Nov 16, 2007
Half-marathon proposed for area Press | Views- 1533

Half-marathon proposed for area
LINDA SHEPARD; C & G Staff Writer
Published: November 15, 2007

ROCHESTER HILLS - In memory of his athletic young son who died earlier this year, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has proposed a half-marathon race on local trails and roadways. Brooks Stuart Patterson, 28, died in a snowmobile accident last February. The Brooksie Way Half-Marathon is planned for Oct. 5, 2008.

The Rochester area was chosen because of its trail ways and its diverse and beautiful topography, said Doug Smith, Oakland County director of Economic Development, during a Nov. 7 Rochester Hills City Council presentation.

"It is important for us to run on the trail system, through the city of Rochester and the Village of Rochester Hills," Smith said. "A beautiful run." Meadow Brook Hall is the starting point for the proposed race.

The Crim Fitness Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides year-round health and fitness programs for children and adults, has partnered with the county to establish the race. "We look forward to building the Brooksie Way into an annual event that runners will highlight on their calendars," Patterson said. "We consider ourselves fortunate that the Crim Foundation and its long history of programming and fitness excellence is sharing its considerable expertise to put Oakland County on the racing map."

"We anticipate 2,500 to 3,000 runners the first year," said Deb Kiertzner, race director of the Crim Fitness Foundation. "We could have more." A race committee has been working with U.S. Track and Field officials to determine the half-marathon course.

"It is a pleasure to be partnering with Patterson and Oakland County," said Bobby Crim, former Michigan speaker of the House and Crim Fitness Foundation founder. "Our partnership is sure to bring many benefits for fighting the obesity epidemic."

Council member Ravi Yalamanchi said the annual Crim race has became a family event in Flint. "I think it is a great idea and will add a lot of economic value," he said.

"I'm all for this," said Council member Linda Raschke. "This is a beautiful area to run in."

Council President James Rosen asked about possible costs to the city for extra police patrols during the event.

"We are asking that the city consider paying for the police," Smith said. Sponsorship could also be a possibility, he said.

"It will cost something," Rosen said. "But given the visibility, it will be well worth it."

"Potential road closures on race day would begin at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning," Mayor Bryan Barnett said. "Minimum inconveniences would be weighed against economic impact."

The race committee aims to include the Brooksie Way Half- Marathon in upcoming running magazines so marathoners can plan next year's racing schedule. The matter will come back before the council for approval within the month, Rosen said.

"I am thankful they have chosen our community as the host site. I'm extremely excited about this opportunity," Barnett said. "It seems like a perfect fit."

You can reach Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1065.




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