun/Walk SeriesMt. Pleasant 7:30 pm1310 East Pickard5MR, 3MR, 1(989) [email protected]/~mphsstr/

Grand Ledge Track andField SeriesGrand Ledge 6:30 pmBeagle Middle Schooltrack meet-all comers(517) [email protected]

Hansons MarathonTraining Clinic #2Royal Oak 6:30 pmHansons Running Shop(248) 616-9665

[email protected]

Thursday, July 9

Auburn Cornstalk 5KRun/WalkAuburn 6:30 pmWestern High School5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Concordia Summer FunRunAnn Arbor 7:00 pm5KFR Concordia cam-pus West of gym(734) [email protected]/f/SportCamps.php

Huckleberry Hustle 5kTrail RunFlint 7:00 pmCross roads Village &Huckleberry Railroad5KR/W, kids run(810) [email protected]



Saturday, July 11

Anchor Bay TriathlonNew Baltimore 7:30 am1/2MS, 11MR, 3MR(586) [email protected]

Big Brothers/ BigSisters Fun Run/WalkNegaunee 8:30 am EDT10K, 2MR/WIron & Silver Streets(906) [email protected]

Catch Your Breath Run& WalkFlint 8:00 amFlint Journal Building10KR/W, 5KR/W(810) 766-6134tcurry@ flintjournal.comflintjournal.com/race/

Dances withDirt - Devil’sLakeBaraboo, WIRunning Fit(734) [email protected]

Elsie Dairy DashElsie 7:30 amVillage Main Street5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Keweenaw TrailRunningFestival(2 Day Event)Copper Harbor8:00 amKeweenaw MountainLodge10KR, 5.8K Hill Climb,2K youth run.Jeff Crumbaugh(715) [email protected] is Sunday, July 12

Kindleberger SummerFestival of the Arts 5KRun/WalkParchment 8:00 amKindleberger Park5KR/W(269) 385-4154

[email protected]

Lakeshore MiracleRunHolland 8:30 am10KR(616) [email protected]

National CherryFestival 15K &5KTraverse City 7:30 amEastern Elementary,1600 Eastern Ave.15KR, 5KR/W(800) [email protected]

Port Austin Run forYouth for ChristPort Austin 8:30 amGallup Park8KR, 2 MR/W(989) [email protected]

Rockford Area KidsTriathlonRockford 9:00 amRockford North MSTri: kids 0-17; distancesvary by age(517) [email protected]

Rollie Hopgood’sMidtown Taylor 5K RunTaylor 9:00 amHeritage Park5KR/W, 1MFRGreg Everal(734) [email protected]

Run by the BayEast Tawas 9:00 amEast Tawas HarborsidePark 5KR/W,1MR/W(989) [email protected]

Run for HopeLapeer 9:00 amDustin Jenkins(810) [email protected]

Son of a Sailor HessLake 10K Run/WalkNewaygo 9:00 amHess Lake, River ValleyCommunity Church

10KR/W(231) [email protected]

Spread the Music 8Hour Adventure RaceGrand Haven 10:00 amHarbor Island(231) [email protected]

Ubly Homecoming 5KRun/WalkUbly 8:00 amVillage Park5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Sunday, July 12

Betsie Bay 10 Mile -DATE CHANGED TOAUGUST 1

BikesportWaterlooTriathlon /DuathlonGrass Lake 8:00 amBig Portage Lake,Seymour RoadTri: 1/2MS/ 16MB/5MR;Du: 2MR/ 16MB/ 5MRJim / Joyce Donaldson(419) [email protected]

Course of ChampionsMilford 9:00 amKensington Metro Park,Possum Hollow5KR, 1MFR(248) [email protected]

Gallup GallopAnn Arbor 8:30 amGallup Park5KR, 3MW, 1 MRJo Darlington(734) [email protected]

Grand Haven Triathlon,Sprint Tri, & DuathlonGrand Haven 7:45 amTri-Cities Family YMCATri: 1.5KS/ 40KB/ 10KR or500meterS/ 20KB/ 5KR orDu: 5KR/ 20KB/ 5KR,kids tri(616) 566-7870

[email protected]

Grandma Kay’sOrchard 5K Run/WalkWashington Twp. Noon5KR/WWestview Orchards(248) [email protected]

Inter-Rockin Tri,Du,Sprint TriInterlochen 8:00 amInterlochen State ParkTri: 1.5KS/ 40KB/ 6.4MRor 500 meterS/ 20KB,3.2MR or Du: 3.2MR/20KB/ 3.2MR(231) [email protected]

Keweenaw TrailRunningFestival(2 Day Event)Copper Harbor7:00 am25KREagle Harbor, CopperHarborJeff Crumbaugh(715) [email protected], 5.8K Hill Climb,2K youth run areSaturday, July 11

Muddy Buddy Run &Ride SeriesShelby Township 8:00 amStoney Creek Metro Park6-7MR/B team relay(818) [email protected]

Mt. Olivet Cemetery 4-Mile Sunrise RunDetroit 8:00 amMt. Olivet Cemetery10KR, 5KR/W, 1MW(734) [email protected]

Run Your Bass OffCrystal Falls 9:00 am CDT10KR, 3.6MR, 2MWRunkle Lake ParkKim Olson(906) [email protected]/bass.htm

Monday, July 13

Nike-Sauk Valley CrossCountry CampBrooklyn 2:00 pm10750 Prospect Hill(734) [email protected]

Tuff Cross CountryCampHolland 12:00 pmHope College(937) [email protected]/track/youthcamps.aspx7/13/09 - 7/18/09

Wednesday, July 15

Grand Ledge Track andField Series -ChampionshipGrand Ledge 6:30 pmBeagle Middle Schooltrack meet-all comers(517) [email protected]

Hansons MarathonTraining Clinic #2Lake Orion 6:30 pmHansons Running(248) [email protected]

Run Fit KidsFitness CampAnn ArborGallup ParkRunning Fit(734) [email protected]

Wayland Road RunnersTrack WorkoutWayland 6:30 pm2MR, 400, 200, 100 meterrunsWayland HS TrackRay Antel III(269) [email protected]

Run Fit KidsFitness CampAnn ArborGallup ParkRunning Fit(734) [email protected]

Thursday, July 16

Concordia Summer FunRunAnn Arbor 7:00 pm5KFR Concordiacampus West of gym(734) [email protected]/f/SportCamps.php

Ophelia BonnerScholarship RunFlint 6:30 pmU of M Pavilion, Saganaw& Kearsley Streets8KR/W, 1MR(810) [email protected]

Friday, July 17

Great Lakes RelayEastpointe 6:00 amBegins near Tawas; finishesin Empire 270 M Relay(313) [email protected] 17-19, 2009

Hansons 3 Mile Cross-Country RaceRomeo 7:00 pmWolcott Farm 3 MR(586) [email protected]

Leslie 5KLeslie 6:45 pmLeslie HS, 4141 Hull Rd.5KR/W, 1MFR, kids run(517) [email protected]

Red Carpet Run5KNovi 10:30 am5KR, kids’ runRunning Fit(734) [email protected] 13-23

Saturday, July 18

Alpenfest RunGaylord 8:00 amPavilion on CourtStreet10MR/W, 4MR/W, 1MFR

Mike Tarbutton(989) [email protected]/AFRace.htmMichigan Runner RaceSeries - 10 Mile

Bastille Days 5KRun/Walk and 15KRFenton 7:45 am150 S. Leroy15KR, 5KR/W(810) [email protected] gene-seehabitat.org/5k-run/

Bear River CrawlPetoskey 9:00 amBay Front Park5KR, 1MFR(231) 347-9300mboers@northernmichigansportsmed.comnorthernmichigans-portsmed.com

Catch the Breeze 5KElkton 8:30 am5KRVeterans ParkDebbie [email protected]

Farmington FoundersFestivalFarmington 9:00 amShaiwassee Park 4 MR(248) [email protected]

Festival IronwoodWalk, Run & RollIronwood 8:30 am CDT5MR, 2MFR/WOld Depot Park(906) [email protected]

Gazelle Sports Tri delSolMiddleville 8:00 amYMCA Camp Manitou-LinTri: 1/2 MS/ 18MB/ 4.5MR;Du: 2MR/ 18MB/ 4.5MR(269) [email protected]

Indian River SummerfestKiwanis 5K Run/Walk &10K RunIndian River 8:00 am10KR, 5KR/WLumber Yard, StraitsHwyGreg Rotter(231) [email protected]

Kelly CarterScholarship RunTecumseh 9:00 amCarter Rehab Center, 902Industrial Drive10KR, 5KR, 1MW(517) 423-7722Angie_Birdsall&yahoo.com

Kaleva Finnish Line 5KRun WalkKaleva 9:00 amKaleva Elementary School,5KR/W(231) [email protected]

Lightning Lynx TrackClub Coach JamesBibbs Track and FieldInvitationalHolt 9:00 amHolt HStrack & field meet(517) [email protected]

Our Redeemer CaresHabitat RunMidland 9:00 amOur Redeemer Church5KR, 1.5MR, kids run(989) [email protected]

Plainwell EducationFoundation Island CityRun/ WalkPlainwell 9:00 am10KR, 5KR/W, 1MFR(269) [email protected]

Planet Fitness RunningFestivalSpring Arbor 8:15 amSpring Arbor University10KR, 5KR/W, 1/2M kids’FR(517) [email protected]

Port City RunFrankfort 8:30 am5KR/W, 1MMain Street, at Goose Park,next to Benzie ShoresDistrict Library (35 milessouthwest of Traverse City)Jeff or Judi Tousley(231) [email protected]/PortCityRun/index.htm

Republic Bank CanalRun/WalkHancock 7:00 amMcLain State Park toHancock 10MR/W




(906) [email protected]/events_35_canalrun.aspx

Run Thru SpartaSparta 8:00 amSparta Middle School5KR/W, kid’s run(616) [email protected]

SMAC SprintAdventure RaceWhite Lake 8:00 am10-13 hour Mountain Bike,Paddle, Trek, Fixed RopesPaul Piorkowski(734) [email protected]

