Flint’s fastest Santas take to the streets for 5K
FLINT, MI -- For the past 13 years, Flint’s YMCA has held a 5K run and walk to kick-off the holiday season. Unlike a normal 5K where runners wear shorts and light clothing, however, runners in this 5K bundle up in five piece Santa outfits and march through downtown Flint. Martin ran in last year’s 5K Santa run and came back this year to run with his father, John Martin, and sister, Stella Martin. After completing the 5K, Martin received a free membership and a medal. “There are hundreds coming down the streets of Flint”Johnson used to run the 5K Santa Run in high school.
mlive.comThousands flock to downtown Grand Rapids for Turkey Trot supporting GRPS student athletes
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Before stuffing their stomachs with Thanksgiving turkey, over 4,500 people participated Thursday in the 30th annual Turkey Trot in downtown Grand Rapids. Proceeds from the event help support Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), so students will not have to “pay to play” in order to participate in sports. In 2021, the Turkey Trot raised more than $100,000. Alexis Baskin, a 19-year-old from Grand Rapids, was the top female finisher with a time of 15:31. Syriana Hodges, a student in the Grand Rapids School District, is pictured on the right in white, receiving a metal for participating in the 30th annual Turkey Trot at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Thursday, November 24, 2022.
mlive.comDespite budget cuts, cross country team runs 5K race
Despite deep budget cuts to Center Cass School District 66 in Downers Grove, the community is rallying to support students, including hosting a community 5K race for members of the cross-country team, whose season was quashed this fall due to budget cuts. “I think it was a really tough decision, with the district cutting extra-curriculars, but it has energized the community,” said Elizabeth Uribe, a volunteer with the community group Save Center Cass School District 66, and the mother of a District 66 kindergartner and second grader.
chicagotribune.comZeigler Kalamazoo Marathon unveils new 2023 course as full marathon returns
KALAMAZOO, MI — The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon unveiled course details on Wednesday for its 2023 race as the full marathon readies to return to the streets of Kalamazoo for the first time in three years. New this year, the full course will wind through Western Michigan University’s Waldo Stadium, according to event organizers. “As we continue to prioritize high quality connections with Kalamazoo and the greater Southwest Michigan area, we are thrilled to partner with the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon,” said Western Michigan University Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae. The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon weekend will kick off Saturday, April 22, with the free PNC Kids’ 1K and Health Expo at 9 a.m. at Mayors Riverfront Park. The map for the Sunday, April 23, 2022, Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon.
mlive.comSuperhero benefit 5K race takes place in Flint this weekend
FLINT, MI -- A Superhero-themed 5K race through Flint will help child survivors of human trafficking, abuse and neglect through the Voices for Children Advocacy Center. The 2022 Superhero 5K Race & 1K Fun Run will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 17 starting at East 1st Street between the Flint Farmers’ Market and Wilson Park. All funds raised during the 10th annual 5K race and 1K Fun Run will benefit Voices for Children Advocacy Centers in Genesee and Shiawassee counties. Participants can register online at the Voices for Children website or on site for an additional $10. The 5K run and walk costs $30 and the 1K fun run is $25.
mlive.comFrankenmuth celebrates 46th annual Volkslaufe run
The Zweilaufe isn’t replacing the Volkslaufe, but race organizers hope it adds one more reason to run. The 46th annual Fourth of July run in Frankenmuth begins at 7 a.m. Monday with the 10-kilometer race, with more than 1,000 runners expected to compete in the five races. We’ve had people win both.”The 10K starts at 7 a.m. Monday, followed by the half marathon at 7:10 a.m. “People use a half marathon as a pre-qualifier for a marathon. MORE‘Real’ Volkslaufe returns to Frankenmuth streets, with real steins and real changes
mlive.comSee the most expensive areas around Grand Rapids to buy a home
An aerial view of 5K runners crossing over the Grand River on the Michigan Street bridge during the 45th Amway River Bank Run in Grand Rapids on Saturday, May 14, 2022. (Drone imager by Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.com
mlive.comWest Michigan educators gathered for a day focused on their health and well-being
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Educators from across Kent County gathered this week for the Kent Immediate School District’s inaugural THRIVE! The May 30, Memorial Day event, focused on the health and well-being of teachers and other school staff, drew more than 100 people to the Kent ISD campus, 2950 Knapp St. NE, to celebrate their service to children in the community. According to Kent ISD, 134 school employees from Kent ISD and beyond participated in the free activities offered throughout May. Network 180, the county’s mental health authority, was among the many area organizations that supported THRIVE! wellness events making them free for educators and school staff.
