Mar 9, 2007 Doug Kurtis Column: Corktown's 25th By Doug Kurtis :: Views- 691
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This Sunday March 11th, the Fraternal Order of United Irishmen will
celebrate 25 years of organizing the St. Patrick’s Parade Corktown Run.
Race directors Greg Everal and myself are hoping to keep last year’s
momentum going when a record crowd of over 1400 runners showed up to run
and walk.

The course will remain the same. It starts on Michigan Avenue in front of
old Tiger Stadium, loops around Campus Martius and heads north in front of
Comerica Park and the Fox Theatre. It returns the same way, coming back
along the Parade route but heads past the reviewing stand in front of the
Gaelic League to finish in Roosevelt Park in front of the abandoned
Michigan Central train station.

What’s new this year? Runners are requested to bring a can or more of
food to the registration area. Some of race proceeds from the event are
used to benefit the St. Patrick's Senior Center in Detroit to help aid
their food programs.

The race is going green, with its T shirts. Runners should enjoy the new
gold logo emblazoned on the kelly green T’s.

Costumes have always been a part of the event. Lynch’s theatrical
department stores are donating special prizes for the best costumes.

Got to get to the St. Patrick’s Parade on time? This year, the races
will start a half hour earlier. The kid’s quarter mile run begins at
11:30 am followed by the 4 mile run and the 1.5 mile walk at noon. Don’t
forget to set your clocks back an hour, since daylight savings time kicks
in Sunday morning.

The pub team category is new. Local pubs can sign up as many participants
or teams as they want but only two will score from each. All female, male
or mixed teams are eligible for prizes.

DJ, Mark Cotter will be back spinning the Irish tunes at the finish line
tent. Race entrants are expected to join the St. Patrick's Parade
spectators on Michigan Avenue at 2 pm.

The Motor City Striders and the Downtown Runners and Walkers are returning
as co-hosts. Both running clubs will be providing some of the much needed
volunteers. Strider President Ed Kozloff will be returning as the official
starter.

Chip timing is back. Everal Race management in cooperation with Gault Race
Management will score the event. Five year age groups begin at age 5 and
every five years thereafter. Kelly green tumblers will be awarded to the
top fifty male and female overall and anyone over the age of 70.

Runner’s can find their results by going on-line at: www.runmichigan.com
or www.everalracemgt.com.

Want to register early and pick up your race packet? Registration is
available at Total Runner in Southfield at 12 Mile and Northwestern. Race
sponsor Mizuno will hold a Mizuno Day at the store this Saturday. Try on a
pair of their shoes and receive a fee T shirt.

More information and on-line registration is available at:
www.downtownrunners.com/corktownraces.htm or contact Total Runner at
248.354.1177.

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