Starts and Stripes 5KRun/Walk and Kids RunGrand Rapids 8:30 am5KR/W, kids runNavy Operational SupportCenter, 1863 Monroe Ave.(231) [email protected]

SuperkidstryHartland 9:00 amHartland HSTri: 100mS/ 5KB/ 800mRor 200mS/ 10KB/ 1MR(231) [email protected]

The Rose RunPetersburg 8:30 am5KR/W10 East Center St.Jessica [email protected]

Venetian River RunSt Joseph 7:00 amLake Blvd and Ship St.5KR/W(269) [email protected]

Sunday, July 19

Bikesport ClarkLake Triathlon& DuathlonClark Lake 8:30 amClark Lake Beach &Boat ClubTri: 1/2MS/ 13 MB/ 4MR or Du: 2.4MR/13MB/ 4MRJim / Joyce Donaldson(419) [email protected]

Carl’s Family YMCAHappy Trails TriathlonMilford 8:00 amKensington MetroparkTri: 800mS/ 20KB/ 5KR orDu: 1.5MR/ 20KB/ 5KR,kids run(231) [email protected]

Friendly MasseyMarathon &Spanish RiverHalf-MarathonMassey, ON6:00 amMassey District Arena26.2MR,, 13.1MR,10KRElizabeth Gamble(705) [email protected]

Kiwanis Island RunEaton Rapids 8:00 amG.A.R. Island Park5KRW(517) [email protected]

Meridian Plumbing’sFight Hunger 5KOkemos 9:00 amMeridian Township offices,5151 Marsh Rd.5KR/W(517) [email protected]

Ohio/Michigan 4 MileRunSylvania, OH 10:00 am4MR/W, kids runPacesetter Park(419) 360-3709toledoroadrunners.org

Perch RunFairhaven 8:00 amImmaculate ConceptionChurch4 MR, 2MFW, kids run(586) [email protected]

Tuesday, July 21

Aman Park Trail RunGrand Rapids 7:00 pm1895 Lake Michigan Dr.5.5MR, 1.5M kidsrun/bike/run(616) [email protected]

Wednesday, July 22

Grand Ledge Track andField Series - FinaleGrand Ledge 6:30 pmBeagle Middle Schooltrack meet-all comers(517) [email protected]

Hansons MarathonTraining Clinic #2Utica 6:30 pmHansons Running Shop(586) [email protected]

PterodactylTriathlonBrighton 6:30 pmIsland LakeRecreation AreaTri: 1/2MS/ 5KR/20KBAndrea Allen(734) [email protected]

Road Racing at MetroBeachHarrison Twp 7:00 pmPointe Road - Metro Beach4MR(248) [email protected]/arpraces/

Wayland Road RunnersCross Country RunWayland 6:30 pm5KR, 2MWEast Kentwood XC Coursealong scenic Falcon CreekRay Antel III(269) [email protected]

Thursday, July 23


Saturday, July 25

Alden RunAlden 9:00 am10KR, 5KR/WSteve Kershner(231) 377-7319

[email protected]

Arcadia Daze 5KR,10KRArcadia 9:00 am5KR Ed Matusko(231) 889-0265ArcadiaTwpMi.Org

Best SourceCredit UnionHeart of theHillsWest Bloomfield8:00 amAndover HS -Andover Road10KR, 5KRJohn Normandeau(800) 666-4500,x [email protected]

Byron Bank 5KByron Center 8:30 am5KR/WByron Bank, 2445 84th St.(616) [email protected]/64209

Chris Cook MemorialRunFremont 8:30 am204 E. Main Street10KR, 5KR(231) [email protected]

C-Roy BolognaRun/WalkYale 8:00 am5KR, 1MR/W200 Main St.(810) [email protected]/yalecrosscountry/

Escanaba Lighthouse5K Run/WalkEscanaba 9:00 am EDT5KR/W, kids runLudington Park Bandshell(906) [email protected]

Gift of Life MOTTEPLife Walk/RunDetroit 9:00 am10KR, 5KR/WBelle Isle(313) [email protected]

Go for SLO 5KFowler 8:30 amWaldron Elementary/Missle School5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Gopher the GoldShelby Township 9:00 amRiver Bends Park10KR, 5KR, kids run(248) [email protected]

The G.R.A. 10KGrayling 9:00 am10KR Grayling HS(989) [email protected]

Grand IslandTrail Marathon& 10KMunising 7:00 amWilliams Landing,Grand Island, LakeSuperior26.2 MR, 10KRJeff Crumbaugh(715) [email protected]

Hudson Booster 5kCross Country OpenHudson 8:30 amHudson H X-C Course5KR(517) [email protected]

Ionia Free Fair 5K RaceIonia 8:00 amIonia Free Fair Grounds3MR(616) [email protected]

Life Walk 5K Run/Walk,1 Mile Run/WalkBelle Isle-Detroit 9:00 am5KFR/W, 1MFR/WBelle Isle Casino(313) [email protected]

Lumberjack Festival 5KRun/Walk - TENTATIVEDATEFarwell 8:00 amDowntown Farwell5KR/W, 1MR, 1/2M kidsrun(989) [email protected]


Lyn Yarrow MemorialRun/Walk 5KDexter 9:00 am5KR/W, 1MRHudson Mills MetroparkBob & Katie Jazwinski(734) [email protected]

Muddy Watters, Bump& Run Trail Series,Race #3Rochester Hills 9:00 amBloomer Park, MountainAsh Shelter 5.5MR(248) [email protected]

Plainwell Island City 5KPlainwell 9:00 am5KR/W, 1MFR(269) [email protected]

Road Runner ClassicNorthville 5:00 pmMaybury State Park8KR/W, 1MFR(248) 231-6114run [email protected]

Run for an InstrumentalLifelong ExperienceColdwater 8:00 am5KR/W(734) [email protected]

Ryan Shay MileCharlevoix 10:30 am1MR - invitationaldowntown CharlevoixMatt Peterson(231) [email protected]

Salomon/ EnduranceSports Summer Groove15 Hour AdventureRacePentwater 3:00 amadventure race(231) [email protected]

Steve’s RunDowagiac 9:00 am10KR, 5KR/W,1 MFR/WRon Gunn(269) [email protected]/fireup/stevesrun

Summer Groove 15Hour Adventure RaceNewyago 3:00 amadventure raceMatt Vander Sys(231) [email protected]

Tigertown 5000 RoadRaceLiberty Center 9:00 amLibery Center High School5KR/WDoug Desgrange(419) [email protected]

Tri Cities Family CoastGuard Festival 5K &10KGrand Haven 8:00 am10KR, 5KR/WYMCA(616) 842-7051, [email protected]

Tuuri Race Day 5K RunWalk & 10K RunFlint 7:30 amHurley Medical Center10KR, 5KR/W, 1MW, KidsRun(810) 257-9428gaultracemanagement.com

Venetian Festival JeffDrenth Memorial FootRacesCharlevoix 9:00 am10KR, 5KR, 1 MR, 1MFRMt. McSauba Ski LodgeMatt Peterson(231) [email protected]

Sunday, July 26

BikesportWomen’s OnlyTriathlon & Dri-TriSylvania, OH 7:30 amCentennial Terrace &QuarryTri: 400yardS/ 13MB/3.1MR or Du: 1MR/13MB/ 3.1MRJim / Joyce Donaldson(419) [email protected]

CarrolltonCharity RoadRacesCarrollton 6:00 amCarrollton HighSchool, 1235Mapleridge Road26.2 MR, 20KR, 10KR,5KR/WCraig Douglas

(989) [email protected]

Ele’s Place 5K & MileOkemos 9:00 amJackson National LifeInsurance Company5KR/W, 1M kids run(517) [email protected] Race Series

Hansons Group RunLake Orion 8:00 amHansons Running Shop(248) [email protected]

Level Pebble 4 Mile &10K RunFlat Rock 8:10 am10KR, 4MR/WRecreation Center(734) [email protected]

Mackinaw Multi-SportMixMackinaw City 8:00 amWaywatum ParkTri: 800mS/ 30KB/ 5KRDu: 2MR/ 30KB/ 5KR(231) [email protected]

Rudyard LionsSummerfest Triathlon &5KRudyard 9:30 amRudyard High SchoolTri: 5KR/ v24KB/ 1/2MS(pool), Run: 5K(906) [email protected]

Run for aRemedyLake Orion 8:00 amGlitz NXT, Orion Twp5KR/WNina Harless(248) [email protected]

“Run Like Mike” Rutka5KAnn Arbor 9:00 amGallup Park5KR, 2MW, kids’ dash(734) [email protected]

Running from CancerTecumseh, ON 7:00 pmTecumseh Arena13.1MR, 10KR, 5KR/W,kids run(519) [email protected]

Monday, July 27

Hansons Middle/HighSchool Day CampSterling Heights 9:00 amDelia Park 7-12th gradeHansons Running Shop(586) [email protected]/27/09 to 7/30/09

Tuesday, July 28

Glen Arbor Women’sClub Running Bear 5KGlen Arbor 9:00 am5KR, kids runCherry Republic, LakeStreet



(231) [email protected]/raceflyers09/bear.pdf

Wednesday, July 29

Hansons MarathonTraining Clinic #2Grosse Pointe 6:30 pmHansons Running(313) [email protected]

Road Racing at MetroBeachHarrison Twp 7:00 pmPointe Road - Metro Beach5KR248) [email protected]/arpraces/

Run the MountainMt. Pleasant 7:30 pmMountain Town Station5KR(989) [email protected]

Wayland Road Runners8 Mile Tag Team RelayWayland 6:30 pm8 MRelay, Tot TrotWayland HS trackRay Antel III(269) [email protected]

Friday, July 31

Hansons 3 Mile Cross-Country RaceSterling Heights 7:00 pmDelia Park 3MRHansons Running(586) [email protected]

AugustSaturday, August 1

ACT for Autism 5K Runand 1 Mile WalkBloomfield Hills 9:00 am5KR, 1MWSt. Regis Catholic ChurchReba Ramsayer(734) [email protected]

