May 25, 2007 Memorial Day Run and Remembrances By Doug Kurtis :: Views- 825
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This Monday the Grosse Ile Memorial Day Run will honor those that have fought in battle. It has been an Island tradition since 1981. Three other fallen running heroes, Janice Shimmel, Larry Steeb and Bill Chappell will also be remembered for their contribution to Michigan’s running.

Race director Greg Everal summed up why runners should head over to Grosse Isle this weekend. “The Memorial Day Run offers a picturesque course along the Detroit River looking at Canada. Participants love our colorful sweatshirt and the best dam post-race goodie table in the State of Michigan. Most important of all is honoring of our veterans and the men and women in the military at the start of the race.”

Despite the closing of the County Bridge to the Island, registration numbers are up this year. The toll bridge is only $3 round trip and there should be little or no back on Monday morning.

The certified 8km (5 miles) course is designed to show off Grosse Ile's beautifully landscaped streets and residents that were once summer homes to prominent locals. Runners will enjoy a brief run through a tree lined trail, and a mile stretch along the Detroit River.

Color guards from the Vietnam Veterans United L.Z have been a six year tradition before the race start, as is a special rendition of the Star Spangled banner sang by club member Kait Laporte.

There is one new twist to this year’s race. Runners will now cross under the finish banner on the Grosse Ile High School track.

Host club, the Island Road Runners put their salutation on this event. No other race in Michigan offers such a monster sized spread of home baked goods. They also serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bagels. Runners can register on line at www.islandroadrunners.net or at Total Runner in Southgate.

The 1 mile race begins at 8:30 am and the 8km at 9:00 am. Cost is $23 on race day.

While visiting fellow Island Road Runner member Jan Shimmel at her bedside in Wyandotte, Eve Howell asked if there was anyone who didn't like her. Jan’s response was, "Well, I'm sure there must be somebody out there, but I don't know who." Shimmel devoted her entire life to helping others. She organized and participated in many local charities.

I remember Shimmel as a spunky cheerleader always volunteering at races, especially the Zanglin Run in Trenton. I’ll never forget watching her run the Hong Kong Marathon with her husband Bob. As we crossed paths on the looped course she would raise her hands in the air and scream out that she was president of the Doug Kurtis fan club. She had me in tears from laughing so hard.

This July 1st, Whitmore Lake will be honoring coach, Larry Steeb with a memorial Independence Day run. Steeb was an impressive coach at Whitmore Lake. His girls cross country teams won numerous state championships and individual titles in the 90’s. Before passing away in February he was slated to be first vice president of the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association. All that knew him said he was a great motivator and had an infectious enthusiasm.

Bill Chappell was considered the father of running in Monroe. He was one of the founders of the Monroe Milers running club. Chappell was originally a soccer player in England and the U.S. He discovered a love for running in British army. Chappell would often be seen on the Raisin River bike path recruiting people to walk, run and lead a healthy lifestyle. His first marathon was the Motor City Marathon.

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Doug Kurtis can be reached by clicking here!

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