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With weather this beautiful, it’s no surprise that most of us want to spend as much time as humanly possible outdoors soaking up the rays. What better way to enjoy the warmth of summer than by squeezing in a little exercise? Then you won’t have to worry about squeezing into your swimsuit when it comes time to hit the beach.
I understand that some of you may be seasoned runners, while others only pick up the pace when being chased by a pack of angry bees. Plenty of running events allow you to walk the course, so don’t sweat it if you’re not yet conditioned. Grab a buddy and get yourselves registered for one of the following summer run events in Metro Detroit!
Saturday, June 21
The 2nd Annual Thru the Woods 5/10 Mile Run will take place at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Twp. There are two different events to participate in: a 10 mile run (registration costs $50 to $55) and five mile run (registration costs $40 to $50), and the first race begins at 8 a.m. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers, and all participants receive a Gildan Performance t-shirt.
Remember to bring an extra $5 for parking at the Metropark!
The Summer Solstice Moonlight Run is set to take place at Island Lake Recreation Area, 12950 E. Grand River Ave., Brighton. The event will feature a fun run (which begins at 7 p.m.) and 5K or 10K run (both of which start at 7:30 p.m.), and late registration is taking place at Runnin’ Gear, 9937 E. Grand River Ave., Brighton, through Friday, June 20 at 8 p.m. Registration for the 5K and 10K costs $30, while the Fun Run costs only $5.
Friday, June 27
Glow in the Night 5K will occur at Kensington Metro Park, 2240 W. Buno Rd., Milford at 9 p.m. This one is similar to the Color Run, but better. Before you set off on a three-mile run or walk, you’re covered in glow powder that will pretty much turn you into a human highlighter under the course’s black lights.
Individual registration costs $45 to $50 and registration for teams of four or more cost $40 to $45/person.
Friday, July 4
The Firecracker 5K takes place in downtown Ann Arbor before the Annual Ann Arbor Jaycees Fourth of July Parade. The event includes a 5K race at 8 a.m. and a 100 Meter Kids Dash at 9:30 a.m. Registration costs $35 for the 5K and $13 to $15 for the Kids Dash, depending on when you register—the later you do so, the lesser your chances of receiving a free t-shirt are, so get moving!
The course will begin at Fourth Avenue and Liberty Street and wind through downtown Ann Arbor.
Saturday, July 12
The 2nd Annual River Splash Dash 5K is a fun run event that will be set at Rivard Plaza, 1340 Atwater St., Detroit, along the Detroit RiverWalk. There are three races to participate in, including a 5K race (which begins at 9:10 a.m.), a one-mile walk (which kicks off at 9:20 a.m.) and Kiddies Dash. Registration costs $20 to $30 depending on when you sign up.
Proceeds from all of the races will benefit Development Centers Inc., a non-profit organization that aids early child development programs throughout the Metro Detroit area.
Saturday, July 19
The 2nd Annual Jingle Run is a Christmas in July 5K where runners are encouraged to dress in their finest red and green running gear. The run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at Ann Arbor’s Gallup Park, and a Kids’ 1K Fun Dash starts at 9:30 a.m. for children 10 years of age and under.
Participation costs $20 for 5K runners and $5 for the Fun Dash. Runners are promised a summer-y winter wonderland atmosphere, and will be given jingle bells to tie onto their running shoes.
Wednesday, August 6
The Red Carpet Run is presented by Running Fit and is the race to participate in if you want to run and make a fashion statement at once. The 5K race begins at 5 p.m. and runners are encouraged to wear their most glamorous outfits possible. The starting line is in front of Running Fit, 6623 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, and the race begins at 7 p.m.
Registration costs $29 before Wednesday, August 6, and $35 on race day.
Saturday, August 9
Run Thru Hell doesn’t sound intimidating in the least, does it? The 4.8 and 10 mile race is sponsored by the Pinckney Running Club and takes place at Hell Creek Ranch on Cedar Lake Road at Patterson Lake Road. Registration costs $25 if you sign up before Saturday, August 2 and costs $30 afterwards. The registration fee is waived for participants ages 70 years and older!
Saturday, August 16
Glow in the Park Metro Detroit is another fluorescent race, where participants paint themselves and accessorize with glowing bracelets and more. The 5K race itself involves foam machines, UV glow water, clouds of neon powder and a dance party at the finish line.
The fun takes place at Camp Dearborn, 1700 General Motors Rd., Milford, at 8:30 p.m., followed by an after party until 11 p.m. You can register as an individual (for $50 to $55) or as part of a four-person team (for $45 to $50). All proceeds will benefit the Community Theatre of Howell, a non-profit that fosters appreciation of the performing arts.
Good luck, runners, and don’t forget to hydrate and keep your muscles stretched out!
