September Races
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

This Saturday morning, runners can kick off the 25th Ford Detroit Jazz Festival celebration in style. The Jazz Fest 4 Miler presented by Standard Federal promises to be another great race and party.  

Last year, runners were treated to elegant views of Windsor from Detroit's new riverfront promenade behind Cobo Center. With just a slight change, the course will again feature views of the Ambassador Bridge, Corktown and finish at the Underground Railroad sculpture called "Gateway to Freedom".

Music Hall - The Jazz Fest's non-profit presenting organization is back for another year as the race producer.   Last year, runners were treated to live entertainment from a Ford Motor Company band called People With Day Jobs. They are back again, as is the plentiful food and beverages such as bagels from Einstein, fruit bars from Edy's and beer from Michelob Ultra.

Cool jazzy beer mugs will be awarded to top finishers in thirteen age groups plus overall categories.   Last year cheering under the music tent raised a few decibels when champion Paul Aufdenmberge came to the stage.   He plans to return to defend his title but expects to see some talented competition from the Hanson's Running shop.  

Ford Runners Club will be providing volunteers to help raise money for their club activities. Runners can park on the Cobo roof for $4 and stay around after the event to watch Jazz greats such as the Ramsey Lewis Trio and the Brubeck Brothers Band.

J Walter Thompson has designed some great T Shirts around this year's theme "Run for the Riffs".    Women runners and volunteers will be offered ladies cut shirts for a better fit.

Jazz Fest 4 Miler Entry Forms are available at all local running stores as well as on line at www.detroitjazzfest.com .   For more information call Music Hall at 313 963-2366. Volunteers are still needed as well.

September has a number of great races coming up. On the 11th , the Motor City Shakedown 8km, coordinated by the Downtown Runners and Walkers will be held on Belle Isle at 10 am. Call Cheryl Adams at 888 738-3261.

On the same day, Mackinac Island will be hosting the 8 mile run around the island for the 34th time.   It's one of the prettiest courses in Michigan.   The race begins 9:30 am.   Runners coming from the mainland can catch the ferries before 8 am to make it to the race on time. Call the Riverbend Striders at 810 659-6493 for more details.

On the 18th , the 21st edition of the Kensington Challenge also offers a spectacular course. The 5km and 15km start just after 9 am. Proceeds go to club activities and to support the John Rogucki Memorial Fund.  The fund supports: Washtenaw Community College Cross-Country Club Sports program, Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan Special Olympics, and the Ann Arbor Track Club Youth Program. This year two $1000 scholarships will go to local high school senior athletes at Washtenaw Community College. .   Email the AATC at [email protected] if you have questions.