Fabulous Alden 5K, 10K & 2 Mile Fun Run, Downtown Alden. July 27, 2019. “World’s only 5K & 10K race starting with a quilt show and finishing with a garage sale.”

The Fabulous Alden 5K, 10K & 2 Mile fun run, started and finished near Downtown Alden, July 27, 2019. Billed as “World’s only running race starting with a quilt show and finishing with a garage sale”, the race meandered along sloping paved and dirt roads near the outskirts of Alden in perfect running weather, not too hot, not too cold.  The website says the following; “Proceeds from the Alden Run fund beautification and improvement projects in the Alden community and are donated to local high school cross country teams. 10K & 5K courses are USA Track & Field sanctioned. Both are fun, challenging and cover hills, paved, gravel and dirt roads.  The Fun Walk is 2 miles on all paved roads. Stroller friendly!” This year’s edition of the race is the _35th_ annual run. This race one of the oldest in the area, and there are many reasons the race has gone on and on so many years.

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Unique, colorful tee shirts, designed by incredible artist, Marianne Beaucamp, were available to preregistered runners. Unique, colorful stained glass prizes, cleverly designed by local artist, Marilyn Baber, were awarded by Race Director, Steve Kershner, to the top male and female finishers. Awards were presented to the top three finishers in each age group. Steve, you are a terrific announcer, very professional and very funny. Runners enjoyed tasty snacks at the end of the race. The Downtown Alden Business Association provided many wonderful raffle prizes and support provided by the following: Alden Mill House, Nifty Things, Lakeside Dip, Warm Fuzzy, Alden Store, LaVoie Design, Spencer’s Creek Trading Co, Mama’s Kitchen, Vista Ridge, Muffin Tin, Carter’s Candles, The Pear Tree Gallery, Alden Outfitters, Higgins Store, Village Market,  South Torch Lake Fire Dept, Antrim County Sheriff, Shanty Creek Resort, Pepsi, and Paradise Properties. Ice crème cones from Higgins Store were available to finishers. Results are at the following link: Alden Run 2019 Results .

As author, I was privileged to meet many “winners”, folks who changed their lives through exercise and running. These folks were not necessarily the fastest runners but they were runners who improved their lives through exercise. Ashkan Augha, 42, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was joined by his wife, Amanda, 42. He had been running and playing soccer in the streets of Tehran, Iran since he was a child. He ran to “escape” the horrible conditions of the Iran-Iraq war, in which he lived. Today, he is a member of the Colorado National Guard, and lives the good life as a USA citizen. You are a true “winner” in our book, and thank you for your service. Karen Conroy, 60, from Eastport and Haslett, ran in honor of David Maurice (Mo) who recently passed away from an opioid overdose. She was running to warn others about this insidious disease. Her tee shirt was emblazoned on the back with a photograph of Mo. What I learned after talking to Karen, is that she is a recent kidney transplant recipient. The kidney was donated by her husband. Ali Conroy, 31, of Portage, joined the opportunity to spread the message. Megan Sutter, 38, of Frankfort, IL, is founder of a Mom’s exercise group called “Stroller Striders”, who exercise with strollers. We need more groups such as the “Stroller Striders” to help benefit moms. Laura Kirshenbaum, 45, of Holden, Mass, ran to promote healthy a lifestyle for her kids. Emerson, 9, and Hazel, 11, beat their mom, and me! Laura and I ran together during much of the race, but what I learned during this interview amazed me. Laura had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as colitis. No one else in her family has these diseases. And she beat me anyway. Laura, you are a fine inspiration to your kids as well as folks sitting at home on their fannies feeling sorry for themselves. Nancy Temkin, 66, of Farmington Hills, proudly wore a U of M shirt. No, Nancy did not attend U of M, but she earned the “right” to wear the shirt because 2 of her 3 kids attended college at U of M. GO BLUE! But Nancy amazed me during her interview. I learned Nancy suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis and uses running to keep her illness in check. Nancy runs about 1200 miles each year. Today, she left me in the dust. Bill Swift, 76, of Traverse City, ran race number 1293 in Alden. Bill, you are amazing! Dick Napperella, 74, of Traverse City, beat me again, and with a sore leg. Next year he will enter my age group and, hopefully, I will have a chance to catch you! Dick wisely said, “As we age, we bounce back from injuries, but not as fast”. Trevor Darnell, Chiropractor with offices in Rapid City and Elk Rapids, won his age group. Trevor ran with his son, Quinn. Trevor ran college track and X-country on the varsity of Western Michigan University.

