Running Bear Run now a chip-timed race
From staff reports
Glen Arbor’s annual Running Bear Run, a popular late July family dash which the Glen Arbor Women’s Club will hold for the 16th year on July 25, is now a chip-timed race.
The Running Bear 5K Run/Walk & ½ Mile Kids’ Run features 16 age categories for males and females from ages 10 and under to 80 and older. Winners will receive medals and prizes from Cherry Republic and Crystal River Outfitters and The Cyclery. Youngsters running the ½ Mile Kids’ Run get to run with the Bear and take home a ribbon and a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Cherry Republic.
The race is staged at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor. Registration will run from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. and the race leaves from the corner of Lake and State Streets at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Run follows at 9:05 a.m. Pre-race excitement includes a warm-up for runners and walkers by Laurie Heilman at 8:40 a.m. The race starts with the National Anthem, and the Mascot “Running Bear” will cheer on runners and charm the children. The bear is also available for special photo ops.
At the celebration following the race, winners for each age category will be announced as well as the male and female overall best winners. Great food will be available at the finish line as well as a raffle drawing with more than 25 prizes. Everyone entered in the 5K Run is eligible for the drawing.
Ninety percent of all proceeds from the race fund college scholarships for Glen Lake School students and local community projects. Last year, the Glen Arbor Women’s Club gave out six scholarships totaling $12,000.
The cost is $25 for the 5K Run/Walk ($30 on the day of the Run) and $5 for the Kids’ Run. Participants are encouraged to register online at RunningBearRun.com. An early registration will also take place at the Glen Arbor Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 24. Pre-registered runners can pick up their bibs as well. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for pick up and purchase. For more information, visit RunningBearRun.com or call 231-409-0514.