Jun 17, 2007 Trenton's Last Run By Doug Kurtis :: Views- 693
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This Friday night may be your last chance to join the Zanglin Downriver 8km run in Trenton. Race chairman Jim Zanglin, director Eve Howell and their staff have decided to roll up the red carpet on the event’s 25th anniversary. It is hoped that runners will pack the streets as a fond farewell.

The name Trenton Treadmill Run is still a slip of the tongue for longtime participants, although it’s been fifteen years since it held the original title. Many will remember the huge street party race created by Dr. Jodi Rodgers.

It was his idea to put on a race to get his heart patients to be more physically active. Former Mayor George Mans remembers how it energized the whole community. “It definitely added to the quality of life in the area”, he said by phone this week.

Rogers planned to discontinue the race until Jim Zanglin walked into his office and asked for an explanation. Rogers handed him the director files and politely told him that the job was now his.
Zanglin was already connected to the Trenton community through his reality company. He just didn’t know about all the little big things he would have to worry about. Such as the year a wedding reception was scheduled (despite his notices) at the historic Sibley’s Hotel Grill. Zanglin recounts, “rather than be upset, the bride and groom purchased running shoes to go with their attire and joined the post race party.”

Consistently named as one of the top 50 running events in Michigan, it was once part of a triple crown of evening party races along with the Road Runner Classic and Allen Park Street Fair. This year the Classic is coming back as an evening race while Allen Park, under a new director, is going to a morning race.

Longtime volunteer Nina Derda recalls one of the early themes. “In 1984 it was called "Commitment to Health. An important factor was the location. I sensed that the Treadmill gave evidence of the running community downriver. It was also thrilling to see running guru and author Dr. George Sheehan participate as a runner and inspiring speaker that year. The Trenton Theatre was packed!”

Howell ran her first Treadmill Run in 1984. “I loved it. I used to bring my two young sons and they ran the 1 mile fun run. I even got them small running outfits to wear each year. It was a great family event, and still is. In 1993, when the race was taken over by Jim Zanglin, I hesitantly offered to volunteer but became the race director. The fun days of enjoying the great party were over, but replacing it was the pride of being involved with a first-class running event which promotes fitness in a fun way. I will miss working with mentor and friend Jim Zanglin and the staff, who were so much fun to work with.”

Why the last year? According to Howell,"After fifteen the race committee wanted to spend more time on many of their other community activities. They felt that it was time to let the race go and still hope that someone suitable will be willing to step up and take it over."
As a past winner, I can remember many exciting races with great competition whether there was prize money or not. Who wanted to pass up a race that featured belly dancers on the course, Elvis impersonators and lots of free food, popsicles and beer? The course had character and the party charisma. People packed the heart of downtown to run or cheer. Elizabeth Park’s loops, the old-world elegant homes along Riverside Drive and the silver painted Z Man will not be forgotten.

Organizers are most proud of the fact that families come and it has something to offer everyone. Their goal is to make physical fitness fun and easy. The frosting on the cake is that generous sponsorships enable the event to donate money to charities such Smiles for Sophie who is a child suffering from brain cancer.

The Mile starts at 7:30 pm and the 8km at 8:00. For more information, call Total Runner at: 734 282-1101 or search www.zanglinrun.com.

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Doug Kurtis can be reached by clicking here!

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