Run like a fish at the Fishtown 5K
From staff reports
Leland’s annual 2019 Friends of Fishtown 5K will be held Saturday, July 20, at 9 am in Historic Fishtown. Starting and finishing in Fishtown, the route takes participants through the beautiful streets of Leland, and along the Leland River. Whether you are running on your own, walking with your family, this race exemplifies the spirit of summer and Fishtown. The race proceeds help Fishtown Preservation preserve and maintain Fishtown. Cost of registration is $35. Participants can register for the race online at FishtownMI.org/events/fishtown-5k, in the Fishtown Preservation Welcome Center in Fishtown, or by stopping by the Fishtown Preservation office at 203 E. Cedar Street in Leland.
A special feature this year is a costume contest, inspired by the race theme “Run Like a Fish” — sponsored by Two Fish Gallery, of Leland. Registered race participants are invited to add to the fun and dress in fish costumes. There will be awards for Best Fish Costumes and for the first three fish-costumed runners to cross the finish line. Costume entrants must be registered for the race and sign-in for judging prior to the race to be eligible for prizes.
“We decided on the 2019 race theme, run like a fish, after last year’s Fishtown 5K,” says Amanda Holmes, executive director of Fishtown Preservation. “We had no idea then how apt it would be given the high water levels in Fishtown this year.” The event will also raise awareness about urgent infrastructure, dock and shanty site projects planned for the fall that will help resolve these issues. Fundraising continues for these projects, which are estimated to cost $1,600,000. Donations can be made at FishtownMI.org/donate.
The race is RFID Chip-timed. Age division award winners will receive Fishtown Preservation’s unique handmade race medals. Major sponsors for the event include Larkin Group, Auto-Owners Insurance, Northern Building Supply, Two Fish Gallery and Sporck Tileart.
The Fishtown 5K occurs rain or shine. More information is available by phone at 231-256-8878 or visit FishtownMI.org/events/fishtown-5konline.