AdvoKate RunRochester 8:30 am10KR, 5KR/W, 1MWRochester Municipal Park(248) 709-7673

[email protected]

Allen Park Street Fair 8K- DATE IS AUGUST 8

Aspirus KeweenawCopperman TriathlonCopper HarborFort Wilkins State ParkTri: 0.5MS/ 19MB/ 5MR(906) [email protected]

Betsie Bay 10MilerFrankfort 8:00 am10MRTad Peacock(231) [email protected]

Community Day 5KAdrian 9:00 am5KR/W, kids run(517) [email protected]/EventsNews/tabid/447/Default.aspx

Crystal Lake 8K/5KCrystal 8:00 amCrystal Elementary School5MR, 5KR(989) [email protected]

Downtown YMCA 5KRun/WalkLansing 10:00 am5KR/W, 1MR/WRiverfront Park(517) [email protected]

EastpointeLions Club OxRoast RunEastpointe8:30 am5R/1MFR/WKennedy Park onStephens RoadKim Lubinski(586) [email protected]

Fort Gratiot Trail TrekFort Gratiot 8:00 amFort Gratiot Trail, FortGratiot Middle School10KR, 5KR, 1MW(810) 329-5214raceservices.com

Go Green! 5KCaledonia 8:30 am5KR/W, 1MFRGreen Lake(616) [email protected]

Harbor Days Harborun10KElk Rapids 8:30 am10KR, 5KR, FR(800) [email protected]

Kayla O’Mara MemorialRunGoodrich 9:00 amGoodrich High School10KR, 5KR/W, 1MFR/W(231) [email protected]

Lake Antoine ClassicIron Mountain 9am CSTLake Antoine County Park15KR, 5MR, 2M kids run(906) [email protected]

Lake Shore Miles forMealsMuskegon 8:00 amPere Marquette Beach5KR/W(231) 755-0434, ext. [email protected]

The Legend 5 &10 Mile TrailRunLaingsburg 8:00 amLake Ovid, SleepyHollow State Park10MR, 5MRAndrea Allen(734) [email protected]

Logan’s RunSouth Bend, IN 8:30 amNotre Dame campus10KR, 5KR/W, 1MFW(574) 289-4831, Ext. [email protected]

Mt Morris PokerChallengeMt. Morris 8:00 amMt. Morris Middle School12KR, 5KR/W, 1MR, kidsrun(810) [email protected]

Pickford Hay Days 10KPickford 9:00 am EDT10KR, 5KR, 2KFR/W205 E. Main Street(906) [email protected]

Ready Or Not 5KOtsego 8:00 amMemorial Park5K/W, 1KFR(269) [email protected]

Run Clark LakeClark Lake 8:25 amBeach Bar12KR, 5KR/W, kids run(517) [email protected]/runjackson/

Run ManchesterManchester 8:30 am10KR, 5KR, 1MFRDowntown Manchester(734) [email protected]

Shermanator Triathlon& 5K RunAugusta 8:30 amSherman Lake YMCA5KR, Tri: 500 yd.S/ 10MB/5KR, kids run(269) [email protected]

Streets of Fire 8KGrand Rapids 6:30 pmKosciuszko Hall8KR/W(616) [email protected]

Sunfield IGA 5KSunfield 10:00 amVanBuren Park5KR/W, kids race(517) [email protected]

Upper Peninsula Eco-Mileany track in UP, anytimeduring August 091600 meter run(906) [email protected] must be timedby another person who ispositioned at the start-finish.One entry per person; asmany attempts as desired.Limited to Upper Peninsula

Road Runners Club mem-bers and Upper Peninsularesidents

Whirlpool Steelhead70.3 TriathlonBenton Harbor / St. Joseph7:00 amJean Klock ParkTri: 1.2 MS/ 56 MB/ 13.1MR(773) [email protected]

Sunday, August 2

Bath Trail RunBath 9:00 amBath High School5KR/W, kids run(517) [email protected]

Camp Whitcomb MasonTriathlonHartland, WI 8:00 amCamp Whitcomb MasonTri: 1/3MS/ 22MB/ 3.1MR(262) [email protected]

Craig GreenfieldMemorial Triathlon &DuathlonClarkston 7:45 amDepot ParkTri: 800 meterS/ 16MB/4.4MR or Du: 1.9MR/16MB/ 4.4MR(231) [email protected]

On Track to Copemish5K Run & WalkCopemish 9:00 am16505 Imhoff Drive5KR/W(231) [email protected]

Wed., August 5Doozie’s Ice Cream FunRun/Walk SeriesMt. Pleasant 7:30 pm1310 East Pickard5MR, 3MR(989) [email protected]/~mphsstr/

Wayland Road Runners4 Mile Run & AwardBanquetMiddleville 6:30 pm4 MFR, 2MWYankee Springs Rec AreaRay Antel III(269) 792-2427


[email protected]

Thursday, August 6


Great Pizza ChallengeFlint 6:30 pmDowntown Flint YMCA5KR/W, 1/4 MR(810) [email protected]

Stony Creek DistanceRunShelby Twp 6:00 pm5KR, 1MFRStony Creek Metropark,Eastwood Beach(248) [email protected]

Saturday, August 8

Allen Park Street Fair 8KAllen Park 9:00 amAllen Park PresbyterianChurch, 7101 Park Ave.8KR(734) 282-1101marathonmark@

hotmail.comactive.com

BikesportSylvaniaSuperKidsTriathlon /DuathlonSylvania, OH7:30 amOlander Parkdistances variy by agegroupJim / Joyce Donaldson(419) [email protected]

Crystal Lake TeamMarathonBeulah 8:00 amBeulah pavilion26.2 M Relay(231) [email protected]

Dow Corning Pig GigBay City 10:30 amVet’s Park 5KR/W, kids runAnn Gasta (989) [email protected]

Glad-Peach RunColoma 8:00 am10KR, 5KR/WWest & Washington Streets(269) [email protected]/64546

Hansinger Mud FestPort Huron 9:30 am7MR/B team obstacle raceJeddo Boy Scout Camp,7140 Jeddo Road(517) [email protected]

Hillsdale BaptistChurch Sonshine 5KRunHillsdale 8:30 am5KR/W, 1/4 MFR2211 W. Bacon Rd.Hillsdale Baptist Church(517) [email protected]

Home Run 5KComstock Park 8:30 amFifth-Third Ballpark5KR/W(616) [email protected]

Joggin’ or Runnin’AroundCaseville 8:00 amCaseville Amphitheatre5KR/W(989) 453-3709, x 4765barc-mi.com

Millennium TriathlonGrand Rapids 8:00 amSprint Tri, Kids triMillennium ParkJim Conner(616) 540-9071millenniumtriathlon.com

Mint City 10 Miler, 5K &Family Fun WalkSt. Johns 7:30 am900 W. Townsend St.10MR, 5KR(989) [email protected]

Onekama Days 5K Run,5K Walk, 5K Screamer,& 1 Mile Fun RunOnekama 9:15 amVillage Park5KR/W, kids run(231) [email protected]

Orthopedic Associatesof Port Huron &Hanson’s RunningShop Run

Port Huron 8:00 am10KR, 5KR, 1MR/W940 River Centre DriveMaureen Muzzarelli(810) [email protected]

Run Thru Hell -CANCELLEDPinckney

South Haven BlueberryFestival 5KSouth Haven 8:00 am5KR/W, kids runSouthshore MunicipalMarina(269) [email protected]/64556



St. Joseph IslandTriathlon, Duathlon andKids of Steel TriathlonSt. Joseph Island, ON9:00 amRichards LandingTri: 1500mS/ 40KB/ 10KRor 750mS/ 20KB/ 5KR or400mS/ 10KB/ 2.5KRDu: 10KR/ 40KB/ 5KR or5KR/ 20KB/ 2.5KR, kidstri-distances vary(705) 759-2467race@stjosephislandtriathlon.comstjosephislandtriathlon.com

Saline’s Summerfest5K Run/WalkSaline 8:30 am5KR/WChamber of Commerce(724) [email protected]

Skirts on the Run 5KRoyal Oak 3:30 pm5KR(734) [email protected]

Traverse Bay OpenWater ChallengeTraverse City 8:00 am2MS, 1MS, 1/2MSBryant Park(231) [email protected]

Tri Lakes TriathlonCurtis 10:00 am EDTCurtis ParkTri: .25MS / 15MB / 5KR,5KW(906) [email protected]

West Michigan I TRI 4FUN TriathlonFremont 4:00 pmFremont Lake ParkTri: 200meterS / 9MB/3MR(231) [email protected]/westmichigantri/

West Michigan KidsTriathlonFremont 9:00 amFremont High SchoolTri: - distances vary by age(231) [email protected]/westmichigantri/

Sunday, August 9

BikesportSylvaniaTriathlon/DuathlonSylvania, OH7:30 amTam-O-ShanterSportsComplex,Olander ParkOlympic Tri: 1.5MS/40KB/ 10KR; SprintTri: 0.25S/ 13MB/5KR; Du: 3KR/40KB/ 10KRJim / Joyce Donaldson(419) [email protected]

Dwayne Rau MemorialRoad RaceWest Branch 8:30 amSurline Middle School5KR, 2.5KW(989) [email protected]

Lansing Legislator Tri,Du, SprintLansing 8:00 amSleepy Hollow State ParkTri: 1.5KS/ 40KB/ 10KR or500meterS/ 20KB/ 5KR orDu: 5KR/ 20KB/ 5KR(231) [email protected]

Leg It for Life 5KR/WEast Lansing 9:00 amEast Lansing SoccerComplex5KR/[email protected] Race Series

Milford Fun Days 5KMilford 8:00 am5KR/W Central Park,Downtown Milford(248) 685-7129, ext. [email protected]

Paavo Nurmi MarathonHurley, WI 7:30 am CDTUpson to Hurley26.2MR, 2 & 5 personrelays(866) [email protected]

Wed., August 12

Run Fit KidsFitness Camp

Ann ArborGallup ParkRunning Fit(734) [email protected]

Strider Track MeetMt. Pleasant 7:30 pmMt. Pleasant HS Track5MR, 3MR(989) [email protected]/~mphsstr/