David Borck, 69, of Grand Rapids, has severe arthritis in his entire body and especially in his ankles. David runs to keep himself flexible. He also suffers from heart a-fibulation. He is running with his doctor’s permission. The doctor tells David to keep doing what he is doing. During a recent heart episode, David’s pulse ran as high as 150 but soon returned to David’s “normal” of 60. Which is a low pulse any of us would love to have. David, you have a great pulse rate. Keep on “winning” this game we call “life”. David’s wife, Linda, 70, puts us both to shame with her 27 minute 5K time. Mary Sager, 60, of DeWitt, lost 10 pounds, is stronger. Running helps her manage high blood pressure. She started running only two years ago. Heart issues tend to run in her family. Her dad died of heart issues at age 67. His dad passed away at age 42. Her dad’s mother died at age 68. So Mary is running away from bad genes, and she is winning. As author, I am giving another “winners” award to Lindsey Brown, 21, of Bath MI. Lindsey is a senior at U of M, in pre-med. Lindsey wore a bright maize and blue U of M Tee shirt. Lindsey also uses running as a stress release during exams. GO BLUE!

Sarah Dudeck, 38, of Kalkaska, was joined by her family, Rock, 41, Mary, 4 and Lucy, 2. Running, for the Dudeck’s, is a form of family bonding. Is there a more important reason than family bonding to run? Rock is the coach of the Kalkaska hockey team. Kathy Mueller, 63, of Midland experiences less stress and lost 30# with exercise. Her blood pressure dropped from 183/93 to 138/83. Karen Mueller, brought 20 friends and relatives to the race. Sue Hicks Rommery. 65, of Muskegon, wore a tee shirt honoring the memory of her sister, Sandy Stout, who passed away this May. Sue was joined by Beth Hightower, 55, Candy Staley, 62, Ann Burkam, 66. David Williams, 62, of Alden, has been running 50 years. He ran with Brandon Blunk, 18, of Jacksonville, FL.

Volunteers were critically important to functioning of the race. In addition to course marshals and water station helpers, there were many other important people. Chris, Maureen and Emma Clore sold tee shirts and other memorabilia from prior races. Bonnie Fish, Meredith Grider and Trish Narwold worked at pre-registration. John Wethy and Dorothy Clore worked new registration. John used to own the Higgins Store. The quilt show and sale was well represented by Marion Johnson and Sandy Bodenbender, President of Torch Area Artisans Guild.

Race director, Steve Kershner, hopes you will join him for next year’s Fabulous Alden Run. You will benefit from the effort and you will enjoy the health and mental benefits. Remember to ask your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 77, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and has trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs, which had been ranked in the top 25 races, nationally. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an ordained rabbi, an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Grand Traverse Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M graduate like his kids, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands. Mickey took second place in his age division of the 5K. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com.

Running Bear 5K Run/Walk and ½ Mile Kids Run, 2019, Glen Arbor

Race Director, Carole Becker, welcomed close to 600 runners to the 13th annual Running Bear 5K Run/walk and ½ Mile Kids Run, July 23, 2019, held in downtown Glen Arbor. The Glen Arbor Women’s Club website says “90 percent of the proceeds from our race provide scholarships for Glen Lake School Seniors.  The remainder goes toward other Community Charitable Organizations.”

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Awards were awarded to the top male and females and were awarded two deep in 10-year age groups. Tee shirts were available. Delicious snacks were available at the end of the race. Major sponsors of the race were Boondocks, Cherry Republic, Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, The Homestead, Leelanau Vacation Rentals, Manitou Passage and Golf Club, and Riverfront Pizza and Specialties.  Stacey from TRX provided a warm-up session. A raffle was held where 47 prizes, donated from Glen Lake area businesses, were handed out to runners.  Timing was by the Traverse City Track Club and was coordinated by members of the Glen Arbor Woman’s Club. The course was out and back along a scenic, flat, wooded Glen Arbor road. Weather was perfect, very light rain turning sunny and cool. A very special moment occurred when the large crowd became silent and Clara Kroll sang the National Anthem.

