Race director, Bryan Burns, with unseasonably warm weather, greeted close to 300 runners and walkers for the Frozen Foot 5Mile Race & 1 MI Fun Run, Traverse City, Feb 3. Temperatures hovered near the 40 degree mark for this long-favored running race. I recall one of the first races I entered was the Frozen Foot Race. It helped encourage me to enter because much of the race takes place on my home training course. Since then, I have entered too many editions of the Frozen Foot Race. I ran much of this race with Sheryl Early. More on our race together to follow.
Their website says; The Traverse City Track Club (TCTC) announces the annual Frozen Foot Race, a 5-mile run to help kick off the 2024 race season, with the event set to go on February 3rd. This February event has been one of Northern Michigan’s staple running events since the mid-1980’s and is a favorite of the area’s year-round running community. Current members (2024) of the Traverse City Track Club can participate in the event FREE of charge as one of the many benefits of TCTC membership!
The 5-mile footrace began at 9:30 a.m. and starts and finishes at Eastern Elementary School. Just prior to the 5-mile event, a 1-mile fun run (not timed) for runners 12 and under starts at 9:00 a.m. Awards will go to the Top 3 male and female runners in open and masters (40+) categories. Awards will also be given to the top 3 in 15 age-group divisions including 0-12, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+. (Hopefully, the TCTC will add an 80+ division to encourage us old duffers as they do for other TCTC events). Registration for current (2024) Traverse City Track Club members is FREE! For non TCTC members registration there is an extra cost. (the kids’ fun run is not officially timed). Online registration was open through February 1st at 12:00 p.m. Registration in person was available at packet pick-up the day of the race. Packet pick-up was held at Fleet Feet’s South Airport store on Friday before the race. Race day packet pick-up was available on Saturday, before the race at the race site, Eastern Elementary School.
Since 1962, the Traverse City Track Club has presented the area’s premier running events and programs, provided grant funding and running/walking program support for the surrounding counties of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau. The club’s annual Bayshore Events are known nationwide and attract thousands to the Traverse City area each Memorial Day Weekend. For more information about the Traverse City Track Club, contact info@tctrackclub.com To join the club, here is the link: https://www.tctrackclub.com/membership
If you are able, consider supporting our club’s Golden Shoe Fund. This year especially, we would like to directly highlight one of our club’s many charitable programs that support young runners in our community. Visit our website to learn more or make your donation. Thank you!
Our Wonderful Presenting Partner, Fleet Feet and sponsors The Traverse City Track Club. and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. Traverse City Track Club and the Frozen Foot Race thank our amazing race partner and sponsors Fleet Feet (and before the ownership change, Running Fit) had been a long time sponsor of the Frozen Foot Race and we’d love it if you would show your support in return. Please patronize and support this local business who cares about us and our fitness all year-round!
Race-Timed Split & Finish Alert were available; Receive text or email alerts as participants cross timing equipment along the course. Tracking alerts are based upon the participant’s bib/chip and participants do not need to carry their phone. The number of alerts varies per course. Sign up to receive alerts with the Result Notifications buttons.
The 2024 5 Mile Frozen Foot Race is a live event. After a mile of warm-up racing you’ll have your chance to conquer the Timberlane Drive hill. Plan your strategy to either save it for the rest of the race or take it to the competition on the climb. No matter your strategy there is a nice long downhill to catch your breath and then build into a strong finish in the remaining two and half miles. Remember the race operates on open roads and as guests of the residents of these neighborhoods, be sure to run as far to the left side of the road against traffic as much as possible, watch for cars, and have fun!
Your Donation Supports the Golden Shoe Fund. The Traverse City Track Club (TCTC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are the largest running club in Michigan (nearing 1,000 members) and put on events and programs for runners and walkers. We offer a variety of programs to members, including weekly fun runs, a training program, Summer Series, and the Grand Prix Circuit. We give back to the community through youth scholarships, grants and donations to volunteer work groups, and ensuring young runners are fitted in proper running shoes through the golden shoe program. To date, the TCTC has given back over $2 million. By donating today, you are helping to support our mission: The Traverse City Track Club promotes and encourages health, fitness, fellowship, community service, family recreation and competition via running and walking. We welcome all ages and abilities.
Volunteers are critical to any event. For example, volunteers were utilized as follows; Friday Bib Pick-up and Late Registration. Assist coordinator with registration set up; processing late registrations, and hand out race bibs and give-aways. Many of the volunteer-course marshals were members of the Traverse City Central track team. I had fun as I passed these Trojan marshals singing my old Trojan cheer, “We are the Trojans, the mighty, mighty Trojans. And everywhere we go, people want to know. Who we are so we tell ‘em, We are the Trojans ,the Mighty ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, “ ad nauseum. The Trojan marshals sang with me. FUN!!
Other Tasks; Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-up; Assist coordinator with registration set up; hand out bibs, process late registrations; registration area clean-up. This position will run right up to the start time and was NOT able to participate in the race. Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-up. Assist coordinator with registration set up; hand out bibs, process late registrations. Lead Bike; Lead the front runners around the course. Responsibilities include reviewing the course route ahead of time with the coordinator and committing the course to memory so nobody is led astray. The ability to stay ahead of the speedy front runners on potentially snowy roads is important, past winners have average speeds of ~10.5 mph over the 5 mile course, including the hill climb. Course Marshals 5 Mile; Preview Course ahead of time with coordinator, race day marshals. Course marshals will be stationed at crucial turns on the race course to ensure that participants do not miss turns and to warn automobile traffic that athletes are on the road. Race day temperatures are usually quite chilly, course marshal volunteers should dress for the cold and be prepared to be out for the duration of the race. After the last participants come by your station you are released to check back in with the coordinator and join the after party or are free to go.
