The Crim Festival of Races will put on its 27^th edition this weekend. Its slogan "Coolest Race in Michigan" isn't referring to its weather or hot competition. The expo, entertainment and passel of races really are the cool thing to do for Flint and Michigan runners.  There won't be a shortage of excitement in downtown Flint this weekend.

The first of nine different races will begin at 7:30 a.m. this Saturday morning. The 10 Miler is the star power event but the festival includes separate 8km and 5km runs and walks plus kids events. The various races wind through the heart of Flint's community. The 10 Mile course is scenic and challenging, especially through the Bradley Hills but the competition creates some of the fastest times in the nation. The speed demons barely notice the homes of former auto barons but conversational joggers welcome the tree lined Parkside Street shade and the thrilling finish on brick laid Saginaw Street.

Thursday is the official opening of the three day Sport and Fitness Expo.  The media is invited to a special reception to meet the invited athletes.  Two Time Crim Champ John Korir is back after missing the top ten last year.  Six time champ Catherine Ndereba will be running the world half marathon championships in Paris so her sister Anastasia will try to keep the crown in the family. It will look like a two country battle on the women's side.  Ten top Kenyan and Russian women are on the starters list along with several East European master's stars.  Last year's top ten men were all Kenyans with the exception of former MSU star Kyle Baker.  The Hanson's team plans to showcase a solid cadre of talent and hopefully take home some of the $42,750 in prize money.

On Friday at 3:30 pm Keith and Kevin Hanson will be sharing their thoughts on their Olympic development team dreams at the Riverfront Character Inn. They will be followed by the Crim's own youth development program run featuring neighborhood kids who have been training all summer. Former Crim director Lois Craig will be starting the ¼ mile Special Olympics run just prior to the development run. Families can join all the runners at the Pasta Party and Pep Rally at the Festival stage starting a 7 pm.

A pancake breakfast to benefit the Flint Lions Club will begin at 6 a.m on Saturday morning for spectators. After the running events, there is plenty of entertainment and fun things for the kids.  Saturday at 6 pm a "Meet & Greet" of the International runners and a viewing of the WFUM-TV38 broadcast of the 10 Mile race will be hosted during the "Keep on Keeping On" Black American Festival.

Event director Sherlynn Everly boasts over 14,000 runners registered to participate in all of the races. More than 8,500 will compete in the 10 Miler. Another 4,000 volunteer their time to support the race. Many will choose to run for one of six charities supported by the events. Over $2 million has been raised to help local programs.

Next week:  The first annual Standard Federal Detroit Jazz Fest 4 Mile Run will kick off the Jazz Fest beginning at 8:30 am on August 30.  Call 313 963-2366 or go to detroitjazzfest.com for information.