Running Bear Run creates special morning in Glen Arbor
From staff reports
It doesn’t get any better than seeing all those cute kids ready to run their first race in the Running Bear Run’s ½ Mile Kids’ Run. They are so excited and can’t wait to start the race. Then there are the best runners from all over the area warming up and ready to hit the pavement in the 5K Run. But best of all are the Grandmas and Grandpas walking or running with their families, the mom’s with their strollers pushing little ones along the race route. It was just fantastic to see everyone enjoying the 9th Annual Running Bear Run.
Our favorite couple, Zach and Andi Ripley were back for the third year and together won Overall Best in both the male and female categories. Zach finished in 15:28 minutes and Andi in 18:08. We wished them happy anniversary on their sixth anniversary. They love the area and the race makes it even better for an anniversary getaway.
The Grigg sisters, Kaitlin and Kelsey, are both Glen Lake School graduates with Kaitlin receiving one of the Glen Arbor Women’s Club Memorial Scholarships this year. Both sisters are outstanding runners and both took 1st place in their age categories. They only pick a couple of races to participate in before they head to Aquinas and cross-country. The Running Bear is a favorite.
The Gough/Laus Families were back for the sixth year running the race. They have visited Glen Arbor for the last 15 years coming from Grosse Pointe and Novi. They love the energy of the event.
The Pushman Family was here for a family reunion with 9 members in the race. It was their 1st time at the Running Bear Run. They came from 6 different states and said we had the best food and loved all the encouragement along the race route.
Another group was a standout. Cherry Republic, one of our major sponsors, had 26-30 of their employees take part in the 5K Run. It was a fun sight to see all these employees from every part of the company: warehouse, marketing, retail, café, bakery, all the way to some top management people all decked out in their “Cherry Bombs” t-shirts. A huge thank you to Cherry Republic for taking this year’s run support to a whole new level.
The biggest news is the outcome. We had a huge success with 675 people participating and taking in around $14,000 dollars. The club is thrilled knowing that we are set for giving out our scholarships again next year and again helping out in our community with needed donations. Thank you sponsors and Glen Arbor merchants for all your support again this year and a huge thank you to all of the runners and walkers who turn out every year to make the Running Bear Run a success.
