Running Bear race provides fun for all ages

Press release
The Second Annual Running Bear 5K Race on July 29 attracted 556 participants, including 143 children who either ran, walked or were pushed in strollers for the half mile kid’s run. Phil Keren from Megadore, Ohio ran with his eight-year old son in the Kids Race. “It was his first race and he ran the whole time,” commented Phil. “He was thrilled to receive his ribbon and other prizes.” Marg Levinson of Novi walked with her sister, Sue Lzelesty of Farmington Hills. “While we were dead last in the race, the music, food and prizes made it a first class event — what a great time,” commented Marg. The race was sponsored by the Glen Arbor Women’s Club, and proceeds are used to fund college scholarships and community projects.

The Women’s Club would like to congratulate all those who participated in the event. The Best Overall Male time was 16:35 minutes by Nick Deering of Traverse City; the Best Overall Female time was 19:32 minutes by Andrea Blake of Dearborn. The two overall winners and the first and second place winners in each age/gender category received gift items from Cherry Republic. Elizabeth Summers of London, England was the overall winner of the Kids Race.
Following the awards ceremony, a raffle drawing awarded 59 prizes, including weekends at local resorts, dining gift certificates and local merchandize. “The community response to this race has been overwhelming” said Carole Becker, race chairman. “Fifty-five local merchants provided support or prizes for the race. Also this year, Lisa Nadlicki of Glen Lake High School sponsored a t-shirt design contest for her Visual Communications classes. The winning designs were submitted by Ben Manners and Ricky Butrick. The t-shirts were in high demand,” concluded Carole.
The Woman’s Club would like to thank Cherry Republic for use of its Glen Arbor location to stage the event, for its financial support, and for the many prizes it donated. Special thanks also go to our other major sponsors, The Homestead resort and Leelanau Vacation Rentals for their financial support and prize donations.
The following merchants also provided generous donations and support: Funistrada, Benchwarmers, Good Harbor Grill, Blu Restaurant, Dune Dogs, La Becasse, The Manor, Pine Cone, KT’s Glen Lake Bistro, Art’s Tavern, the Cottage Book Shop, Ruth Conklin Gallery, Peace Poles, Glen Arbor Athletic Club, The Yarn Shop, Sportsman Shop, Jay Shoffner Marketing, Northwood Home Center, Tiny Treasures, T’n’T Video, At Play, Dune Wear, Deering’s Garden Shop, Black Swan, Coffee Roasters, Ski Walking Poles, Thyme Out, Anderson’s Market, Becky Thatcher, Bay Lavender Trading Co., Totem Shop, The Pharmacy, Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce, The Cottonseed, Something Special in Glen Arbor, Great Lakes Tea & Spice Co., Petoskey Pete’s, Marilyn Mook-handmade Quilt, Wild Flowers, Glen Craft Marina, Cottage Collections, Boonedocks, Williams Pumping, Dune Wear, Riverfront Pizza, The River at Crystal Bend, Running Fit, Enhanced Physical Therapy and Leelanau Coffee Roasters.