Thurs., August 13

Bauman’sCharity 5KFlint 6:45 pmKettering UniversityRecreation Center5KR/W, kids runsRiverbend Striders(810) 238-5981riverbendstriders.comBauman’s Summer Series


Marquette County FairMid-Summer Night FunRunMarquette 6:30 pm EDT4 MRMarquette CountyFairgrounds(906) 226-6924marquettecountyfair.com

Thunder Bolt 5K Run &Cross Country SchoolTeam ChallengeWhitehall 6:30 pmFunnel Field 5KR/W(231) [email protected]

Friday, August 14

Howell MelonRunHowell6:45 pm - 1 Mile FunRun7:00 pm - 10K & 5KHowell City Park10KR, 5KR, kids’ run,melon rollBeth Schrader(517) 546-0693parksandrec@

howellrecreation.orghowellrecreation.org

St John’s Festival 5KRun/Walk and 1/4M TotTrotEssexville 6:30 pm5KR/W, 1MRCorner of Pine & HudsonWade Schaefer(989) [email protected]

Sat., August 15

Almont’s Run forHealthAlmont 9:00 amAlmont High School5KR/W, 1/4MFRGreg Kemego(810) 798-7500barc-mi.com

Bath City Run WalkMount Clemens 8:00 amRec. Bowl4MR, 2MW, kids run(586) [email protected]

Board of Water andLight Hometown Power5KLansing 9:00 amBWL Customer ServiceCenter , 1230 Halco Drive5KR/W(517) [email protected]

Cat Tracks 5K TrailRun/WalkNiles 9:00 am5KR/WBrandywine High School(269) [email protected]

Churchill ClassicCheboygan 8:00 am10KR, 5KR/WCitizens National Bank,303 North Main(231) [email protected]

Falcon 5KDearborn 8:45 amDivine Child HS5KR,1 MFR(313) [email protected]/alumni

Fallsburg Festival ofRacesLowell 8:00 amFallsburg Park26.2MR, 13.1MR, 5KR(616) [email protected]

Martin Firefighters 5KRun/WalkMartin 8:00 am131 Knoll Gas MotorsportsPark5KR/W, kids run(269) [email protected]

Mitchell’s Run ThroughRockfordRockford 8:30 amDowntown Rockford5KR/W, kids run(616) [email protected]

Origami 5KMason 9:00 am3181 Sandhill Rd.5KR, 1MW(517) [email protected]

Petoskey Festival bythe Bay Wellness Walk& RunPetoskey 9:00 amBayfront Park5KR/W, 1MR/W, kids run(231) [email protected]

Pregnancy ServicesRace 4 Life 5KLansing 9:00 am5KRGranger Meadows Park(517) [email protected]

Sanford and SunTriathlonSanford 8:00 amSanford Lake CountryParkTri: 1.5KS/ 40KB/ 10KR or500 meterS/ 20KB/ 5KR,Du: 2MR/ 20KB/ 5KR(231) [email protected]

Spread Eagle BarrensTrail Run/WalkFlorence, WI12KR, 5KRLePage Creek Overlook

(715) 528-5377info@ florencewisconsin.comflorencewisconsin.com

Tahqua TrailRunParadise8:00 amTahquamenon FallsState Park25KR, 10KR, 2KRJeff Crumbaugh(715) [email protected]

Wildcat Cross CountryCourse 5K RunPittsford 9:00 am5KRPittsford High School(517) [email protected]

Wood Duck DashBrownstown 9:00 amLake Erie Metropark10KR, 5KR(734) [email protected]

Sunday, August 16

Battle of WaterlooWaterloo 8:00 amBig Portage Lake, WaterlooRecreation Area10 leg tri: 1.5MS/ 27MB/14MREva Solomon(734) [email protected]

Easter Seals Walk WithMe 5K RunRochester 9:00 am5KR/W, 1MWOakland University(248) [email protected]/donate/WWMEastMI

Island Lake of NoviTriathlon & Open WaterSwimNovi 8:00 am.5MS/ 12MB/ 3MR or1.5MS50641 Drakes Baywww.swimfasttrifast.com/islandlakeofnovi/

Lapeer Days RaceLapeer 8:00 am4MR/W, 1/4 MFRCorner of Nepessing andCourt Streets(810) [email protected]

Mary Angela Run forAngels’ PlaceFarmington Hills 9:00 amOakland CommunityCollege, Orchard RidgeCampus10KR, 5KR, 1MW, 1Mkids’ run(248) [email protected]

Montrose BlueberryFestivalMontrose 8:00 amMontrose Carter ES5 MR/W(810) [email protected]

Petoskey Triathlon &DuathlonPetoskey 8:00 amCity Park Across from theFire Dept.Tri: 1000meterS/ 25MB/5MR or Du: 2MR/ 20KB/5MR or Du: 2MR/ 20KB/5KR(231) 546-22293disciplines.com

St. Ignace SummerDaze 5K Run/WalkSt. Ignace 9:00 am3MR/WLittle Bear East Arena(906) [email protected]

Vietnam VeteransUnited Annual 5K RunAllen Park 9:00 amChampaign Park5KR, 1 MR/W(734) [email protected]

Tuesday, August 18

Riverside Park Co-EdRelayGrand Rapids 6:30 pmRiverside ParkX-C relay, 4 alternating.5mile laps(616) [email protected]

Wed., August 19

Road Racing at MetroBeachHarrison Twp 7:00 pm2MR(248) [email protected]/arpraces/

T-Rex SprintTriathlonBrighton6:30 pmIsland LakeRecreation AreaTri: 1/2MS/ 5KR/20KBAndrea Allen(734) [email protected]

Friday, August 21

Child Benefit Fund 5KLansing 6:00 pm.Adado Riverfront Park5KR/W(517) [email protected]


Q-Town 5KQuincy 7:00 pmQuincy High School5KR/W, 1MFR, 1/4MFR(517) [email protected]

Sat., August 22

Crim Festival ofRacesFlint 8:00 amFirst and SaginawStreets10 MR/W, 8KR/W,5KR/W, 1 MR/W,Teddy Bear TrotDeb Kiertzner(810) [email protected] Runner RaceSeries - 10 Mile

Danish Festival RoadRaceGreenville 8:15 amBaldwin Heights ES4MR, 2MR(616) 754-6369danishfestival.org

East Jordan Lioness“South Arm Shuffle”East Jordan 8:00 am5KR/WEast Jordan CommunityParkJoAnne Thomas(231) [email protected]

Endurance Trail RunGrayling 9:00 am7MR Hanson HillsRecreation Area(989) 348-9266www.hansonhills.org

Hastings SummerfestRunHastings 8:30 am10KR, 5KR/W, kids runHastings Middle School(269) 948-3139www.pennockhealth.com

International CannedBeer Month Can DoRoad and Trail RunKalamazoo 10:00 amBilbo’s Parking [email protected]

Ithaca Fun Fest 5KIthaca 9:00 amCorner of Center St. andPine River St.(989) 875-3663toddcrawford-

[email protected]

Muddy Watters,Bump & Run TrailRelayRochester Hills 9:30 am6MRBloomer Park(248) 320-5705www.jeffwatters.com

SomersetStampedeSomerset Center7:30 amSomerset Beach13.1MR, 5KR/WDave Parham(517) [email protected]

Strides for HealthAllegan 9:00 am5KR/W, kids fun runAllegan General Hospital,555 Linn Street(269) 673-5431signmeup.com/64579

Three Rivers Triathlon& DuathlonThree Rivers 8:00 amCorey LakeOlympic Tri: 1.5KS/ 40KB/10KR; Sprint: 300mS/18KB/ 5KR; Du: 5KR/40KB/ 10KR(269) [email protected]




Sunday, August 23

Blue Water TriathlonPort Huron 8:00 amLakeside ParkOlympic tri: 1000mS/40KB/ 10KR; Sprint tri:500mS/ 20KB/ 5KR(231) 546-22293disciplines.com

Feet for SeatsRochester 9:00 am5KFR/WMeadow Brook TheatreMaryann Foxlee(586) [email protected]

Great Train RaceYpsilanti 8:10 amCorner Brewery, DepotTown10KR, 5KR/W(517) [email protected]/TheGreatTrainRace/

Island Lake TriathlonPresented byO’CallaghansBrighton 7:30 amIsland Lake Recreation AreaTri: 800meterS / 12MB /5KR(734) [email protected]

Ludington Light HouseTriathlon & DuathlonLudington 8:00 am900 W. Ludingnton Tri:1000meter S/ 40KB/ 10KRor 500meterS/ 20KB/ 5KRor Du: 5KR,/ 20KB/ 5KR(810) [email protected]

XTERRA BlackHawkOff-RoadTriathlon/DuathlonMontague 9:00 amYMCA Camp Pendalouan,1243 East Fruitvale Rd.Tri: 1K S/ 14.5MB/ 10KRDu: 5KR/ 14.5MB/ 10KRRelay: 1200 meter S/14.5MB/ 10KR(231) [email protected]

Tuesday, August 25

Grand PrixShakedownDetroit5:45 pm8KR/W, 1 MFR/W

Belle Isle Shelter #2Strategic StaffingSolutions(313) [email protected]

Two-Headed MonsterCross CountryChallenge 5KLansing 5:30 pmGrand Woods Park5KR/W(517) [email protected]

Thurs., August 27

Bay County CrossCountry InvitationalPinconning 4:00 pmCamp Fish Talescross country open 5K(989) [email protected]

Tom Rushford Open 5KPinconning 6:30 pmCamp Fish Tales 5KR(989) [email protected]

Sat., August 29

The Arc Stroll, Roll & 5K RunMidland 9:00 am5KRNorthwood University &Pere Marquette Rail Trail(989) [email protected]/arcrun.php

BikesportN.A.S. GrosseIle DuathlonGrosse Ile8:00 amGrosse Ile IslandMunicipal Airport4MR/ 15MB/ 4MRJim / Joyce Donaldson(419) [email protected]