Venue Set-up; Assist coordinator with course and venue set-up tasks. Venue Tear Down/Clean Up Help; Assist coordinator with course and venue tear-down/clean-up after awards and post-race party have completed. Start/Finish Line Help; Guide participants to start line area; cheer finishers; direct finishers to post-race refreshments area. TCTC Club Shirt Distribution; The volunteer handed out the new 2024 Club shirts, using a checklist to verify the member is on the list and that they get the size they order. Jim Cech, of Classic Race Management in Grand Rapids, competently scored the race and gave entrants quick finish times. Kristen Verrett, normally wins these races. Today, she passed out TCTC tee shirts. Reese Smith and Ava King both students at Traverse City West High School, helped in registration.
Now we meet some runners. I could not speak to every runner but following are some runners and walkers I talked with. Many of these runners are “winners” of the race, not necessarily, because they are the fastest runners, but because they are “winners” of the game, we call “life”. They have beaten some of life’s challenges. Running and exercise are an important aspect of living a good life. We learn one of the important reasons for races such as The Frozen Foot Race, is being a better person and surviving life challenges. The first “winner” I encountered is Sheryl Early, age 66, of Traverse City. Sheryl was running with Rhonda Workman, age 69, of Mesick. Rhonda is a veteran, thank you for your service, and former director of the Mushroom Festival 5K. Rhonda was running with Sheryl because Sheryl was struggling due to a sugar deficiency and was considering not finishing the race. Rhonda ran ahead of Sheryl in spite of a sore leg which lead to a knee brace, and finished the race in her usual fine fashion. Sheryl and I continued running together. I supported her as well as I could. Sheryl wanted to quit the race but prevailed and finished ahead of me. I was proud of Sheryl because of her determination to complete the race, but more so because I was aware of Sheryl’s running background. The first time I saw Sheryl was several years ago. She was having trouble with leg braces and could not finish. Sheryl had suffered serious injuries in a car accident which also caused brain injuries. Sheryl prevailed and by running, exercise and a good diet, she has returned to a full life. Congratulations, Sheryl. I am proud to know a true “winner”.
Jim Graham, age 74, of Suttons Bay, and former TCTC president, won his age group. Jim had suffered serious injury due to a car accident. Jim’s lung was pierced and his legs seriously injured. But because of good exercise, Jim prevailed and returned to good health. Louie Rasho, age 70, of Traverse City. Lives a healthy life-style. Is Louie the only TCTC member to have a street named after his family?
The GO BLUE award was shared by several runners wearing the colors of the Maize and Blue. Craig Preston, age 47, of Traverse City, shares the GO BLUE award. He is also a true “winner” because Craig prevailed over ACL reconstruction six years ago. Craig is a health department officer. In my former business, Fivenson Food Equipment. I communicated with many area health department officers. Craig and I were able to play the name game and recalled many health department officers. Both of us recalled with great fondness,Tom Buss, who became head of the local health department. Dave Christianson, age 81, of Traverse City, suffered back surgery 23 years ago and was warned by his doctor never to run again. Dave uses a form of race walking which is approved by his doctor and does very well. Nick Worsley, age 34 from Kingsley, lost about 25 pounds and is our big loser. Congratulations, Nick. Cassandra Riveria, age 29, runs for stress release. Cassandra needs stress release because one of her biggest fans was her 11 month old, Cooper. Cassandra has also reduced her alcohol intake. Steve Anderson, age 39 of Traverse City, is training for his first half marathon. He was joined in the race by his wife, Elizabeth, age 35. Steve is a counselor at Traverse City Christian School. Steve is one of the few high school counselors aware of the CLEP tests which give students low cost and relatively easy advance college credit. If you have a high school junior or senior check our CLEP tests.
Jason Whittaker, often scores TCTC events, but today, Jason was a runner. Thanks for all your special effort for the TCTC, Jason. Jim Frixen, age 61, of Traverse City, is a former heart attack victim but has experienced good health through good food, which he often displays on Facebook and good exercise. Bill Gettlen, age 74, from Frankfort, ran his usual exceptional time. Bill is a retired emergency physician and was suffering from severe sciatica. I doctored the doctor by sharing with him some solutions I had experienced with my own sciatica. Joe Coleman, of Interlochen, also suffers from sciatica but is prevailing over the painful effects. What can we say about Kyle Keil. Who dresses in the most outrageous running gear and often is the real fastest runner in the race. Kyle, you are amazing. Wally Tuttle, age 80, of Traverse City, beat me like a drum in our age group. I’ll catch you some day, Wally. Congratulations on a fine race. What can we say about Pat Kramer. Pat suffered a heart attack but through good diet and doctor approved exercise, has returned to good running form.
The Traverse City Track Club and race director, Brian Burns, hopes to see you next year for the Frozen Foot Race. Be sure to consult your medical team before starting any physical activity.
Mickey Fivenson, your author, age 81, (a Traverse City native of Munson Hospital, class of ’42), lost over 100 pounds and has trained over 150,000 miles in more than 50 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, ranked in the top 25 USA races. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. Mickey coordinates his Traverse City Central High School Class of ’60 reunion every 5 years (what fun). 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, and former president of the Grand Traverse Area U of M club, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, scouting’s highest adult honor. Mickey was a leader in the father’s rights group, Fathers for Equal Rights and a presenter in the single parent’s group, Beginning Experience. His bride of 33 years, Dr. Sally Littleton, is a retired psychotherapist, provides private Reiki lessons and is a Tapping and Reiki instructor at Northwestern Michigan College and virtually on the web. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com. Mickey Fivenson: MBA, Ph or Text 1-231-946-2195.
Traverse City Runner 