Windsor's The Running Factory is celebrating its tenth anniversary of selling running equipment and organizing running events in Windsor. Gary Belanger the store's owner and founder has capitalized on servicing the needs of an estimated 20,000 runners in the greater Windsor area.

Belanger has been a catalyst in creating excellent training programs and races that Canadians and Americans have used to improve their running skills. Belanger, himself has been running for approximately twenty years. Detroit was the location for his first marathon in 1984. He has a personal best of 2:56. Besides running, Belanger has completed 90 tri or duathlons.

This will be the first year that The Running Factory is sponsoring a race series. Five races in the Windsor area have been designated to receive points that will be tallied. It will culminate with the beautiful Get to the Point half marathon on September 14^th at Point Pelee. The kick off event begins on March 23 at the 11^th annual Spring Thaw 5km Run which starts from Belanger's store.

Besides races, The Running Factory has several 10 and 16 week clinics designed to promote running and fitness. They also have an intensive weekend triathlon clinic in June.

Belanger has been organizing social runs from his store on Wednesdays and Sundays for many years. The runs attract anywhere from ten to thirty five serious and new runners. The biggest turnouts appear on the third Wednesday of every month when the scheduled run takes place from a particular bar or restaurant. Next week, the Kildare House is hosting the runners for a post "Social Run" gathering.

As a Detroiter, I sometimes forget how close and easy it is to trek over to Windsor. Despite the border issues, I have usually found it was worth the time and effort to take a short drive over to Windsor and join the lively group of runners. If you haven't been to Erie Street for some pasta you've missed one of the wonderful delights of Windsor.

There are about twenty races in Windsor and many are as competitive as the ones in Michigan. A number of The Running Factory races now provide chip timing and are certified distances. Michigan race directors should think about visiting a Running Factory clinic or race to promote their event. As many as ten percent of Michigan races are filled by Canadian runners crossing the border. A look at the Canuck Runner web site lists over forty clubs in Ontario.

The Running Factory is located East of Windsor at 5480 Wyandotte Street. For more information about Windsor's racing schedule call the Running Factory at 519 945-3786 or visit the following web sites: www.runningfactory.com, www.wrace.org or the www.canuckrunner.com

Tip of the week: Long runs and speed workouts are the places to experiment with clothing to find out what is most comfortable. Go to a local running shop for expert advice on shoes and make sure they work well in test races. Don't experiment with new equipment the day of an important race.