Last year, over $13,000 was raised at the race, with $12,500 awarded as college scholarships. Winners were evident by the wearing of winner sashes and by assisting in various aspects of the race. Emma Kara gas-Spenser is using her scholarship money to attend Wayne State University. Emma plans to study environmental science. Adam Karat will study computer science at NMC. Taylor Detrick will study neuroscience at The University of Arizona, where her sister attends. Her family is moving to the area near Tucson, AZ. We were thrilled to be entertained by the Running Bear himself, who wore his bear costume as well as a bib number and posed for photos with runners. The Running Bear was actually Tucker Brown, a freshman at Glen Lake Schools.

Let’s meet our “winner”, Shari Margraves, 57, of Bath Michigan. As author, I get to pick my “winner”, not the fastest runner, but the runner that depicts winning the game of life, and what is more important than winning the game of life? Shari is not only a “winner”, but Shari is our “big loser”. Shari lost 60# because of running. She lost twelve inches around her waist. Shari improved all of her blood measurements. “Family Bonding” is another important reason why Sherri runs. She was joined in this race by her three daughters. Congratulations to my “winner”, Sherri Margraves. We forgive you for your Spartan shirt. Ha-ha! Adding an international flavor to the race, all the way from Hong Kong, was Norman Roe, 52. Norm and his family purchased a vacation home in the area a few months ago. The Roes have been visitors in the area for many years. Now, they are “locals”. Norm was joined in the race by his wife, Sarah Shawshank Wu-Roe, 37,proudly in her U o M shirt, (GO BLUE!!), Casey, 11, and Lincoln, 5, and Ming Tao Wu, 65, and Jian Mei Fang, her parents from China. The family that runs together has a long life together. The Roe family are true “winners”. Congratulations to the Roe’s. Another “winner” is all the way from Hawaii and Australia and with a most fitting name. Glen Lake Graupman, age 10, is another international visitor and with such a fitting name. Is this the only person named “Glen Lake”? He was accompanied in the race by Skye, Lachlan and London, age 5 months, and Belinda. Running gives them opportunity to spend time as a family. Jeff Thomas, 59, and Rachael, 32, from Milford were joined by Audrey, 2, and Jackson, 7 months, from Florida.  Bryane Kowlowski, 68, of Cedar was there wearing is Spartan shirt, and driving his Spartan green car. The car was actually beautiful, but the wrong color! Bryane runs to keep in shape for pickle ball. Bill Swift, 76, of Traverse City, was running his 1098th race. Congratulations to Bill.

The Wabash, Indiana track Team brought 13 runners. The team was stretching after the race.  Coach Ryan Evans, 34 ran 400 meters at Manchester College. His personal record was an amazing 49.7. This is a fast coach. He has invaluable training tips for his team, tips learned by experience. I had the pleasure of interviewing another high school coach.  Doug Brown, 47, won his age group, and is coach at Kalkaska High School. He has run two Boston Marathons and has a PR of 3:11 in 13 marathons. Doug teaches 8th grade history. Tim Salah, 54, of Aloo, MI, won his age group. Tim runs to improve his temperament and overall health. Rod Michaelson and his wife, Barb, both 71, are from Traverse City. The Michaelson’s look fit. They run to keep themselves mobile. Barb has arthritis throughout her body. Running keeps her flexible.  Wade Daniels, 12, of Cedar, wore his U of M shirt, (GO BLUE). His family are U of M fans and watch all the games. Mom, Tanya Budd, 44, joined Wade in the race.  Pat Conzelman, 64, of Plymouth, runs to relieve stress. Pat’s maiden name is “Milliken”. So far, she has not found a family connection to Michigan’s former governor.

Many Glen Arbor Woman’s Club members were prominent at the race site wearing their bright red shirts. Deborah Miller, HMCA, was helpful. Lynn Becker handles publicity for the race, which must be good to attract so many runners during the middle of the week. Denny Becker, Carole’s husband, was a very effective master of ceremony for the event. Glen Arbor Women’s Club President Pat Graham, told me the Club has been in existence since 1958. Diane Calsbeek, handled online registration. Gwen Baxter, was recognized for her contributions to the club. Gwen was in charge of the club smorgasbord for 25 years. The smorgasbord was the main club fundraiser. Gwen explained the race has far surpassed the smorgasbord as a fundraiser. Gwen has been in charge of tee shirts for the last 13 years.