Carl Olson MemorialAdventure RunChassell 9:00 amChassel Community Center10KR, 5KR/W, 2KR(906) 482-1308michael.young@

thermoanalytics.comkeweenaw.info

Coldwater Mini -TriathlonColdwater 9:00 amColdwlater Lake MarniaTri: 300ydS/ 6MB/ 3 MR(517)[email protected]

Grand Woods Trail 5KLansing 9:00 amGrand Woods Park onWillow Road5KR - trail(517) [email protected]

The Human Race 5KMuskegon 8:00 am5KR/WRoosevelt Park CommunityCenter(231) 722-6600, ext. [email protected]

Jacob’s RaceLaingsburg 8:30 amMcClintock Park5KR/W, kids run(517) [email protected]

Merrell-Gazelle SportsChameleon AdventureRaceSW Michigan 8:00 am6 hour sprint adventuerace: 5MR/ 15MB/ 5Mother(269) [email protected]

Run for the RollsChelsea 12:30 pmDowntown Chelsea1MR/W(734) [email protected]

Sunday, August 30

Breakwater Triathlon70.3Petoskey 6:45amTri: 1.2MS/ 56MB,13.1MR or .6MS / 28MB/6.2MR(734) [email protected]

Girls Best FriendTriathlonVicksburg 8:00 am

Prairie View Country ParkTri: 1000mS/ 40KB/ 10KRor 500mS/ 20KB/ 5KR orDu: 2MR/ 20KB/ 5KR(231) [email protected]

Hansons 16 MileMarathon Training RunLake Orion 8:00 amHansons Running Shop,(248) [email protected]

He Tried / She TriedMilford 7:00 amKensington Metro Park -Maple BeachTri: .05MS/ 12.8MB/3.1MR or Du: 1.6MR/12.8MB/ 3.1MREva Solomon(734) [email protected]

Mark Mellon Triathlon &DuathlonBoyne Falls 8:00 amDeer Lake, BoyneMountain ResortTri: 1000mS/ 28MB/ 10KRor 500mS/ 14MB/ 5KR or250mS/ 5MB/ 2MR(231) [email protected]

SuperkidstryBoyne Mountain 8:00 amTri: 100meterS/ 5KB/800meterR or 200meterS/10KB/ 1MR(231) [email protected]

SeptemberTues., September 1

Johnson Park CrossCountry 5KGrandville 7:00 pmJohnson Park 5KR(616) [email protected]

Sat., September 5

Allegiance Health RaceTo HealthJackson 8:00 am5MR, 5KR/W, Kid’s Run(517) 788-4970fitnesscouncil.org/runjackson/

Grand Marais 5KGrand Marais 9:00 amBayshore Park5KR(906) [email protected]

Grand Marais JuniorTriathlonGrand Marais 11:00 amBeach, downtownTri: wade/swim, run,bike/trike(906) [email protected]

Harrison CommunityDays 5K Run/WalkHarrison 9:00 amHarrison City Park5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Holland Rotary 5KHolland 8:30 amSmallenburg Park5KR/W(616) [email protected]

Labor Day 30KRun & 10KWalk/RunMilford 8:00 amBakers Restaurant,2025 Milford Rd.30KR, 10KR/W, 1/2kids run, 30KB, 30KInline skateDoug Klingensmith(248) 685-7580 / (248)[email protected]

Lake Country HalfMarathon & 5KOconomowoc 8:00 amCrosspoint CommunithyChurch13.1MR, 5KR(800) [email protected]

Marshall RunNewaygo 9:00 amRiverfront Park5KR/W, 1MFR, 1/2MFR(517) [email protected]

Mercedes-Benz ClassicMileCambridge, ON 3:00 pmGalt Collegiate Institute

1MR, 4 x 400 relay519) 623-5340info@mercedes-benzclassicmile.camercedes-benzclassicmile.ca

Niles TriathlonNiles 8:30 amBarron Lake, Howard TwpFire DepartmentTri: .1.5kW/ 40KB/ 10KRor 200meterS/ 20.9 MB/10KB/ 2.5 MR; Du: 5KR/20.9MB/ 5MR or 5KR(269) [email protected]

Owen Scully MemorialBig Star Lake 15K Run& 5K WalkBaldwin 8:30 amLake Township Fire Barn15KR, [email protected]

Peter Aliferis MemorialRaceAlpena 8:30 amAlpena Regional MedicalCenter13.1MR, 5KR, 2MW,18.5MB(989) [email protected]

Run BeaverIslandMarathon, HalfMarathon and5KBeaver Island8:00 amDowntown Beach26.2MR, 13.1MR,5KR/WSharon Suffolk(248) [email protected]

Run Like The WindWestland 9:30 amHines Drive and AnnArbor Trail10KR, 5KR(517) [email protected]

Shared PregnancyBaby Steps 5KLansing 9:00 am

Riverfront Park5KR/W(517) [email protected]

Witchy Wolf 3Omer 7:30 pmSundaes Afternoon15MR, X-C, 2 person relay(989) [email protected]

Sun., September 6

Ed Hansen MemorialRun/WalkOntonagon 10 am EDTFire Hall on River Street10KR, 5KR(906) [email protected] time

Grand Marais TriathlonGrand Marais 1:30 pmGrand Marais City ParkTri: 300-yardS/ 14MB/5KR


Michigan’s Triathlon &DuathlonChampionshipWaterford 8:00 amPontiac Lake RecreationAreaTri: 1.5KS/ 40KB/ 10KR or500meterS/ 20KB/ 5KR orDu: 5KR/ 40KB/ 10KR(231) [email protected]

RunningWaters 5KGaylord8:00 am5KR/WAnn Wagar(989) [email protected]

Springbank Half-Marathon and 5KLondon, ON 8:00 am

Stone Cottage, SpringbankPark13.1 MR, 5KR/W, kids run(519) [email protected]

Timber Trail TrotHarrison 10:00 amMid Michigan CommunityCollege, Harrison Campus5KR/W(989) 386-6622, ext. [email protected]

Mon., September 7

Belding Lions LaborDay RunBelding 8:30 amBelding High School5KR/W, 1MFR/W(616) [email protected]

Blueberry StompPlymouth, IN 9:00 amCentennial Park

15KR, 5KR(574) [email protected]

Cadillac Festival ofRacesCadillac 9:00 amCadillac Memorial Stadium10KR, 5KR, Kid’s Run, Tri:5KR/ 16MB/ 2M Kayak(231) [email protected]

Governor’s Labor DayBridge RunMackinaw City5MFRMichigan FitnessFoundation(517) [email protected]/bridgerun.html

Labor Day Run forRecoveryCharlotte 8:00 amBennett Park




5KR/W, 1MFW, kids run(517) [email protected]

Labor Day Run &PotluckMidland 10:00 amChippewa Nature Center10KR, 5KR/W, 100 & 200meter FR(989) 662-6802barc-mi.com

Mackinac Bridge WalkSt. Ignace 7:00 amSt. Ignace to MackinawCity 5MW(906) 643-7600mackinacbridge.org

Wed, September 9

Hansons MarathonTraining Clinic #3Royal Oak 6:30 pmHansons Running Shop(248) [email protected]

Hansons Youth TeamRochester 4:45 pmBloomer ParkcampHansons Running(248) [email protected]

On the Right PathClio 6:30 pmSS Charles & HelenaChurch5KR/W, 2MFW(810) 686-1875raceservices.com

Sat., September 12

1st National Bank ofWakefield MarathonWakefield 8:00 am CDTSouthwest Park on SundayLake26.2MRJames Engel(906) [email protected]

Angela Hospice Walk ofRemembrance - DATECHANGEDLivonia 8:00 am5KW, 3KWFelician Grounds(734) 464-7810, x [email protected]

CNS Stomp Out Stigma5K Run/WalkClarkston 9:00 am5KR/W(248) [email protected]

Dances withDirt - HellPickney/Hell6:15 amPinckney RecreationArea, Half Moon Lake50MR, 50KR, 100 KRelayAndrea Allen(734) [email protected]

Grape Lake 5KRun/Walk - TENTATIVEDATEPaw Paw 8:00 amLake View CommunityHospital, 408 Hazen St.5K R/W(269) [email protected]

Kazoo Area Foot ChasePortage 9:00 amCelery Flats Park 3.5MR(269) [email protected]

Ken Willard River TrailHalf MarathonLupton 10:00 amRifle River Recreation Area13.1MR(989) [email protected]

Lawton Euro-Trail 5KChallengeLawton 9:00 amLawton HS, 101 Blue PrideDrive 5KR(269) [email protected]

Live Life Nspired 5KCharlotte 9:45 amHayes Green BeachHospital5KR/W, 1MWJake Campbell(517) [email protected]

Mackinac Island 8 MileRoad RaceMackinac Island 9:30 amMission Point Resort8 MR/W, kids run


MCVI Foundation &YMCA of Saginaw Runfor Your HeartSaginaw 8:00 amMichigan CardioVascularInstitute, 1015 S.Washington St.10KR, 5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Miles for Mentoring 5KZeeland 6:30 pmLawrence Park5KR/W, kids run(616) [email protected]/ottawa

Mt. Baldhead ChallengeSaugatuck 9:00 amDowntown Saugatuck15KR, 5KR/W, kids run(616) [email protected]

Muskrat Classic RunAlgonac 8:30 amAlgonac HS, 5200 TaftRoad 5KR(810) [email protected]

NF Awareness FunWalk and PicnicShelby Township 10:15 amStony Creek MetroparkFun Walk(586) [email protected]

NSO Riverwalk 5KDetroit 9:00 amEast RiverWalk Plaza5KR, 1MR(313) [email protected]

Rhoades McKee ReedsLake TriathlonEast Grand Rapids 7:30 am750 Lakeside Dr. SETri: 1/2MS/ 17.2MB/4.9MR(616) [email protected]

Run Drugs Out of TownHowell 9:30 amHowell City Park10KR, 5KR/W, kids run(517) [email protected]

Sandhill Crane Trail 1/2Marathon & 10KVandalia 9:00 amDr. T.K. Lawless Park13.1MR, 10KRRon Gunn(574) [email protected]

