Memorial Stories
- By Doug Kurtis

As Memorial Day approaches I think of runners who have left their mark on us and races that honor them.   Brian Maxwell, Grosse Ile's Memorial Day run and Corky Hummer have earned a place of distinction.

I ran with Maxwell back in the early 80's at the Boston and New York marathons when we both competed for the adidas team. He was born in London but grew up in Toronto. By 1977, he was ranked the number three marathoner in the world and not long after became the head cross-country coach at the U. of California, Berkley.   Later, I discovered that he studied at Cal and ran with a good friend of mine, Gary Wolfram, an economics professor at Hillsdale College.

The last time Brian and I crossed paths, he was towing his six children around Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. They were there to watch Jennifer, their mother, running a cross country race. Now all of this might not seem out of the ordinary except that Maxwell became well known for what he and his wife accomplished.

After dropping out at the 21 mile mark of a marathon, Maxwell began research with Jennifer, a nutritionist, to devise a portable tasty source of energy. Together, the Maxwell's invented a product in their kitchen. Athletes such as San Francisco quarterback Steve Young were his early believers. Runners and Tri-athletes have used the concoction known as Power Bar around the world since 1986. Power Bar reached annual revenues of $30 million and was sold to Nestle, Inc for $375 million. Shockingly, Maxwell died a heart attack while standing in line at a post office on March 21.   He will be remembered for his generous contribution to his employees and athletes.   He was named one of the 100 most influential people in sports.

This coming Monday will be the 11th running of Grosse Ile's Memorial Day 8K. The Island Road Runners and gracious race director Greg Everal have humbly improved the event over the last five years.   The race, which is now part of the Michigan Runner Race Series, begins at Grosse Ile High School and loops past beautiful historic homes overlooking the Detroit River. It incorporates a well marked trail and finishes back at the school.   Prior to the starting gun, an honor guard recognizes those that have fought in American battles.   Finishers are rewarded with home made baked goods prepared by the IRR club members. It's a very homespun atmosphere. After the awards ceremony, volunteers and IRR members spend the afternoon at an annual party on the island.  

This year the run will have special significance since IRR member Corky Hummer died last week. Hummer gave up her fight with brain cancer at age 49.   At her funeral, photographs and memorabilia honored her love for running.   It was a wonderful tribute to what she loved to do.   Many running friends shared her stories and will miss her as they volunteer at this Monday's run.

For more information about the run call Total Runner at 734 282-1101.