Get Out and Run in the Fresh Air at a Spring 5K

By: Toni Cunningham | April 7, 2014
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Dare I say it without jinxing us, but spring has finally sprung in Metro Detroit! If you overindulged this winter in order to simply keep warm during the arctic freeze, you might be in panic mode that bikini season is fast approaching. Relax, because there’s plenty of training time left before you hit the beach.

Whether you’re already in tiptop shape or haven’t exercised since your high school required gym class, signing up for a 5K run/walk is the perfect motivation to get yourself moving. There are plenty races happening this spring in Metro Detroit, and there’s still ample time to sign yourself (and a friend!) up. Let’s take a look…

Saturday, April 12 

The Martian Marathon will take place this Saturday in Dearborn, and includes a 10K, 5K, half marathon and kids’ marathons, as well as the main event. The first race kicks off bright and early at 7:15 a.m. Registration costs $19 to $90, depending on the race and when you sign up for it.

Adventure starts with a vehicle that’s up for anything. Trailblazer combines comfort you want, the versatility you need, and the technology to make every moment count.

In addition to some exhilarating exercise, each participant will receive a shirt and finisher’s medal. Don’t be surprised if you see an alien or two running alongside you—just run faster.

Saturday, April 19 

The 1st Annual Milford Easter Dash will be held the day before Easter Sunday. The 5K and 10K races will benefit Community Sharing, a local outreach program that provides assistance to families in need. The 10K begins first at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:15 a.m. Both races begin at Milford’s Oak Pointe Church.

Registration is required and costs $25 to $40. If you need incentive to run faster than everyone else, awards will be given to top male and female finishers overall, as well as top male and female finishers in each age group.

Saturday, April 26

The Downriver Dash 5K Run/Walk is a great race for runners/walkers of all levels, and one that will probably appeal to those looking to take part in their first running event. The trail begins and ends at Wayne County Community College’s downriver campus in Taylor and goes through Heritage Park. The 5K begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. and is followed by an awards ceremony. Registration costs $25 before Wednesday, April 7, and $30 afterwards. If you have children, there is a half-mile Tot Trot, which is free of charge!

Music will be provided by local DJs and Advanced Holistic Health will be on hand for massages.

Saturday, May 3

The 5th Annual Run with the Cops, Not from Them event will take place the first weekend in May, courtesy of the For a Day Foundation (FADF), a local 501(c)(3) foundation. The event takes place at Belle Isle and includes a 10K, 5K and one-mile fun run/walk. Registration costs $20 to $35 depending on when you sign up. The first race begins at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, May 4

If you’re really ambitious, sign up for the Inaugural Novi Half Marathon, which begins and ends at South Lyon East High School. The event also includes a 10K, 5K and mile races, the first of which begins at 8 a.m.

Keep in mind, Speedy Gonzalez’s of Metro Detroit—the marathon has a time limit of three hours and 20 minutes. I can think of many things I can do in a three-hour plus time span and none of them include constantly running.

For those of you braver than I, registration is required and costs between $23 and $60, depending on which race you choose to partake in.

Perhaps something less rigorous sounds more like your cup of tea. In that case, consider the 7th Annual Detroit Mexicantown Cinco de Mayo Fun Run & Walk, which occurs on the same day. The 5K and one-mile races kick off at Detroit’s Clark Park at 11:30 a.m.

Registration costs $20 to $25 and cash awards will be given to the top participants.

Sunday, May 10

The Moonlight Bootlegger 5K Trail Race will be held at Northville’s Maybury State Park.

Unlike all of the aforementioned races, this one takes place at night! The run/walk begins at 8:45 p.m. and winds through the park’s trails. After the race, you’ll be able to enjoy food, spirits and tunes until 11 p.m.

Through Sunday, April 20, registration costs $30, then the price rises to $35 through Thursday, May 8, and $40 for day-of registration. Your entry fee includes a t-shirt, complementary food and drink, and a moonshine mason jar.

Since this race takes place under the cover of darkness, each participant is required to use either a flashlight or a headlamp while on the trail. Brightly colored attire might not be a bad idea, either!

Break out of your indoorsy, winter rut and get moving with one of these spring running events. Keep your eyes peeled for an article with more races around Memorial Day!

 

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