mlive.comGirls on the Run Kalamazoo celebrates 20th anniversary after COVID-19 hiatus
KALAMAZOO, MI — Elementary schoolers in Kalamazoo took to the trails surrounding Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Saturday for the annual 20th annual Girls on the Run 5K. Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo is a youth development program focused on instilling women’s empowerment in young girls. The annual 5K is the culmination of a coaching program for girls in elementary schools across the Kalamazoo area. Rogers has coached, ran and volunteered for Girls on the Run in the past. “We teach them the power of collective action and how they can work together to meet a need and help people in their community,” Beeson said.
mlive.comHolland brewery hosting ‘Haze Craze Weekend’ featuring live music, 5K run
HOLLAND, MI — A Holland brewery is hosting a weekend event this month featuring live music, a pub crawl and 5K run. Haze Craze Weekend, which is taking place April 21-24, is hosted by Big Lake Brewing, 13 W. 7th St. The event is a tribute to the return of hazy beer season at the brewery, according to a news release. Participants wearing the shirt will receive $1 off every pint ordered at Big Lake during Haze Craze Weekend.”5K Run“Haze Craze Weekend will also feature a 5K fun run through Holland. The route runs through downtown Holland, past Window on the Waterfront, out to Windmill Island, and back to Centennial Park.
mlive.comGrand Rapids Turkey Trot stuffed with thousands of runners Thanksgiving morning
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - More than 4,000 people started their Thanksgiving by trotting through downtown Grand Rapids Thursday morning, Nov. 25. The 29th annual Turkey Trot 5K returned to an in-person event after being held virtually last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceeds from the event raised funds for Grand Rapids Public Schools students to avoid having to “pay to play” in athletic programs. “Our students, coaches and parents are so appreciative of seeing the support from the community and all the Turkey Trot sponsors.”With 4,259 walkers and runners, it was the second-highest total in Turkey Trot history after 4,436 people participated in 2017, a news release said. More on MLive:Redefining gratitude: How COVID has changed the way we give thanks‘I do this as a way of giving back,’ Grand Rapids restaurant owner says about providing free Thanksgiving mealsMacy’s Thanksgiving parade returns, with all the trimmings
mlive.comAmway River Bank Run returns this weekend after 900-day hiatus
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- After a nearly 900-day hiatus of the largest 25K running race in the U.S., the Amway River Bank Run is returning Saturday to Grand Rapids. The 44th Amway River Bank Run will take place Saturday morning, Oct. 23, with 5K, 10K and 25K races all starting and ending in downtown Grand Rapids. “The energy level around that has been really, really exciting.”The 25K run begins at 9:30 a.m. on Monroe Avenue at Lyon Street. The event was postponed and then turned into a virtual race in 2020 amid the pandemic. While the Amway River Bank Run normally draws more than 15,000 participants, Hines said organizers are expecting about 6,000 people to compete this year.
mlive.comResults from 47th Dexter-Ann Arbor Run
The Dexter-Ann Arbor Run returned on Sunday with runners back in the prestigious after a year’s hiatus. More than 2,000 Participants took to the streets to partake in the 5K, 10K and half marathon that took runners through Dexter and Ann Arbor with several scenic views, including the Huron River. Check out the Top 5 finishers for all three events below. --Half Marathon(Name, city, time)MenChristopher Reischel, Midland (1:09: 12.17)Omar Abdi, St. Louis, MO (1:09.21.38)Bo Shepherd, Ann Arbor (1:09.38.89)Geoffrey Burns, Ann Arbor (1:10:28.17)Zach Duval, Goodrich (1:11:51.41)WomenSydney Devore, Ferndale (1:14:51.14)Anna Nagelhout, Ann Arbor (1:20:29.56Sophia Afridi, Perrysburg, OH (1:21:39.11)Angela Taylor, Mercer, PA (1:23:41.70)Erica Shell, Franklin (1:24:03.03)--5KMenAlex Ralston, Highland (15:56.04)Peter Shambaugh, Ann Arbor (16:11.80)Brendan Washburn, Rochester (16:42.60)Kevin Egan, Toledo (16:46.07)Michael Huebner, Ypsilanti (17:34.68)WomenJennifer Blindert, South Lyon (18:56.64)Zuzana Tomas, Ann Arbor (19:06.63)Melissa Broyles, Milford (20.49.75)J. Broyles, Midland (20:48.14)Alicia Kevelin, Ann Arbor (23:09.08)--10KMenNathan Martin, Spring Arbor (29:26.65)Zacchaeus Wildner, Lansing (30:29.63)Daniel Garza, Dearborn (32:02.79)Ben Utz, Horton (32:25.79)Keegan Oldani (32:49.96)WomenErin Larusso, Saline (40:45.00)Victoria Waidley, Detroit (41:32.67)Catherine Zettner, Detroit (42:36.09)Laura Lioy, Ann Arbor (44:44.99)Stephanie Egan, Ottawa Hills, OH (43:28.15)--To see full results of the races, please click here.