Carole Becker, Race Director, hopes you will join the Glen Lake Woman’s Club for next year’s race, which will be held on July 28th. You will feel better for the effort. Remember to ask your doctor for permission before starting an exercise program.

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 77, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and has trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs, which had been ranked in the top 25 races, nationally. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an ordained rabbi, an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Grand Traverse Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M graduate like his kids, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands.. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com.

Friends of Fishtown 5K, July 20, Downtown Leland

Race director, Fred Heslop, and Fishtown Preservation Society executive director, Amanda Holmes, welcomed nearly 760 runners, walkers, babies and doggies to the 11^th annual edition of this scenic, exceptional race in Leland, Michigan. Meandering along the lovely Leland River and Lake Michigan, the course was a challenging hilly affair, held in steamy weather starting and ending in the heart of historic Fishtown. The Fishtown 5K website, Fishtown 5k , says; “Our beautiful course winds through Leland’s neighborhoods and along the Leland River, starting and finishing in the heart of Fishtown. Gradual climbs and descents make this an event for the serious runner or the whole family! Rain or Shine—Proceeds help us preserve and maintain the historical integrity of Fishtown, and ensure that it remains publicly accessible.”

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5K race results can be found at the following Link; Fishtown 5K Results . Benefiting the preservation of Fishtown, the race was sponsored by the following: Larkin Group, Auto Owners Insurance, and Northern Building Supply. Additional sponsors were, Two Fish Gallery, Spork Tileart, The Riverside Inn, The Leland Lodge, Van’s Garage, Falling Waters Lodge, Olson, Bzdok & Howard Law Firm, 9 Bean Rows, Leland International Coffee Club, Leland Yacht Club, Leland Merc, and JenTees Logo Gear.

As author of this article, I have the honor to pick the “winners”. These  “winners”  are not necessarily the fastest runners, but the runners who have won the game called “life”, the “winners” who are an inspiration to us all.  Besides the all-important preservation of Fishtown, these folks are the reason this race is so important. For example, Andre Masse, 16, from Leland, attracted my attention because he wore a U of M shirt (U of M is my college, GO BLUE!!!!). Andre likes U of M because they are “the best”. But the reason Andre is a “winner” shocked me. After talking to Andre about his favorite college, I noticed tattooed on his arm was the warning, “I am a type 1 diabetic”. Andre wore an insulin pump under his running gear to correct low blood sugar. In addition to being a runner, Andre plays soccer. “Exercising helps me with my type 1 diabetes by controlling my blood sugar by bringing the sugar measurement down. It is important to stay active to control the diabetes.” Andre discovered his illness five years ago. Andre, you are an inspiration and a true “winner” in the game of life. Another “winner” is Mark Ford, 71, of Montague. Mark was joined by his wife, Karen 70, as they walked the course, holding hands. Mark is a “winner” because he walks to prevent another heart attack. Yes, while most heart attack victims sit on their duffs waiting for the inevitable, Mark is attacking his health history through exercise. Wearing a heart stint, Mark has dropped his blood pressure from 140 to 127. His A1C was 7.2 and has dropped to 7.1. A 1990 former member of the famed Motor City Striders running club, located in the Detroit area, and a finisher of many races, Mark is using exercise to get back in shape. “Walking motivates each of us” says Karen. She should know the value of exercise because she recently broke her back! Amazing!

We have the honor to speak to more “winners”. Larry Taylor, 74, of Tulsa OK, attributes exercise to cutting down on wine consumption and lowering his blood pressure from 160 to 133. For Blayne Kowalewski, 68, of Cedar, wearing his ugly Spartan shirt, (just kidding Blayne), running keeps him in shape for pickle ball. Marnie Sutter, 68, of Cedar, supports the cause of preserving Fishtown and running helps her stay in fit, year round. In the spirit of famous U of M footballers, Braylon Edwards, Anthony Carter, David Terrell, Derrick Alexander, Harry Kipke, Greg McMurtry, Maximillian Egeler, age 2 ½, proudly wore his #1 U of M Jersey as he was pushed along the course in a running stroller, by his mom, Kelly, age 33 of Ypsilanti . Maximillian was born in U of M’s Van Voilander Women’s Hospital located at the U of M in Ann Arbor. As a result of his auspicious birth site, Maximillon has been “inundated”, according to his mom, with U of M gear. He even sings the U of M fight song. Kelly was accompanied in the event by her mom, Fran, age 59, of Dexter, participating in her first 5K.

