HARTLAND TWP., Michigan -- Saturday is a big day for many area runners with the latest edition of the Bayshore Marathon in picturesque Traverse City.
The marathon -- which has steadily grown in popularity -- has limited spots and already is full, but anyone making a last-minute decision can still get into a 10K also held (A half marathon that's on the schedule is full, too).
Why so popular? The out-and-back course winds mostly along the scenic shoreline of the East Grand Traverse Bay. Besides the breathtaking views, the course is relatively fast, although it's not as flat as its Web site claims. The other big negative is the angle of the road -- or camber -- in many places is steep and can have an impact, especially when running a marathon.
Still, if you're looking for a small-town, getaway place for a marathon, think about Bayshore and Traverse City for next year.
5K in Hartland: The Hartland Memorial 5K Run is 8 a.m. Monday at Hartland High School. It costs $22 per person for late registration. The course has two challenging hills and includes some twists and turns through the unincorporated village of Hartland, which also holds a pancake breakfast a parade race morning. The event raises money for Hartland Cheer. I've done it both years it's been held (one has to do his or her hometown race), and if you don't want to sleep in on a holiday, it's a great event.
Healing Hands cures distance snafu: While I didn't participate in the race this year, several friends said last Saturday's Healing Hands 5K in Flint was the correct distance, unlike last year. Several spoke positively about the event -- which raises money for the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic -- and only groused about the strong headwind over the last mile (There's not much course organizers can do about that).
Participant 788: That was me in a 5K held at Kensington Metro Park (Racing 4 Your Memories) on Sunday that raised money for Alzheimer research. While the rest of the event worked well, the results were completely botched with organizers asking participants to wait five more minutes several times. Only later online, I discovered my new name while my wife's time was nowhere to be found. While it's easy to get angry, it's times like this when runners need a little patience, especially since they had a couple of hundred extra people show up to enter on race morning. It is also for a good cause, but if they want people to come back and tell their friends, they'll need to sort this out.
Newly added race: I just received an e-mail from area runner Richard Wallen telling me about a 5K 9 a.m. May 31 at Kearsley Park in Flint called "Race Into Summer." Pre-registration is $10 and $12 on race day. Those in a Crim training group can receive a discount. For more information and registration forms, please contact Alisha Thompson (athomp18@baker.edu) or (906) 440-7312 or Jaime Rodriguez (jrodri01@baker.edu).
Ready for a run? A running group meets weekly at the Downtown Flint YMCA, 411 E. Third St., every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. There's a dedicated group of walkers too, who leave a little earlier. Everyone also likes to grab a meal afterward. So, if you're looking for some running company, this is a good place to start. Worried, no one might be there, give Bauman's a call at (810) 238-5981.
About The Weekly Jog: Started Feb. 28, this is an offshoot of "Mac's Blog on the Run" that's posted Thursdays at noon. Its focus is to detail news and notes about the Flint area running community.
Age: 33
Occupation: Flint Journal copy editor
Running background: One year of cross country at Livonia Churchill High School in the fall of 1991 (had a crush on a girl, found out I loved running instead). Got hurt in 1992 and quit running while adding "The Freshmen 15" every year in college at Michigan State University (Go Spartans!). Rediscovered running after joining the Flint YMCA and meeting area runners who helped me to achieve all that's below.
Personal records: 16:46 (5K in 2003), 35:25 (10K in 2004), 58:42 (10M in 2004 at the Crim), 1:16:09 (1/2 marathon in 2004), 2:49:03 (marathon in 2003) -- looks like my better days could be behind me (hope not).
Running highlights: Losing about 90 pounds after not really running for about eight years/winning 12 road races in Michigan (all small field events)/completing 15 marathons (including one during an Ironman triathlon in 2004 -- yeah, it was tough, but it was worth it).
Next big race: The Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 26. What's your next big goal? Please share in the comments area below or e-mail me.
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| Permalink (Learn More)Hey all, the Bayshore Marathon is a popular one. I went to sign up for the half around February and it was already full. Many people told me to run the 10K anyway because it is such a great experience. Anyone who is traveling up to Traverse City for this marathon I suggest checking out this new website...MyNorth.com. It can help you out with what else is going on in the area and more. My mom also found a cottage to rent off this website...it is awesome and was very helpful.
