Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear holds 5K Port Oneida Run
From staff reports
On Saturday, Sept. 3, at 9 a.m., Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear hosts their second annual Port Oneida Barn to Barn Run/Walk – a 5K on the Bayview Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Proceeds support historic preservation in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, recently voted as the most beautiful place in America by “Good Morning America”. “What ABC didn’t mention in their wonderful coverage, is that in addition to its magnificent natural beauty, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also boasts ‘one of the most prized historic landscapes in the nation’ — an honor, and a treasure that contributes to this most beautiful place,” said Susan Pocklington, Director of the nonprofit park partner, Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear (PHSB).
The fundraiser for PHSB helps stabilize, rehabilitate or restore the Park’s 366 historic farms, barns, outbuildings, log cabins, antique orchards, and maritime structures, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and “are very much a part of the uniqueness and serenity of the Park described in the TV video,” Pocklington added. “You really can’t beat having a run/walk in a National Park like this one, plus, the trail gives participants the opportunity to see the very resources we are involved in protecting,” commented Pocklington.
The course meanders through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, passing old farmsteads and panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Kid’s can join in the fun too with a ¼ mile Kid’s Dash to the Schoolhouse.
Last year, 154 runners and walkers came out for the inaugural event which starts and finishes at the Charles Olsen Farm located right off the trail in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, 3 miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22. Praise from participants for the first-time event was gratifying to organizers: Lauren Hawthorne from Atlanta, Georgia wrote, “I loved the race! I’m so happy I was there for the inaugural event and plan on making it an annual tradition. The course was great and the views were wonderful.”
“My wife, son, and I enjoyed the inaugural Port Oneida Run. The running trail, woods, and views were great. We hope to participate with more family members next year,” remarked Garry Ringnalda from Alto, Michigan.
Suttons Bay resident, Amy Baker, commented, “I loved the run. It is really a beautiful trail run. Best trail run I did this year. Kudos to you and all your volunteers; I have been sharing how much I enjoyed the race with all my friends.”
And Jack Gossett raved, “What a fun time. It is hard to believe it was your inaugural event. I plan on inviting additional family members for your next race.”
Pre-registration is $20 through Aug. 27 and $30 after that. The event will be limited to 300 participants this year.
Handcrafted plaques will be awarded to the overall male and female winners. The number of age categories has been increased to nine from last year, with medals awarded to first, second, and third place winners. The event offers the first 125 paying registrants a free 20-ounce aluminum imprinted water bottle with carabineer. A post-race celebration includes tasty edibles along with some great free giveaways donated by local businesses.
For registration and details, visit www.phsb.org, or contact (231) 334-6103.
This GlenArbor.com exclusive is sponsored by La Becasse, which serves authentic French country fare in Burdickville.