Second Chance at LifeWestland 9:00 amHines Park, Nankin Mills5KR, 2MW, 5M Inlineskate, 10MB ride(734) [email protected]

Second Chance forGreyhounds “Run forthe Hounds”Augusta 10:00 am10KR, 5KR/WFort Custer RecreationArea(269) [email protected]

Tawas TriathlonFestivalEast Tawas 8:00 amDowntown East TawasTri: 1.2MS/ 56MB/13.1MR or 1.5KS/ 40KB/10KR or 500mS/ 20kB/5KR(231) [email protected]

Witch’s HatRunSouth Lyon 8:00 amSouth Lyon HS10KR, 5KR/W, 1 MFRScott Smith(248) [email protected]/witch

Sun., September 13

GFLCF 5K Run/ FunWalkMilford 9:30 amKensington Park5KR/W(313) [email protected]

Hansons 16 MileMarathon Training RunRoyal Oak 8:00 amHansons Running Shop4-16 [email protected]

Kellie Sebrell DeWitt 5KTrail RunDeWitt 10:00 amDeWitt High School5KRW(517) [email protected] Race Series

Marathon Oasisde MontrealMontreal, QC9:00 am26.2MR, 13.1MR,10KR, 5KR, kids runBernard Arsenault(514) [email protected]

North Oakland FamilyYMCA ‘Y-MONGO’Auburn Hills 9:00 am3378 East Walton Blvd.5KR/W, kids run(248) [email protected]

Sparrow WomenWorking Wonders 5KLansing 10:30 amHawk Island Park5KR/W(517) [email protected]/foundation/runwalk/

Tortoise and HareMarathon Training RunAnn Arbor 8:00 amTortoise and Hare Runningand Fitness Center,Plymouth Road26.2MR, 13.1MR, 20MR,10MR, 5MR, training(734) [email protected]

Trish Donnelly-RunnionMemorial Road RacePlymouth 8:00 amPlymouth Cultural Center5KR, 1 MFR/W(734) [email protected]

Vineyard ClassicBicycle TourPaw Paw 9:00 amVan Buren County HumanServices Building60MB, 39MB, 22MB tours(269) [email protected]

Monday, September 14

Hansons Youth TeamMadison Heights 4:45 pmCivic ParkcampHansons Running Shops(586) [email protected]

Wed., September 16

Hansons MarathonTraining Clinic #3Lake Orion 6:30 pmHansons Running ShopTraining Clinic(248) [email protected]

Fri., September 18

SpartanInvitationalEast Lansing1:00 pmMichigan StateUniversity - ForestAkers Golf Coursecollege and highschool x-cNancy Lumley(517) [email protected]

Sat., September 19

5k Sneaker Run/WalkHoward City 9:00 am5KR/W, kids runEnsley Park(231) [email protected]

Angela Hospice Walk ofRemembranceLivonia 8:00 amFelician Grounds5KW, 3KW(734) 464-7810, x [email protected]

Autumn ColorsTriathlon and DuathlonHolly 9:00 amHolly Recreation AreaTri: 1000 meterS/ 18MB/5.5MR or Du: 2MR/18MB/ 5.5MR(231) [email protected]

AVSO Forks 5KRun/WalkAlbion 6:00 pmVictory Park5KR/W, 1KFR(517) [email protected]

Calvin InvitationalGrand RapidsCalvin CollegeX-C Meet(616) [email protected]

Footrace 5KMt. Pleasant 9:00 amHorizon Park5KR(989) [email protected]/~mphsstr/

Grosse PointeRunGrosse Pointe8:30 am

10KR, 5KR/W, kidsrunsGP Farms Pier ParkPhil Gaglio(800) [email protected]

Harvest StompedeSuttons Bay 9:30 amCiccone Vinyards, LeelanauPeninsula7MR, 5KR, 3MWNate Rousse(231) [email protected]/harvest/

John RoguckiMemorialKensingtonChallengeMilford 8:30 amKensingtonMetropark,Maple Beach15KR, 5KR, 1/2 MRDoug Goodhue(248) [email protected]

KeyBank SalmonChase Fall ClassicSouth Bend 8:00 amCollege Football Hall ofFame10KR, 5KR/W, kids run(574) [email protected]

Michigan State PoliceFall Color 5KNorthville Twp. 10:00 amMaybury State Park

5KR/W(586) 727-0200, ext. [email protected]

Mud Creek CrawlSanford 9:30 am10KR, 5KRPine Haven RecreationAreaRalph Griffith(989) [email protected]

Nike-Holly CrossCountry InvitationalDavisburg 7:40 amSpringfield Oaks CountyParkX-C meet, 5KR, 2MR(248) [email protected]/hhs/activities/site/xxcountry/home.html

North Country TrailRunManistee 7:30 amBig MTrails,

Manistee National Forest50MR, 26.2 MR(616) [email protected]

Oktoberfest 1/2MarathonSpring Lake 10:00 amOld Boy’s Brewhouse13.1MR, 5KR(231) [email protected]

Phil LoomisInvitational/Cit PatAwards CeremonyJackson 8:00 am4 MR, 5KW(517) [email protected]/runjackson/

Rambler Run/Walk 5KPerry 9:00 amPerry Middle School5KR/W(517) [email protected]




Run the RidgeHolland 9:00 amRidgepoint CommunityChurch5KR, 1.5MFW(616) [email protected]

Run With The CreekMidland 11:00 amBullock Creek High School5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Shiawassee County onthe Move 5K -CANCELLED

St. Mike’s Race forFaith 5KGrand Ledge 6:00 pmFitzgerald Park5KR/W, kids run(517) [email protected]/joomla/

TCS 5K Fun Run/WalkGrand RapidsJohnson Park5KR/W, 1MFR(616) [email protected]

United States Air ForceMarathonDayton, OH 7:00 am26.2 MR/W, Wheel,13.1MR/W, team relay,10KR, 5KR(800) [email protected]/

Sun., September 20

Bank of America RunWild for the Detroit ZooRoyal Oak 8:00 amDetroit Zoo10KR, 5KR, FW(248) 541-5717, ext. [email protected]

Birmingham Lions Runfor the BlindBirmingham 9:00 amDowntown Birmingham10KR, 5KR, 1 MWTotal Runner(248) [email protected]

Charity ChallengeWindsor, ON 10:00 pm1 Riverside Drive W.8KR, 3KR/W, kids runs


Gazelle Sports BridgeRunGrand Rapids 8:00 amRosa Parks Circle10MR, 5KR(616) [email protected]

La Demi GrandHalf Marathon -cancelledTo be Replaced bynew event onOctober 18greatlake-sendurance.com

Neal V. SinglesMemorial RunMorenci 8:30 amMorenci HS5KR, 1MW(517) [email protected]

PlaymakersAutumn Classic8KHaslett 9:00 amLake Lansing Park,North8KR/W, 1MFR, 1/2 MFRCurt Munson(517) [email protected] Race Series

Tower Run forEducationMichigan City, IN 8:30 amWashington Park8KR, 5KW(219) [email protected]/run/

Wed, September 23

Hansons MarathonTraining Clinic #3Utica 6:30 amHansons Running ShopTraining Clinic586) [email protected]

Sat., September 26

Al Kayner/DeltaInvitationalEssexville 9:00 amDelta College2M, HS & Open X-C(989) [email protected]

Capital CityRiver Run KidsMile and KidsSprintLansing 8:30 amImpression 5 ScienceCenter1MFR, 1/4 MFRDan Casey(517) [email protected] Kids MileSeries

Detroit Catholic CentralCross CountryInvitationalNorthville 10:00 amEdward Hines DriveHS X-C, Open races(248) [email protected]

Diehl’s Ciderfest RunHolly 8:30 am4 MR, 1MFRDiehl’s Cider Mill, 1479Ranch Rd, off Milford Rdand Rose Center Rd(248) [email protected]/run.htm

Dunes DuathlonSaugatuck 9:30 amSaugatuck Dunes StatePark5MR, 17.8 MB(616) [email protected]

Fall FrolicMishawaka 8:45 am530 East Day Road10KR, 5KR/W, Kids Run(574) [email protected]/development_fall_frolic.htm

Fort-4-Fitness HalfMarathon / 4 Mile Run /WalkFort Wayne, IN 7:30 amFreimann Square13.1MR, 4MR/WFort-4-Fitness Festival, Inc.(260) 760-3371

[email protected]

Gazelle Sports MetroMini Adventure Racefor KidsKalamazoo 2:00 pmDowntown Kalamazoo2MR, 5MB(269) [email protected]

Genesys 5K Run/WalkGrand Blanc 10:00 amGenesys Health ParkNature Trails5KR/W, 1MFR(810) [email protected]

Jackson Family FallFestival 5KJackson 10:00 am5KR/W, 1/4MFRSt. John Elementary, 405 E.North St.(517) [email protected]

Komen Grand RapidsRace for the CureGrandville 8:30 amRivertown Crossings Mall5KR, 1MW(616) [email protected]

Metro Trek AdventureRaceKalamazoo 7:00 amVerburg Park10 hour sprint: mtn bike,road bike, run, padle,ropes, etc.(269) [email protected]

NE Lenawee CROP RunMacon 8:45 am11964 Macon Hwy10KR, 5KRSpencer Ruffner(517) [email protected]

Park 2 Park HalfMarathon and 5KHolland 8:30 am1627 W. Lakewood Blvd.13.1MR, 5KR(616) [email protected]

Red Flannel Festival 5KRun/WalkCedar Springs 9:00 am5KR/W, kids runCedar View ElementarySchool(616) [email protected]

Road Runner AkronMarathonAkron, OH 8:00 amLockheed Martin Airdock26.2 MR, 13.1 MR, 5 or 2person relays, kids run(330) [email protected]

Run for the SonPortage 9:00 amCelery Flats on GardenLane 5KR/W(269) [email protected]

Running Fit 20Mile TrainingRunWestland 8:00 amNankin Mills on HinesDr.20 MR or training runof any distanceRunning Fit(734) [email protected]/events/

Save the Wildlife 5KRun/WalkHowell 10:00 am5KR/W, 1MWHowell Conference andNature Center(517) [email protected]