Jim Mello, 47, of Washington, DC, is generally athletic and likes to exercise. For Jim, “It’s not about the race, it’s more about saving Fishtown”, which is a theme I heard repeatedly as I talked to runners and walkers. John Westol, 74, of Leland and Ocala, FL, runs for the emotional and physical benefits and also for the fellowship. John is a descendent of one of Fishtown’s old fishing families, the Steffens. He has run every Fishtown 5K and volunteered for nearly all of them, too. John grew up in the same neighborhood in Traverse City as my classmate, Pete Strom. John knew the founder of Darrow Park, who lived adjacent to the park on Monroe Street in the same home later owned by Pete. Coincidence! John was accompanied in the race by his running friend of 30 years, Bill Abbey, 71, of Bay City and St Petersberg, Fl.

Our “winner” of the “Runners who came the furthest” award is David Hansen, of Zurich, Switzerland, 56, to lend the race an international flavor. David works for a bank and sits 12 hours each day at a desk. Running gives David a chance to gain needed exercise. David was accompanied by wife Emily, a non-runner, and son, Nicholas, 23, of London, England and nephew Sam Maas, 15.

Last, but far from least is Sarah Behrmann, 61.5 years young from Leland and Huntington Woods. Sarah and I “sprinted” across the finish line but at the last moment, Sarah edged me out proving runners can have a blast even in the middle of the pack. What was interesting, Sarah walked most of the race,,, except when she finished the race by sprinting. We ran together and had a good time for the last 2.2 miles, a good time until she edged me. Next time, Sarah!. Sarah proudly ingests no chemicals into her body. She receives the nutrition she needs from eating healthy. She uses no drugs or stimulants, making for a happy, healthy person. Sarah enjoys beating people half her age! She has been exercising since she was 20 years old. Sarah says, “People have choices. They can ingest chemicals or find a healthy alternative”.

The race could not have existed without the assistance of volunteers. I was fortunate to meet a few important volunteers. Stephanie Duckmann, Anne Watkins and Barbara Burkhardt passed-out tee shirts and the Fishtown 5K goodie bags. Stephanie grew up in Leland and “has loved being here”. She fully supports the activities of the Fishtown Preservation Society. In addition, the race was controlled by effective course marshals, guiding us through the intricate route. The race featured many other important volunteers.

Race director, Fred Heslop and Fishtown Preservation’s executive director, Amanda Holmes, hope you will join them along the gorgeous hidden trails of Leland, along the Leland River and Lake Michigan for the 12^th Annual Friends of Fishtown 5K, next year on July 18, 2020. Remember to ask your medical advisor for permission to start an exercise program.

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 77, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and has trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs, which had been ranked in the top 25 races, nationally. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an ordained rabbi, an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Grand Traverse Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M graduate like his kids, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands. Mickey took second place in his age division of the 5K. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com.

Meijer National Cherry Festival, Festival of Races, 5K, 10K, 15K and ½ Marathon, July 6, 2019

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It was a beautiful day for the 46^th annual National Cherry Festival, Meijer Festival of Races, 5K, 10K, 15K and ½ Marathon, July 6, 2019. The weather was cool and the day was shady, perfect weather for running a race. Katherine Brege, race director, welcomed approximately 3100 runners to the iconic event, capping off another exciting National Cherry Festival. Your author met many incredible runners and many others. This article is dedicated to the race “winners”, the participants who changed their lives by running or walking and who have made a significant impact on the lives of others. Those words define most of the finishers. Yes, everyone who finished this race was a “winner”.

