Many runners are now going to the web to get information about races, results and entering on-line. When compared to the paper entry form, web sites offer more robust information.

www.runmichigan.com is another web site for grabbing information about events, results, articles and photos from races in Michigan. It also provides links to National organizations and on-line publications like Runner's World daily news.

On-line registration has made entering races much easier. It now accounts for almost fifty percent of registrations. No longer do you have to search around your house for that lost form or fear that it will get lost in the mail when you send it in. Another advantage is that it ensures that your name and address is spelled correctly. Surprisingly, many entry forms come into a race directors hands almost unreadable, which makes it difficult to send out confirmations or properly name certificates.

Entry forms only have so much room for event information and the cost of printing and mailing can take a big chunk out race budgets. Event web sites can provide up to date information as it arrives. Hotel, restaurant and parking locations, visitor's bureau guides and pasta dinner tickets are just a few of the things that can make your race weekend more enjoyable.

Instant race results are another bonus from the web. Use of computer chips to record your time is becoming the trend. Not only does it give you accurate start line to finish line timing but also improvements in technology now offer spectators the opportunity to track a runner at various points along the course. The Boston and Houston Marathons both made use of this ability and were able to place volunteers out on the course with laptops to serve as information guides to keep spectators posted.

One drawback to watching a marathon has been the inability to watch a particular runner from start to finish. Usually, you were lucky to see the lead runners via television or hear updates on the radio. Occasionally you got a glimpse of the back of the packers. It may not be long before your computer will be a virtual stadium. Like auto racing, a lightweight camera and chip could be attached to runners to record their efforts while someone at home or at the finish line watches it in real time.

Tip of the Week: Use athletic sunscreens on hot sunny days to help ward off skins cancers. Also try hats and sunglasses to prevent squinting while you run.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226

or [email protected]