The 5.4 Mile SleepwalkRunFarmington 9:00 amShiawassee Park5.4MR, 2.7MRSusan Orlikowski(248) [email protected]

The Angel’s Place RaceClarkston 10:00 am5KR, 1MFRIntersection of Holcomb &Valley Park Streets(248) 625-7859 or (248)[email protected]


May - August 2009 Event CalendarSun., September 27

1 Hour MidwestRegional RacewalkingChampionshipRoyal Oak 10:00 amDondero HS1 hour walkMotor City Striders(248) [email protected]

1/5/10K RunBerrien Springs 8:00 amAndrews University10KR, 5KR,Andrews University(269) [email protected]/alumni

Boyne 2 BoyneMarathonHarbor Springs 8:00 amBoyne Highlands / BoyneMountain26.2MR, 13.1MR, 10KR,5KR, FR(231) [email protected]

Capital CityRiver Run HalfMarathon/ 5KLansing 8:30 amImpression 5 ScienceCenter13.1MR, 5KR, 1MFR,1/4 MFRDan Casey(517) [email protected] Race Series

Hansons 16 MileMarathon Training RunGrosse Pointe 8:00 amHansons Running Shop4-16 MR(313) [email protected]

Harvest Dash Race forRecoveryLake Orion 10:00 am5KR/WWilliam E. Scripps Estate(248) [email protected]

ScotiabankTorontoWaterfrontMarathonToronto, ON7:00 amCity Hall, Bay &Queen Streets26.2 MR, 13.1MR,5KR, kids runKevin Inouye(416) 944-2765,ext. 501info@torontowaterfrontmarathon.comtorontowaterfront-marathon.com

Utica EducationAssociation 5K TrailRun & 1 Mile FitnessWalkShelby Township 9:30 amStony Creek Metro ParkEastwood Beach5KR, 1MW(586) [email protected]

Tues., September 29

Ryan Serber 8K ClassicToledo 9:00 amUniversity of Toledo GlassBowl8KR(419) 224-2484ryanserber.com

Wed., September 30

Hansons MarathonTraining Clinic #3Grosse Pointe 6:30 pmHansons Running Shop(313) [email protected]

OctoberThurs., October 1

White Pumpkin 5KCaro 6:00 pmDavenport University5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Saturday, October 3

AQ Run Thru 5K Runand 2K WalkGrand Rapids 9:00 am5KR, 2KW(616) [email protected]/health/aqrun.html

Bay 5/10K Run/Walk forCharityPetoskey 9:00 amBay View AssociationGrounds10KR, 5KR/W(517) [email protected]/bay10k.htm

Climb Mt. Morris 5KRun/WalkMt. Morris 10:00 amKnights of Columbus Hall5KR/W, kids race(810) [email protected]

Don Baese CrossCountry InvitationalCarson City 9:00 amFish Creek Sportsmen’sClubhigh school and middleschool x-c(989) [email protected]/athletics/don-baese-invita-tional/

Greatest 5K EverGrand Rapids 10:00 amRiverside Park 5KR(312) [email protected]/run

Island Boodle 5KRun/WalkBeaver Island 10:00 amSt. James, Beaver Island5KR/W(231) [email protected]

PEAK of a RunMt. Pleasant 9:30 am5KR/W, 1MFR(989) [email protected]

Red OctoberRunWayne 9:50 amOakwood AnnapolisHospital10KR, 5KR/W, 1Mkid’s runCynthia Cook(313) [email protected]/redoctoberrun/

Salmon Run/WalkBaldwin 9:00 amDowntown Baldwin10KR/W, 5KR/W(231) [email protected]

Saturn Cross-CountryInvitationalSterling Heights 9:30 amDelia Park XC(586) [email protected]

U of M/MSU TailgateChallengeFlint 9:00 amDowntown Flint YMCA5KR/W(810) [email protected]

Wild Goose ChaseSaginaw 9:00 amShiawassee NationalWildlife Refuge 5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Zonta Breast CancerAwareness Run/Walk -Women OnlyAlpena 10:00 amFletcher Street Brewing5KRPenny Boldrey(989) 727-3017

Sunday, October 4

Betsie Valley RunThompsonville 9:00 amCrystal Mountain Resort


13.1MR, 10KR, 5KR/W,kids run(231) [email protected]

Big House / BigHeart 5KAnn Arbor9:00 amUniversity ofMichigan Stadium5KRRunning Fit(734) [email protected]

Brooksie WayHalf MarathonRochester Hills8:00 amOakland University13.1MR, 5KR/WDeb Kiertzner(810) [email protected]

Farmington Fall ClassicFarmington 10:00 amHeritage Park, FarmingtonRd.5KR/W(248) [email protected]

HuronTownshipApplefestNew Boston9:00 amLower HuronMetropark10KR, 5KR/W, 1MFRGreg Everal(734) [email protected]

MSU Federal CreditUnion Dinosaur DashEast Lansing 10:00 amMSU Museum 5KR/W(517) [email protected]/events/dinosaurdash/Playmakers Race Series

MSU Federal CreditUnion Dinosaur DashMileEast Lansing 10:00 amMSU Museum 1MR(517) [email protected]/events/dinosaurdash/Playmakers Kids MileSeries

Friday, October 9

MichgianIntercollegiate CrossCountryChampionshipsGrand RapidsCalvin CollegeX-C Meet(616) [email protected]

Sat., October 10

Bee Brave 5K Run/WalkCaledonia 9:00 am6195 Buttrick Ave.5KR/WPat Ringnalda(616) [email protected]

Cruisin for a Cure 5KGrand Ledge 9:00 amFirst United MethodistChurch5KR, 2MW(517) [email protected]

Fall ColorBridge RaceMackinaw City7:00 amSt. Anthony’s ParishHall, 600 W. CentralAve.5.4MRMackinaw AreaVisitors Bureau(231) 436-5664 /(800) [email protected]

Great Pumpkin /Spooky SprintDuathlonsDetroit 10:00 amBelle IsleDu: 5KR/ 23MB/ 10KR or5KR/ 20KB/ 5KR(231) [email protected]

Heritage 5K CrossCountry and Open 5KRun - Tentative DateSaginaw 12:00 NoonWickes ParkXC, 5KR-Open(989) [email protected]

Hustle for Housing 5KLansing 5KR/W(517) [email protected]

Miles for Medals 5K -CMU Homecoming 5Kfor Special OlympicsMt. Pleasant 8:00 amCMU Finch Field House5KR(989) [email protected]

Portage InvitationalPortage 8:30 amx-c meet, open 5KDan Wytko(269) [email protected]

Rescue RunHolland 9:00 am356 Fairbanks Avenue5KR/W(616) [email protected]

Run Thru the RapidsGrand Rapids 9:00 amDavid D. Hunting YMCA10KR/W, 5KR/WWayne Brown(616) [email protected]

Run VasaWilliamsburg8:30 amVasa Trail Head, 4450Bartlett Rd25KR, 10KRDaniel Siderman(231) [email protected]

Stop, Drop and RollBay City 9:00 amBay Co. Community Center5KR/W, kids run(989) [email protected]

Wayne County CrossCountryChampionshipsNew Boston / Belleville10:00 amWillow Metropark,Chestnut Picnic AreaHS X-C 5KR(734) [email protected]

Whistlestop Marathonand Half MarathonAshland, WI 8:00 amBay Area Civic Center26.2 MR, 13.1 MR, 10KR,5KR(800) 284-9484whistlestopmarathon.com

Sunday, October 11

Hidden Forest Trail RunClarkston 9:30 amIndependence Oaks Park8.5 MR, 5.5 MR, 2.5MR/W(810) 487-0954gaultracemanagement.com

Portland St. PatrickFall Festival 5KPortland 9:00 amGrand River Avenue andWest Street 5KR/W(517) [email protected]

Pumpkin Trot 5K R/WSt. Johns 1:30 pmSt. Johns City Park10KR, 5KR/W, kid’s runGeorge Campbell(989) [email protected]

Royal VictoriaMarathonVictoria, BC 7:30 am26.2 MR, 13.1MR, 8KR,kids runVictoria Marathon Society(250) [email protected]

Spartan SprintTriathlonEast Lansing400mS/ 20KB/ 5KRMSU Triathlon(231) 546-22293disciplines.com

Towpath MarathonCleveland, OH 8:00 amCuyahoga Valley NationalPark26.2MR, 13.1MR, 10KROhio Canal Corridor(216) [email protected]

Wild Life MarathonConcord 8:00 am26.2MR, 13.1MR, 5KR/WDowntown ConcordTim Payne(517) 392-8205marathondirector@fallingwatertrail.orgwww.fallingwaterstrail.org/marathon2009.htm

Tues., October 13

Hansons YoungstersCross-CountryInvitational(7-10 Grade)Sterling Heights 4:00 pmDelia Park X-C Meet(586) [email protected]

Sat., October 17

Bailey’s Doggie DashRockford 9:00 amWabasis Park5KR/W, 1MR/A(517) [email protected]

Chad SchieberMemorial RunMidland 9:00 amEmerson Park10KR, 5KR, 1MR, kids run(231) [email protected]

Fr. Gabriel Richard HSCross CountryInvitationalDexter 8:45 amHudson Mills Metropark,South X-C coursehs x-c meet(734) [email protected]/lansing/fgrhs/2009index.htm

Greater LansingCross CountryChampionshipsGrand Ledge10:00 amLedge Meadows GolfCourseKim Spalsbury(517) [email protected]

Michigan High SchoolCross Country U.P.State Finals - TENTA-TIVE DATEHoughton 10:00 amMichigan Tech UniversityTrails 5KR(517) 332-5046mhsaa.com/sports/bxc/

Monroe County CrossCountry ClassicMonroe 10:30 amMunson Park, 2770 N.Custer Rd.HS and OpenX-C, 5KR(734) [email protected]/webpages/coachscoles/index.cfm?subpage=4129

Reese InvitationalReese 9:00/10:30 amReese HSXC, 5KR openTed Davenport(989) [email protected]

