Run faster than the Bear

From staff reports

On July 28, the Running Bear 5K Run/Walk & ½ Mile Kids’ Run takes off for its ninth 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 & under to 80+ with first and second place metals and prizes in each from Cherry Republic and Crystal River Outfitters and the Cyclery. In addition, we have the ½ Mile Kids’ Run for our younger runners. They get to run with the Bear and take home a ribbon and coupons for an ice cream cone from Riverfront Ice Cream and for a game of miniature golf from Dale’s of Glen Arbor. 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. until 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 Lori Lenhard, trainer and pilates instructor from Lorie’s Pilates in the Village Sampler, at 8:40 a.m. The race will start with the National Anthem and our mascot “Running Bear” will cheer on all our runners and charm all the children. He is on hand 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. We will have lots of great food and a raffle drawing for 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 five, $2,000 Memorial Scholarships. These were awarded to Skylar Gleason, Kaitlin Grigg, Eleanor Hill, Siaira Milroy and Julie Russel. The club also contributed to The Glen Lake Leadership Retreat, The Glen Lake Student Assistance Program and our local Food Pantry.

Join us for a fun filled day at the “Running Bear Run” on Tuesday, July 28. The cost is $15 for the 5K Run/Walk ($18, the day of the Run) and $5 for the Kids’ Run. You’re encouraged to register early by going on-line at www.RunningBearRun.com. Registration forms are also available in Glen Arbor at Cherry Republic and the M-22 Store, and Cherry Republic & Running Fit in Traverse City. An early registration will take place at the Glen Arbor Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 27. You can register there and already registered runners can pick up their bibs as well. For more information, visit www.RunningBearRun.com or call 231-334-7363.