Second-annual “Running Bear” bolts through town

Press release
On Tuesday, July 29, the Glen Arbor Women’s Club will host the second annual “Running Bear 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Run”. The Club hopes to improve upon a very successful inaugural race last year. As in 2007, the 5K event is open to everyone, young and old, running or walking. The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. and leave from the corner of Lake and State Street near Cherry Republic. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. in front of Cherry Republic.

Pre-race excitement will include a warm-up at 8:40 a.m. for runners and walkers by Lori Osinski, trainer and Pilates instructor from the Glen Arbor Athletic Club. Two favorite local entertainers, Patrick Niemisto and John Kumjian from The New Third Coast, will ring in the race with the national anthem.
Because we haven’t forgotten the younger children, we will also host a half-mile “Kid’s Run,” beginning at 9:05 a.m. from the same location. The tykes can run or walk this brief race and find a surprise along the route. Each child will receive a ribbon, ice cream from Riverfront Pizza and a miniature golf pass from The River at Crystal Bend. So bring the whole family and join the fun.
Special thanks goes out to Leelanau Vacation Rentals for supplying the Children’s Run ribbons and special coupons. Our club is also very grateful to Cherry Republic for all its support. The event will conclude back at Cherry Republic for an after-race celebration, including the announcement of the winners.
A male and female race winner will be crowned, as well as first- and second-place titles in eight age categories and a winner for “The Most Entertaining Running Attire.” Lots of great food will be available, not to mention a drawing open to everyone entered in the race. You must be present to win. The prizes include get-away weekends, dinners from local restaurants and prizes from many area merchants.
Money generated by the Running Bear Run/Walk will fund local scholarships and community improvement. Over the last 40 years the Women’s Club has financed scholarships every year plus helped students attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Interlochen Arts Academy and other educational events, workshops and camps. The club also raises funds to support community improvements, donating to Glen Arbor’s new Fire House, the Community Park Playground and the Town Hall.
The race costs $12 for the 5K Walk/Run for checks postmarked by July 25 and $15 thereafter. The Kid’s Race costs $5. Registration forms are available at Cherry Republic, the Glen Arbor Athletic Club, the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce (located inside Dune Wear in the Village Sampler Plaza) and Leelanau Vacation Rentals in Glen Arbor and Running Fit and Cherry Republic in Traverse City. Forms and money can be mailed to the Glen Arbor Athletic Club. For more information, call (231) 334-7363 or e-mail runningbearrun@live.com.
Don’t miss our new Running Bear t-shirts this year. The Women’s Club held a contest at Glen Lake High School, and Ben Manners designed the winning shirt, which will be on sale at the Run for $12 for adults and $10 for children. We’d like to thank The Homestead for underwriting the cost of the shirts.