Run faster than the Bear!
From staff reports
On Tuesday, July 24, the Running Bear 5K Run/Walk & ½ Mile Kids’ Run takes off for its 12th year. What makes a beautiful summer day even better? Spending it with family and friends who take the challenge. You can run or walk the 5K. Runners compete in 10 different age categories from 10-and-under to 80-plus with first and second-place metals and prizes from Cherry Republic and Crystal River Outfitters and the Cyclery. In addition, the ½ Mile Kids’ Run is available for younger runners. They get to run with the Bear and take home a ribbon and a coupon for an ice cream cone from Riverfront Ice Cream. Bring the whole family and enjoy a great day.
The event is staged at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor. Registration will be from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and the race will leave from the corner of Lake and State Streets at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Run follows at 9:05 a.m. Join the pre-race excitement including a warm-up for runners and walkers by Stacy Jago, of Sleeping Bear Bay Club in Glen Arbor, at 8:40 a.m. The race will start with the national Anthem and the mascot “Running Bear” will cheer on all runners and charm all the children. He will pose for your special photo ops.
After the Run, join the “Celebration!” The winners of each category will be announced as well as the male and female overall best winners. Lots of great food will be available, as well as a raffle drawing for more than 50 prizes. Everyone entered in the 5K Run is eligible for the drawing. You must be present to win.
This event will earn money for local scholarships and community improvement. With the proceeds from last year’s run, the Glen Arbor Women’s Club gave out three, $2,000 scholarships to Allie Bonzelet, Carson Reay and Aubrey Wright and three, $1500 scholarships to Max Guilbeau, Mallory Lund and Sonja Stairs. Congratulations to all of you. The Women’s Club wishes you great success in your college experience.
The Running Bear Run” costs $18 for the 5K Run/Walk ($20 on the day of the Run) and $5 for the Kids’ Run. Register early by going online at RunningBearRun.com. Registration forms are also available in Glen Arbor at Cherry Republic and the M22 store. An early registration will take place at the Glen Arbor Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 23. You can register there and already registered runners can pick up their bibs as well. For more information, visit RunningBearRun.com or call 231-334-7363.
