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The start of a new year can be a good time to reflect on recent accomplishments. Let's also look at look at the past, present and future of our local running scene.
A phrase especially used in the auto industry is change or die. This holds true for three significant races in the area. The West Bloomfield Half Marathon was taxing the resources of the Parks and Recreation Department as numbers dwindled. So they reinvented the race into something that showcased the beauty of its area. Participants of the new Rock and Road 5km and 10km witnessed beautiful homes, lakes, marshes, the well groomed trails of a nature preserve with a taste of true cross country running thrown in. Post race amenities also broke new ground and should establish the event for years to come. From Trenton Treadmill to Zanglin to the potential of another new organization, the vision of Dr. Jodi Rogers' downtown and city park race along the Detroit River deserves to return to its former grandeur. Numbers have dwindled from its previous prominence but local organizers are meeting in a few weeks to see if they can bring back the excitement. Since 1999, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has continued to make significant changes every year both in terms of its course (which is my responsibility) to the overall promotion and function of the event. The result has been a steady growth in participation, volunteers, sponsorship and charities and a boon to other races too. In 2007, more exciting changes are being considered as the staff prepares for the marathon's thirtieth anniversary. Local running clubs have slowly stumbled into the wake of change or die. The Redford Road Runners membership moved to Northville years ago. To attract new members, they finally decided it was time for a name change to the Northville Road Runners. They have worked to provide opportunities to meet beyond the traditional weekly runs and include downtown art walks on Friday nights. This August, a three day twenty fifth anniversary gala is in the works. The Motor City Striders once on the verge of extinction is slowly adding new races and holding onto membership. Last year, the Stoney Creek Running Club elected a board from its members that have embraced not just the weekly fun runs but triathlon training and speed work with the help of the Hanson brothers. New technology continues to have an impact on the proclivities of running. Energy drinks and bars have proliferated. Improved GPS systems have had an impact on training runs and keeping course measurements honest. Chip timing has become a necessity to score big events. As a race director I look forward to the day of the throw away computer chip. Many new runners at this year's Turkey Trot were still unaware of the chip's purpose and didn't bother to put it on or return it. This resulted in a small loss to the event's budget. Chip removal also puts a nice dent in volunteer resources. Throwaways will eliminate this and reduce the cost of fencing to feed runners through the chutes. 2007 should be another banner year for road racing in Michigan. Thanks for letting me announce its triumphs and proclaim its place in our sports readership.  Doug Kurtis can be reached by clicking here! Comments:
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