May 2, 2007 Doug Kurtis Column: May Races By Doug Kurtis :: Views- 247
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Michigan is the place to race in May. Pick any weekend and you will find a well organized event. The weather is often ideal and there’s something exciting about joining hundreds of fellow runners on a crisp dewy morning with all the flowers in bloom. Here’s a sampling:

May 6, 10:30 am, Detroit: Cinco De Mayo Parade Mexican Town Fun Run, 8km and 1 mile. It’s a brand new race that will be followed by a Mexican Patriotic Parade at noon. The race starts and finishes at Clark Park with a festival hosted by the Mexican Patriotic Committee. It includes a Children’s' Village, Live Music, Dancing, Food, Information, Arts & Crafts. Proceeds benefit sports scholarships for youth in Mexican Town. Awards: A Chorizo breakfast will be waiting at the finish line. It’s also an opportunity to check out the new Mexican Town Welcome Center on 21st and Bagley near the Ambassador Bridge. Downtown Runners and Walkers, local high schools and Mana de Detroit are the volunteers. Contact: Rosalia Madrigal & Steve Benavides at 313-570-4803 or HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected].

May 6, 8:30 am, Ann Arbor: 28th annual Burns Park Run, 5 / 10km run, 5km walk, ½ mile run. The course loops through a beautiful old neighborhood east of U of M’s campus. The race is organized as a fundraiser for over twenty charities and the elementary school PTO. The T shirt has been designed by its students. Former Olympians such as Frank Shorter and Joan Samuelson have attended. This year’s guest celebrity is Francie Goodrich, former world-record holder, Olympic runner, U of M coach and member of the Michigan Hall of Fame. Free massage after the race too. Contact: Joel and Jackie Dalton at 734.747.6952 or HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected].

May 20, 8:30 am, West Bloomfield: Rock and Road 5 /10 km run and kids run at the Civic Center complex on Walnut Lake Road. The Parks and Recreation Department received many positive comments from runners following last year’s inaugural race. The challenging 10km course takes you through scenic neighborhoods, the WB Woods Nature preserve and some of the beautiful trails of West Bloomfield. Trails are 6 to 8 ft. wide and consist of limestone and natural surfaces. Disclaimer: I designed and measured course. The 5K is a road course through residential neighborhoods. The Kids' Run has a variety of short distances depending on age categories. Contact: Laurie Stasiak 248.451.1900 or HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]

May 20, 8:30 am, Ann Arbor 25th Annual For Women Only 5km run and walk: Hosted by the Ann Arbor Track Club, it is a celebration of fitness for women of all ages and abilities. The course traverses the campus of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. The first 800 registered participants receive a "Cool Cats" women's technical T-Shirt. The event traditionally honors a woman for their accomplishments and contributions to women's running. This year’s honoree is Grace Harrison. Proceeds from the FWO 5K benefits Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan and the AATC Women on the Move training program. Contact: Judy Carmein at HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]

Two downriver races to consider: May 18, 6:30 pm, 29th annual YMCA Wyandotte River Run, 5km, 1 Mile at the Wyandotte City golf course, Contact: Mary Reed at 734.282.9622 or HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]

May 28, 9:00 am, Memorial Day 8km and 1 Mile at Grosse Ile High School, Contact: Total Runner in Southgate, 734.282.1101 or HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]

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