All runners received a specially designed tee shirt. Medals were awarded to overall winners and the first three, male and female finishers in each age group. All ½-marathon and 15K finishers earned a finishing medal. Sponsored by Meijer, additional sponsors included Cherry Bay Orchards, Chateau Grand Traverse, Priority Health, 9 & 10 News, and Local Fox 32 WFQX. Amanda Rogers and Brooklyn Wilson, interns from Grand Valley College, passed out goodies complements of Priority Health. Mandi Twining and Joe Pays, gave out cherry juice complements of Shoreline Fruit.  The race was timed by Joe O’Brien of Classic Race Management, out of Grand Rapids. Results can be found either on the web and at this link; Race Results 2019 . Finishers received fresh sweet cherries, cookies, bananas, chocolate milk, and other snacks.

As author of this article, I am able to pick my race “winner”. My choice is for “winner” is Patrick Alber, 57, of Mesick. Patrick is the “winner”, not because he was the fastest runner, but because he won life’s race to good health. Besides losing 30 pounds, Patrick was told by his doctor to take blood pressure medication. Instead Patrick began a regimen of running. He never took the blood pressure medication. Seven years later, Patrick has still not taken the medication. But he is still running. Congratulations to my “winner”, Patrick Alber who shows us the true value of good exercise. Patrick was joined in the race by his wife, Julie Alber, 51, who lost 30 pounds through running and Patricia, her mother.  Another “winner” is D.L. (Demoe) Dean, 49, of Marshalltown, Iowa. Demoe, is known as the “Kilted Tortoise” because he runs dressed in a kilt to honor his Welsh heritage. Demoe has completed 281 ½-marathons and 7 full marathons. He has completed the revered 50 states cycle once and is close to completing the cycle a second time. Demoe races for others especially a disabled friend with downs syndrome. He raises funds for MS and encourages young people to take up running. He teaches cycling and running to youth. He is a “back-of-the-packer”, starting his races near the end of the pack and giving encouragement to others. Demoe is retired from the Army, thank you for your service, and serves as a deputy sheriff in his local community. If that is not enough, Demoe is also an officer in the group, “Black Men Run”, whose goal is to “promote health and wellness by running and walking in the African American Community”. The closest chapter to TC is Detroit.  Congratulations, and thank you, to D.L. Demoe Dean. Demoe’s friend, Stacy Bender, 45, is from Gresam, Oregon. Stacy is on her way to accomplishing the rare feat of finishing a 50 States circuit for herself. The Cherry Festival satisfied her Michigan goal. She is a “Half-Fanatic” member, who qualified for membership by finishing a certain multiple number of races in a set time. What an honor it is to meet “winners” such as Patrick, Demoe and Stacy. But there is more. Dan Bergin, 55, of Pickney, pushed his daughter Jessica, 29, in a stroller. Jessica has Rett Syndrome. Dan loves to bring and compete with Jessica. Dan has even taken a few medals in his races. Dan, you and Jessica are real “winners”, you are very inspirational in the race called “life”.

We kept meeting more “winners”. Terry Baker, 52 of Blanchard lost 20 pounds. For Terry, running simply “feels good”. Ted Halbert, 50, of Boulder Colorado, and Long Lake, brought five members of his family and a niece proving the adage “the family that runs together has fun together”. Kelly Everson, 31 of TC, has completed five marathons and 4½-marathons.  An old friend raced the 5K with me and soundly beat me, as he always did. Dan Hill, 71, of TC, is a retired TC police officer. Dan’s doctor says he has excellent blood measurements.  Beverlee Caperton, 76, of St Clare Shores, was a court reporter for well-known local judges as well as having worked for my friends, attorneys Bill Cunningham and Ward Kuhn. Beverlee loves beating herself “one race at a time”. Today Beverlee took first place in her age group. Kristine Drake, 62, of TC, runs for the social pleasure. Today, Kristine ran with other members of her family, two daughters and a son-in-law. Tobin Decker, of Indiana, did not run the race. His son, Spenser 18, did run. Tobin was well acquainted with my former next-door neighbor, Pete Rush. We exchanged fond memories of Pete.  Tobin introduced me to Barbara Riehl. Barbara was greeting and directing runners as they entered the registration area. Barbara is a retired professor of math at the University of Michigan. GO BLUE!!! Cindy Bush, 70, of TC, runs because it is fun, makes her happy and running gets her outside. Lavail (Bo) Hull, 69 of TC. Started running at age 65. He has completed three Dopey Races and plans to do another when he turns 70. Bo and I are acquainted because we were managers together at the Traverse City Film Festival. Robin Croothuis, 50, of TC, runs “to clear my head, gives me more adrenaline, is meditative and provides healthy breathing”. Robin says she enjoys walking with hubby, Mike, who recently had a knee replacement. Two of her children, Greta, 21 and Sam, 17, ran the race. Jackson Woelkers, 12, of Farmington Hills, proudly wore a U of M shirt. GO BLUE!!. His cousin, Megan, inspired him to run. His brother, Dylan, ran his first 5K. Karisa Karisa 55, is from Kenya and now lives in TC, gave the race an international flavor. Vignell France, 41, deputy with the local sheriff department, was accompanied by Jocelyn MacFarlane, Hayley Heinrein, Abel and Lucia France running their 2^nd 5K.  Barb Aja, 59, of TC, runs for good health.