mlive.comTunnel to Towers 5K draws hundreds in Jackson to honor first responders
JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Fully-geared firefighters and about 600 others gathered to honor first responders and raise money for injured veterans at the Tunnel to Towers 5K. For the fifth year in a row, the charity 5K run and walk was held at Jackson’s Cascade Falls Park on Saturday, May 15. The race wound its way around the park, passing by where a piece of the World Trade Center steel is displayed, before ending up near the Cascade Falls entrance. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation builds high-tech “smart homes” for injured service members, giving them greater independence. In its first year, 2017, the Jackson race raised $27,000 and organizers were recognized nationally for their contribution-event cost ratio.
mlive.comOutdoor self-paced 5K event to benefit low income residents in Macomb County facing heat related emergencies
All funds raised during the event will be used to assist individuals with heat related emergencies like paying a utility bill or replacing a broken furnace. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Registration is now open for Macomb Community Action’s 31st annual Walk for Warmth 2021 (W4W2021), a self-paced 5K event that supports low income Macomb County residents in need during the winter months. All funds raised during the event will be used to assist individuals with heat related emergencies like paying a utility bill or replacing a broken furnace. “Every year, Macomb County residents join together in the Walk for Warmth to help care for their neighbors in need,” said Ernest Cawvey, director of Macomb Community Action. By using the hashtag #W4W2021 and tagging Macomb Community Action on Facebook (@MacombCommunityAction) and Twitter (@_mcaction), participants can enter themselves for photo contests and prizes.
Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan launches Spring 2021 season
(Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan)Girls on the Run Spring 2021 programming will practice enhanced safety measures due to the pandemic. ANN ARBOR – Registration will be opening soon for Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan’s spring season. This will be the organization’s 19th spring season, and its purpose goes far beyond running. Virtual programming will be available for the Spring 2021 season. (Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan)The program begins the week of March 22 and lasts eight weeks.
Run for a good cause for Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
ANN ARBOR – Since the coronavirus broke out in Michigan, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County has served more than 600 homeless individuals, providing temporary shelter, case management and housing. For the first time ever, the Shelter Association is hosting the Hustle for Housing virtual 5K. “You can join us in this event by walking, running, pushing a stroller, walking a dog, rollerblading, skateboarding, hiking, or you can be creative,” read a news release. “The goal is to have fun and help us continue to end homelessness one person at a time.”✉ Like what you’re reading? The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and participants are encouraged to sign up in teams to enjoy a socially distant outdoor 5K.
Bob Ross-themed virtual 5K to return in 2021 after popular inaugural event
The Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K will return in 2021 after the inaugural event supporting state tree-planting efforts blew away organizers' expectations earlier this year. The spring 2020 virtual 5K in honor of artist Bob Ross was originally capped at 1,000 participants. Every entrant will receive a Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib and a finisher’s medal. All proceeds will support planting “Happy Little Trees” and tree preservation at Michigan’s state parks, including locations that have been hard-hit by tree pests and diseases. The race honors celebrated American painter and TV host Bob Ross.
mlive.comCelebrate International Day of the Girl with Girls on the Run virtual 5K
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Run, walk, jump or skip your way to a 5K and support girls in Washtenaw County. In honor of International Day of the Girl on Oct. 11, Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan is hosting a virtual 5K to raise funds for its programs to help girls around Southeast Michigan. Money raised through the virtual 5K goes towards scholarships for girls that want to take part in Girls on the Run’s afterschool programs. (Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan)✉ Like what you’re reading? Since running a 5K is part of Girls on the Run after-school programs, the virtual event seemed fitting.
