This Sunday June 1^st, the Dexter Ann Arbor Runs will be celebrating 30 years of road running on one the most scenic and competitive courses in Michigan.  Since its inception in 1974, few running events in this State have maintained this caliber of excellence.

173 people finished the initial event; a fifteen mile run that began in Dexter and finished at Ann Arbor's City Hall.  One year later the race finished at Huron High School and a 7 mile run was eventually added.  In 1983 the two races were changed to a half marathon and a 10km and the finish moved to its present location on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor.

Four key people organized the first race.  Elmo Morales, founder of the Ann Arbor Track Club, David Peele, founder of the Huron Valley Roadrunners, Larry Steeb coach of the Manchester HS track and cross country team along with Mike Dabbs, director of the Ann Arbor Y came up with the idea and fortitude to put on one of the longer runs in Michigan at that time.

Carl Hatfield a National AAU champion and a Pam American marathon team member was brought in to give the race some prestige. It was the first race where someone paid his expenses.  He still remembers the wonderful hospitality he received. He paved the way for many great runners to follow. College All Americans, both male and female, have competed in the half marathon and 10 km. Several of Michigan's early stars- including John Grabowski, Karen McKeachie, Mike Simms, Chuck Davey, Ron Warhurst and Jim Forshee began their long distance road running careers at the Dexter to Ann Arbor.

The race had been blessed with a number of excellent race directors and the title sponsor changes have often camouflaged its name but the runners routinely put Dexter Ann Arbor on their must run list.  The Half Marathon is the RRCA State Championship and offers $3,000 in prize money.  A 5km Run and Fitness Walk was added several years ago.  New last year was a half marathon two person relay.  Showers at the Y have been available for many years as well as limited child care. Last year the date was changed from the traditional Memorial Day weekend so that the event could be combined with the distinctive Taste of Ann Arbor Festival.

The Dexter Schools continue to provide hospitality for the half marathon start. Bus service from downtown Ann Arbor and sweat bag provision at the start has made this event very runner friendly.  The Kids Run for ages 3 to 12 the night before the main event is a big draw for local and out of town families.

University of Michigan head football coach Lloyd Carr has created a cancer fund as a tribute to his mother Pauline, a victim of breast cancer.  Proceeds from the event will go to the cancer fund.

On line entries are open through Midnight on May 30. Packet pick-up will be held at the expo in Pioneer High School from 2 pm to 6 pm on Saturday May 31.  Race day pick up is at the parking structure of Ashley and Ann in downtown Ann Arbor before 7 am.  For more information about the race call 734 662-1000 or on the web site at www.dexterannarborrun.com

New Event this weekend:   Run Drugs Out of Town Fun Walk/Run,  1,2 or 3 mile plus kids walk.  Belle Isle Saturday May 31 at 10 am.  Call 313 570-2566