First Running Bear Run Huge Success

From staff reports
Given the large attendance at the first Running Bear Run on July 31, it appears the event will quickly become an annual tradition for vacationing families and local residents. Over 380 people participated in the 5K run/walk run sponsored by the Glen Arbor Women’s Club.
Marianne Sherman, a participant in the 5k race from Dallas, agreed the race was a big success. “Stupendous race! Participation was great and the weather was perfect.” Caroline Nugent, age 12 from Okemos exclaimed, “It was really fun! I ran with my grandpa and three brothers.”

The “Running Bear” mascot was busy cheering both the serious runners and the not-always-serious walkers and was in high demand to have its picture taken with the children. The wild Cherry Republic bear was also spotted in the woods along the race route peeking at the runners.
The Women’s Club would like to congratulate all the people who participated in the event. The Best Overall Male time was 16:29 minutes by Ron Zywicki and the Best Overall Female time was 19:35 by Andrea Blake. The two overall winners and the first and second place winners in each age/gender category received gift items from Cherry Republic.
A number of runners and walkers competed for the “Most Entertaining Running Attire“ category. The winners were Diane Lundwall for her “Flamingo Fancy” costume and a group called “The Runaway Wedding” (pun on run.) The group consisted of our own Glen Arbor merchants, Becky and Cookie Thatcher of Becky Thatcher Designs and Bay Lavender Trading Co. Becky was the Mother-of-the-bride and Cookie was a Bridesmaid.
The Bride and Groom were Morgan and Greg Purcell and the other Bridesmaids were Brooke Matson, Alisa Siebrasse, Jen Kraus and Maisie Ogata. They received gift certificates from Barb’s Bakery.
Cookie said, “I ran fast to get to work on time!!” Becky said, “She almost made it”. Becky also said, “I enjoyed all the cheers from the bystanders, it spurred me on!”
Following the awards ceremony, a raffle drawing was held to award 33 prizes donated by community sponsors. Prizes included weekends at The Homestead, dining gift certificates and local merchandize. “The response of local merchants to this event was overwhelming“, said Linda Gretzema, Woman’s Club President. “Their generous donations played a major role in making this such a fun community event.” Proceeds from the race will be used to provide college scholarships and fund other community projects.
The Women’s Club would like to especially thank Cherry Republic for use of its wonderful facility to stage the event, for its financial support, and for the many prizes it donated. Special thanks also to The Homestead and Leelanau Vacation Rentals for their financial support and prize donations. The following merchants also provided generous donations for the drawing: Art’s Tavern, Anderson’s IGA, Barb‘s Bakery, Bay Lavender Trading Co., Becky Thatcher, Bench Warmers Sports Bar and Restaurant, Black Swan, Brownwood Farms, Cottage Book Shop, Dickinson Gallery, Dune Wear, Glen Arbor Athletic Club, Glen Craft Marina, Good Harbor Grill, La Becasse, Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company, The Glen Lake Manor, Peace Pole Makers USA, Petoskey Pete‘s, The Pine Cone, Riverfront Pizza, Ruth Conklin Gallery, Ski Walking Fitness Poles, Sleeping Bear Sweets, Thyme Out, Tiny Treasures, Trattoria Funistrada, Wildflowers, and Windows Le Bear.
“The number of participants at this first race significantly exceeded our expectations,” added Linda Gretzema. “We look forward to everyone returning next year and bringing a friend!”