The 32nd Annual New Year's Eve Family Fun Run will be held as planned but with a number of hurdles to still leap over.  Race director Jeanne Bocci confirmed that the event will be held at Belle Isle with the likelihood of some last minute changes.  While its early history saw drastic changes, the race has remained fairly consistent for the past 25 years.

The event debuted in 1970, as a " get-together " for some Olympic Athletes who were visiting the Bocci family. Jeanne decided to have a handicapped 4 miler at Windmill Pointe in Grosse Pointe Park, at 8:00p.m with a post race spaghetti dinner back at her house.  There were only 8 competitors the first year.

In 1971 a few Belle Isle Runners asked if they could join in the festivities.  Runners donated awards such as basketball key chains from Detroit Tech. Everyone got a prize for walking or running 4 miles

1974 saw the event move to Belle Isle due to parking problems. The race grew to more than 500 competitors.  Maps were passed out to the Bocci's house for a spaghetti dinner and award ceremony.

Detroit Parks & Recreation director Leo Atchison helped the event in 1975 by opening the small basement under the Aquarium so that all the runners and walkers could enjoy the homemade pasta dinner.  Unfortunately, the fish tank upstairs dumped over and flooded the basement during dinner. Runners & walkers got their plates and award then had to exit so the next group could come in.

1976 moved into the big time when Hughes & Hatcher's became the title sponsor.  The registration and party moved to the Brodhead Armory.  Detroit Parks & Rec. brought hundreds of chairs and tables from Cobo Hall.  Volunteers cooked a spaghetti dinner for almost 3000.

Thanks to the running boom, Little Caesars, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, St John's Health System and especially Detroit Edison the race became a major event for the city of Detroit in the late 70s and early 80's.

Despite good crowds last year no significant sponsor could be found and Jeanne took out a personal loan of $3,000.00 to pay the bills.  Jeanne credits her understanding husband of 36 years for supporting her efforts to keep the race alive.

2001 is looking like the toughest year yet. Sponsors have not been found.  Last week, the Major General from the U.S. Marine Corps informed Jeanne that due to 9-11-01 they would not be able to use the Brodhead Armory to host the event. Without a sponsor other venues for registration and awards aren't within the budget. "It's been a race directors nightmare" according to Jeanne. Still they expect to find a way to hold the race on Belle Isle

This year, like all others, will have a children's 1 mile run/walk.  Each child 12 years & under receive a trophy.  There is a 1 mile run/walk open and a 4 mile run or walk at 3:30 p.m. Signs at Belle Isle Park will be posted as to where registration will be held. Long sleeve shirts are part of the package as well as father time holding the American Flag to wish all competitors a great start to the New Year.

Fees are $12.00 for children and  $20.00 adults, which includes the long-sleeve shirt, awards & post-race refreshments. Any proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross & Police & Fireman's Fund New York.