Run on the Rez 5KMt. Pleasant 10:00 amSaginaw Chippewa TribalOperations, Broadway &Leaton5KRHarry Plouff(989) [email protected]/~mphsstr/

Vulture Bait Trail RaceLondon, ON 9:00 amFanshawe ConservationArea50KR, 25KR, 10KR(519) [email protected]

Sunday, October 18

Detroit FreePress/FlagstarMarathonDetroit, MI andWindsor, ON 7:15 am26.2MR, Wheelchair,Handcycle,13.1MR/W, 5 personrelay teams,5KFR/WPatricia Ball(313) [email protected] Runner RaceSeries

East Lansing PumpkinTrotEast Lansing 10:00 amAbbot Road north of LakeLansing 5KR/W(517) 319-6897, x [email protected]

Grubers GrinderHolly 9:00 amHoldbridge StateRecreation Area16MB(810) [email protected]

Metro HealthGrand RapidsMarathonGrand Rapids8:00 am26.2 MR, 13.1 MRDon Kern(616) [email protected]

Nationwide BetterHealth ColumbusMarathonColumbus, OH 7:00 amBroad and High Streets26.2 MR/W 13.1 MR/W,wheelchair, kids runScott Weaver(614) [email protected]

TorontoMarathon, HalfMarathon, 5K &RelayToronto, ON 9:00 amMel Lastman Square -Queen’s Park26.2 MR, 13.1 MR,5KR, relayJay Glassman(416) [email protected]

Monday, October 19

Greater Lansing JuniorCross CountryChampionshipsDeWitt 3:30 pmmiddle school x-c(517) [email protected]

Thurs., October 22

HAWK Middle SchoolCross CountryInvitationalSaginaw 3:45 pmWhite Pine Middle SchoolMS and Open X-C, 2MR,1MR(989) [email protected]

Sat., October 24

Chase the PumpkinsGladstone 10:00 ESTGladstone Knights ofColumbus Hall10KR, 5KR/W(906) [email protected]

Devil’s LakeHalf-MarathonBarboo, WI -

CancelledTo be replaced by anew event onOctober 18greatlake-sendurance.com

Every Stride5K/10KBelding 9:00 amCandle Stone Golf &Resort10KR, 5KR/WChristopher Nicholas(616) [email protected]/

Great Turtle HalfMarathonMackinac Island 11:30 amMission Point Resort13.1 MR, 5.7 MR/W(810) [email protected]

KAR Halloween Hash &Kids Trick or Treat MiniHash RunKalamazoo 10:00 amKVCC Texas CornersCampus, Texas DriveTrailhead.3-7MR, 1/2MFR, kids’ run(269) [email protected]

Scary Runner - TENTA-TIVE DATEBay City 4:00 pmWild Woods of Terror5KR/WRunners Store(989) 686-8846barc-mi.com

Sun., October 25

Follow the Road toBroad Business School5KEast Lansing 9:00 amMSU Auditorium5KR/W(616) [email protected]

Hansons Group RunLake Orion 8:00 amHansons Running Shop(248) [email protected]

Niagara FallsInternationalMarathonNiagara Falls, ON9:45 amAlbright-KnoxGallery. Buffalo, NY26.2 MR/W/Wheel,13.1 MR/W/Wheel,5KR/WJim Ralston(800) [email protected]/

Racing for RecoveryRunSylvania, OH 9:00 amLourdes College10KR, 5KR/W, 1/4 MFR(231) [email protected]

Sat., October 31

Lake Lansing North10K Trail RaceHaslett 10:00 amLake Lansing Park - North10KR(517) [email protected]

Westside YMCABooathlon DuathlonPotterville 10:00 amPotterville HS3MR/ 10MR/ 3MR, kidsrunJerry Smith(517) [email protected]

- MR -




By Tom Henderson

TheRomeoPeachFest.TheHowellMelonFest.TheKalkaskaTroutFest.TheAlgonacPickerelFest.TheLilacFest.

I’ve run at those festivals over the years,and now I can add the Empire AsparagusFest 5K to my list. Or, to be technical, theRun You Ass-Paragus Off 5K.

This year’s run was held in blustery, driz-zling conditions in mid-May. Empire is aquaint little town on Lake Michigan at thebase of the Leelanau Peninsula that comesalive in summer, swelling with tourists, sum-mer residents and artists.

None of those folks have arrived in May,but the asparagus has — and it’s so tasty andplentiful that what is there to do but have afestival?

There’s a wonderful public park on thebeach, where the race starts and finishes. Iwas warming up with the Mad Dog whenone of the organizers, who was running therace, too, jumped in next to me to warm up.

He was ecstatic. The race had doubled itsentries from 40 to 80. Wasn’t that great?Your dog’s doing the whole race? Isn’t thatgreat? Have you run the course before?You’re going to love it. And so forth.

The starter pointed out a huge bluff to the

south, a forest-covered monster. “See the top ofthat hill? That’s where you’re going to go in thefirst mile. When you get to the top, a guy witha truck will send you back down.”

This thing was huge, and in the haze ofthe drizzle and mist from the surf poundingalong miles of shoreline, it seemed a lot far-ther away than something we’d see in thefirst mile.

The starter didn’t fire a gun, set off asiren or air horn. He held up a long, singlepiece of asparagus, said he was going to dropit, and, when it hit the ground, to take off.

We did. A gradual uphill first quarter-mile led to a long, winding blacktop roadthrough the forest. Up and up we went,though the canopy so dark it was almost likenight. At long last, around a final turn, sureenough, there was a truck and guy was send-ing us back down the mountainside.

Whee! Me and the dog flying.

Then a mile loop around the outskirts oftown before finishing back at the beach.Maddie was first of three dogs. I was thirdgeezer.

In the old days, the awards system wouldhave irritated me. Now it just added to thesmall-town feel of a fine morning. There wasa pound of asparagus for each of the maleand female winners. After that, age groupswere unisex. One award to the top finisher, in

an eccentric, to say the least, collection ofcategories — 12 and under, 13-18. 19-29, 30-45, 46-59, 60 and over.

Best of all? The best t-shirt I’ve got inseveral years, adorned with renderings of acrazy looking deer and asparagus.

Second best? Race-day registration,including the shirt and gobs of cookies at thefinish line, was $12.

Then it was off Main Street to look forasparagus.

***

Having spent a good portion of myyouth — all of it actually — as anunderachiever of prodigious propor-

tions, I am always appreciative of youngfolks who know what they want out of lifeand go about trying to get it.

Take Karry Brook, for example. My dayjob is writing for Crain’s Detroit Business,which has a number of what we call recogni-tion events and special sections in the year.Our marquee event is “40 under 40,” whichhonors the top superachievers in SoutheasternMichigan each year. A spin-off is “20 in their20s,” which honors up-and-comers with abias toward the artistic class.

Brook, 28, was one of this year’s class of“20 in their 20s.” A St. Clair Shores resident

Notes on the Run: DogsRunning with Tom Henderson

Tom Henderson shares his kayak with his dog, Maddie.

and graduate of Detroit’s College for Creativestudies, by day she has a full-time job asgraphic designer for Lipari Foods. By nightand weekends she raises her two young boys.

And by night and weekends she attendsto her side gig, expanding her WeeRevolution line of custom-designed andscreen-printed kids’ clothes. In 2006 shestarted attending trade shows for her fledg-ling business. Today, she has sales reps inCalifornia, Illinois, North Carolina and Japanand her clothes are in 30 trendy boutiques inthe U.S., Japan and Puerto Rico. She made$20,000 on the side business last year and isshooting for $30,000 this year.

Now, all of that — the day job, the kids,the clothing line, not to mention her twohuge dogs and a husband — would beenough to keep most people occupied.

But most people don’t make Crain’s “20in their 20s.”

Karry ran track and cross country inhigh school and loves doing the occasionalroad race. Figuring itwould be easier to train ifshe had a support group,she founded a group fornew or not-so-new moth-ers to get together twice aweek. Those with kids inbaby strollers are wel-come. So, too, are thosewho care to leave theirkids at home or with ababysitter.

Tuesday nights, theymeet at Metropolitan BeachMetropark in HarrisonTownship, Saturday morn-ings they meet at DodgePark in Sterling Heights.For more information, sendher an e-mail at [email protected].

***

Speaking of festivalsand t-shirts, one of mykeeper shirts is from

the St. Ignace FudgeFestival many years ago.The colors were not wellthought out and neitherwas the design. It was akeeper for the wrong, butfunny, reasons.

The background waspink, which is fine with me.I like pinks and purples,and once got in troublewith the City of St. ClairShores for painting my

house purple, something the mayor thoughtan abomination.

He set the code-enforcement people onme. The color was legal, but he didn’t like itand they let me know until I changed itthey’d be on me for every other thing theycould find, from alleging the ivy on my chim-ney was a fire hazard to the blackberries inmy back yard were a nuisance weed.

Until there was no more purple, they’d beon me like stank on poop.

Which reminds me of the Fudge Festshirt. It was pink, with three dark brownblocks across the front. Each had a smilingface and little arms and legs. They were sup-posed to represent pieces of fudge, but lookedmore like animated turds. The ca-ca fest, per-haps?

Every once in a while, while straighteningup the shelves of t-shirts that remain from the1,200 or so races I’ve run, I come across thatone and it makes me smile. Ugly and funny.

Once in a while, just to drive my wife

nuts, I even wear it.

***

Asad postscript: Harrison and DeloresHensley have for many years been thebest ambassadors of running in the

state. Both have been MR Contributors ofthe Year. They could be found every weekendat some race around the state, both volun-teering to do whatever needed to be done,Harrison running the race, too, and passingout flyers for the dozens of races he kept inthe trunk of his car.

Alas, Delores had a stroke severalmonths ago and has had a difficult recovery.Needing to focus on her needs, Harrison hascanceled this year’s Run Thru Hell races — awonderful event he puts on in and aroundPinckney each August.

Here’s hoping for a welcome recovery forDelores, one of the world’s great people, anda return next year of the Run Thru Hell, aniconic race with an equally iconic t-shirt anddirector. MR


michigan runner july/ august 2009

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