From Ravena, family group, Patrica Sanford, age 77, the Mom, Vicki Woodward, 56, the sister, Paula Bergsma, 27 the sister, Anna Woodwardm 27, the niece, and Izzy Bergsma, the niece, ran the race. The “winner” of the family category, assuming there was a family category, had to be the Boynton clan. Marcus Boynton, 38, a Central High School friend of my son Zack, pushed his child in a running cart during the race. Boynton’s also running the race were Rob, 49, James, 45, Lola, 15, Ruby, 12, Gus, 7, Louie, 5, and relatives, Erin Carlson, 42, Wendy Richmond, 41, Gavin Richmond, 47, Geordie, 12, Will, 10 and Laney Richmond, 7. Boynton’s, you win again! Keegan Varrett-Keil, age 10, was a winner. Dad, Kyle Keil, one of the area’s top runners, did not run. Jesica Stark, mom, ran with daughter, Alli, age  6 and Eric age 8.

Volunteers made the race possible. Without them, we would have been in big trouble!! Chad Miller and his daughter, Raelyn, worked race registration representing the Traverse Central High Cheer team. Also as Cheer Team representatives were registration volunteers, Karmynn Reingold, Kylee Cook and Seanna Jones. From TC Central High School, Amelia Shotwell, Sara Fox and Olivia Niessink, sang a lovely version of the National Anthem. Steve Normandis, “Omelet”, from The Bear Radio, WGFN Classic Rock, was a fantastic announcer. Shelly Johnson and Jody Hofstra, represented the Haggarty Cycling Team, with their big wheel bikes, as sweepers for the 15K.

After the race, while walking back to the race start, I had the chance to meet other folks important to the Festival. My doctor’s office manager, Marlene Bielas, is a National Cherry Festival event director.  Marlene is in charge of all bands. She proudly wore her National Cherry Festival official director’s shirt.  Camden Smith is a steel drum performer with the large group from Petoskey. Camden demonstrated the lovely sound of his steel drums, while waiting for the Grand Royalle Parade start. Tony Posey is a TC firefighter who plays in the annual fundraiser, Guns and Hoses, a hockey match between local firefighters and local police in February. Tony was helped on the Guns and Hoses float, by his wife, Sara, Jenn Strange, Aubyn Herman, Belinda Lemcool, and Kaitlyn Posey. Pastor Rick Stewart, an accomplished runner, did not run in the race. Rick was playing trumpet on the New Hope Church music float. Rick, you do it all! Chad Meilens, band director of the TC West Senior High Band, closely observed as his band minions plied their musical trade. I was lucky enough to meet several queens. Lisa Rathke, is Miss Bellaire Scholarship, Teegan Davison is Miss Bellaire, Grace Landis is Junior Miss Bellaire, while Olivia Galden is Little Miss Bellaire. We talked to Miss Charlevoix Venetian Queen, Rachel Nesberg and court members Nichole Hart, Devin Sutton, Kaitlin Schwenke, Emily Graham, Julia Sape, Cheyenna Scoll, Avery Kita, Addison Boop, and Kylee Rice.

National Cherry Festival, Meijer Festival of Races, race director, Katherine Brege, wants you to join her at next year’s races. Feel better, be happy, lose weight, stop smoking or whatever your wish, find it training for this excellent race. Remember to ask your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 77, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and has trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs, which was ranked in the top 25 races, nationally. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an ordained rabbi, an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Grand Traverse Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M graduate like his kids, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands. Mickey took third place in his age division of the 5K. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com.