635 run “Running Bear” race
From staff reports
Susan Thomas from Dayton, Ohio, staying at the Lake Shore Inn in Glen Arbor, was awakened from her slumber around 8 a.m. Tuesday morning as music drifted into her bedroom window. The music motivated Susan to get dressed and participate in the fourth annual Running Bear Run race held in Glen Arbor on July 27. 635 people participated in the 5K race and half-mile children’s run, cheered on by an enthused gallery of grandparents, parents, and siblings.
The race continues to be a popular family event. The Dahm family from Cincinnati had 52 people in the race, ranging in age from 4 to 84. According to Mike Dahm, “We are celebrating the sixtieth wedding anniversary of our parents, Jo and Dene Dahm. This race is always a lot of fun so we knew everyone would have a good time. This is the fourth year our family has participated.” This is the first time Jason Morgan, from Santa Monica, CA participated in the race. “This is a great race — I think I’m a little out of shape but I had a lot of fun. This is definitely a good time.”
The race is sponsored by the Glen Arbor Women’s Club, and proceeds are used to fund college scholarships and community projects. The Women’s Club would like to congratulate all the people who participated in the event. The Best Overall Male time was 16:06 minutes by Jason Maus from Belle Center, Ohio; the Best Overall Female time was 18:56 by Andrea Blake from Dearborn, Mich. The two overall winners and the first and second place winners in each age/gender category received gifts from Cherry Republic and Crystal River Outfitters.
Following the awards ceremony, a raffle drawing awarded over 100 prizes, including weekends at local resorts, dining gift certificates, kayak rentals, and local merchandise. “The local merchants really get behind this event by donating generous prizes”, said Carole Becker, race chairman. “Last year we awarded five scholarships to high school seniors totaling $12,500. We also gave to several community groups including two large donations to the local food pantry.”
Students from Glen Lake School compete in the design of the race t-shirt. This year’s winning design was created by Nate Sharpe. The Women’s Club would like to thank Cherry Republic for use of its Glen Arbor location to stage the event, for its financial support, and for the many prizes it donated. Special thanks also to other major sponsors including Boone Docks, Camp Fire Pottery, The Homestead, Leelanau Vacation Rentals, Crystal River Outfitters, The River and Riverfront Pizza and Deli.
The following merchants/individuals also provided generous donations and support: Andersons Market, Art’s Tavern, Bay Lavender Trading Company, Bay Wear, Becky Thatcher, Bittersweet, Black Swan, Blu, Burdickville Market, Cottage Books, Cottage Collections, Cottonseed, Deering’s Market, Dokan Jewelry Design, Dune Dogs, Dunes Golf Club, Evolve, Foothills Restaurant, Forest Gallery, Freshwater Floral, Funistrada, Glen Arbor Athletic Club, Glen Arbor Beauty Salon, Glen Arbor Botanicals, Glen Craft Marina, Glen Lake Artists Gallery, Glen Lake Marine, Good Harbor Grill, Grace Dickenson Gallery, Great Lakes Tea and Spice, Huntington Bank-Empire Branch, Imagine That, Kristen Hurlin, La Becasse Restaurant, Lake Shore Inn, Leelanau Coffee Roasters, MacBeth & Co., The Manor, Martha’s Closet, May’s Interiors, Melba Ann’s Restaurant & Bakery, Northwoods Hardware, On the Narrows Marina, Peace Poles, Petosky Petes, Pine Cone, Prescription Shop, Queen of Couture, Red Barn, Ruth Conklin Gallery, Sleeping Bear Surf & Turf, Sportsman Shop, Something Special, State Savings Bank, Syncronicity Gallery, Taghon’s Garage, Tiny Treasurers, TNT Video, Totem Shop, Wildflowers, and Yarn Shop.