Metro Detroit 5k run/walk honors friend who died from Melanoma
MILFORD, Mich. A friendship, a death and a promise to help others -- the KDB Melanoma Run is more than just a 5k run. Her best friend, Tricia Edwards, said she felt helpless when Bowers was diagnosed with melanoma. She decided to find a way to educate more people about melanoma, so she created the KDB Melanoma Walk. The Cananaughs and their support team show up every year for the KDB Melanoma Run and have raised more than six figures. Due to COVID-19, races like this cant occur, so this year, the KDB Melanoma Run is going virtual.
Rhonda Walker Foundation’s Give and Get Fit event goes virtual this year
The Rhonda Walker Foundation celebrates the 10th annual Give and Get Fit Health and Fitness event on Sunday, July 26, 2020 by going virtual. All registered 5K/10K participants will receive a performance shirt, medal and special discounts from our sponsors! Proceeds benefit the Rhonda Walker Foundation’s award-winning health and wellness youth programming through its five-year Girls into Women career, personal development, education and mentoring program for inner city teen girls. We encourage all participants to become a Camp I Can Champion by fundraising $250 -- the amount needed to send one teen to Camp I Can. Camp I Can is a weekend leadership and self development retreat with fun-filled activities that stress team building, self-esteem, confidence building and overcoming barriers.
New Holland Brewing Co. introduces light ale made with Lake Michigan water
HOLLAND, Mich. – New Holland Brewing Co.'s newest offering is a light white ale brewed with Lake Michigan water. The Holland, Michigan brewery recently introduced Lightpoint Functional White Ale, a brew the company says is made with natural ingredients, including raw honey, coconut water and orange peels. "We all look forward to the light point in our day or in our workout,” said Adam Dickerson, New Holland brand manager. “Here in west Michigan, the sunset over Lake Michigan symbolizes that moment of rest. Lightpoint Functional White Ale will be available across the brewery’s distribution network beginning March 1.
9-Year-Old Signs Up for 5K Race ... and Wins First Place in the 10K Race
A Minnesota mom was worried his son wouldnt finish the 5K race, but the 9-year-old boy surprised everyone and instead came in first place in the 10K race. It has never been on our radar, his mom Heather Boedigheimer-Lovell told InsideEdition.com. The 10K race happened simultaneously, and runners for both groups started together. He came in first place, completing the 10K in about 48 minutes, with the next fastest runner coming in a full minute behind. I have never seen him so red after a race, his mom said.
7 ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month you haven't considered
Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, so if youre not marking the occasion already, maybe its time to start. Everyone could bring a Latin dish and maybe provide some background on its history. Find Spark recommends showcasing famous paintings or photography by Hispanic artists or about Latin America. This doesnt have to be a massive undertaking -- you could check out your local options; maybe a nearby university or library could help you get some inspiration. Go support a nearby Hispanic establishment, restaurant, museum or venue.
5th annual Purple Run in Ann Arbor to benefit SafeHouse Center
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The University of Michigan Police Department and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office will host the 5th Annual Purple Run on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019This year's race is starting at 9 a.m. at the Duderstat Center, 2281 Bonisteel Boulevard on North Campus. The 5K run/walk is a family event and will once again benefit SafeHouse Center. "We are honored to have the support of our great community partners," Barbara Niess-May, Executive Director of SafeHouse Center said. For more information on the run, visit the Purple Run website. All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.
Rose Run in Petersburg tops $100,000 in fundraising
Jessica Cribbs couldnt be prouder of her hometown of Petersburg after the Rose 5K Run went over the $100,000 mark in fundraising during its 11th year. Cribbs, 40, started the race and the Strength of a Rose (SOAR) Foundation to raise money for cancer research and to aid patients. Kevin and Katelyn Trapp of Petersburg brought their four kids along to the 5K and the 1K Fun Run. It was the second Rose Run for Hensley, who runs about 100 races a year. She looks forward to the Rose Run because its home for her.
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