August Races
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

August is usually tough on runners wanting to race and train for fall races.   The weather is hot, the weekends are packed with family activities and running takes a back seat to kids, spouses or significant others.

In spite of this, a number of great races take place this month. Four of them continue to thrive while celebrating three decades of putting on a first class event.

The Allen Park Street Fair 8km will hold its 29 th annual road race in conjunction with its street jamboree. The Downriver Runners along with Tony Mifsud pull runners from metro Detroit and Toledo with live entertainment, great food and homespun atmosphere.   It's also one of just a few races held in the evening.   To liven things up this year, a few new twists have been added to the course.

The start and finish lines are still located in front of the Allen Park Presbyterian Church. The gun goes off at 6 pm for the 1 mile run. Call Total Runner at 734 282-1101 for information,

This Saturday morning's Clark Lake Run must be doing something right; it's been going on for 30 years.   Race director Pat Dwyer's positive attitude may have something to do with it.   He's involved to ensure its connection to the community. The start and finish at the Beach Bar lends itself to a party atmosphere and the county park makes it convenient to take a post race swim.   Race proceeds are providing incentive to create a surface for cyclists and runners to circle the lake without crossing traffic.   Clark Lake is located just south of Jackson and the race one of the few in the state offering the 12 km (7.4 Miles) distance. Call Pat Dwyer or Liz Colegrove at 517 782-6106 for information and directions. Race time is 8:30 am for the 5km run and walk as well.

The following week has two more of Michigan's favorite races.   The Run Thru Hell at 8 am on the 13 th will see if it can outdo last year's 25 th anniversary celebration and record turnout. The start has been changed with city support. Delores and Harrison Hensley continue to direct the activities and design the much sought after T-shirt.   Plan to arrive early to get a good parking spot at the Hell Creek Ranch. Parking has been eliminated on Patterson Lake Road.

Competition is excellent for the Hell ten miler. Prizes go deep and runners vie for the last age group award known as the horse's ass trophy.   The 4.8 mile run, or weenie race as Harrison likes to put it, draws more runners than the horse flies on the tough Run Thru Hell.   Call 734-878-6640 or go to www.gaultracemanagement.com .

The Howell Melon Run presented by the Howell Area Parks and Recreation will roll out the carpet for its 28 th year.   It's another evening run with a beautiful setting.   The race starts and finishes at Howell City Park, looping through the Lakeview Cemetery on Thompson Lake.   Please bury me here because I love running through cemeteries and this is the only one I've come across with a waterfront view. Race time is 7 pm. Call 517 546-0693 for information.

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