Talented Mr. and Mrs. Ripley win Running Bear Run again

From staff reports

The best overall male and female runners at Glen Arbor’s eighth annual Running Bear Run on July 22 was a married couple. Zach Ripley established a new course record, breaking his previous record, with a time of 15:31. His wife, Andi, won the overall women’s category with a time of 18:47. The Grand Rapids couple celebrates their fifth anniversary by camping in the area. “This is the second time we’re run in this race, and we love it,” said Andi. “This area is a little gem in Michigan, and Cherry Republic is one of our favorite places.” This is the second race where the Ripleys won the overall male/female categories.

The race opened with the national anthem sung by Lexi Galla accompanied by Pat Niemisto. “Around 700 people participated in this year’s race, including 110 children,” according to race chair Carole Becker. “People really love the friendliness and small town atmosphere.

The Deters family had 15 race participants from across the country including Michigan, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon. “This race is always so much fun”, said Laura Zawacki (Deters). “We’re really going to give the other eight members of our family some grief who missed it by sleeping in!” The Koss family from Aurora, Ill., had seven runners in the race. They have been coming to Glen Arbor for seven years and changed their vacation week so they could run in the race. They are glad they did and will be back.

The race also attracts a number of new runners of all ages. Cindy Lentz, 54, has been coming to the area since she was a baby as her mother owned a log cabin at Old Settlers Park since 1938. Carol Quarderer, 71, also decided to make this her first race ever. “It’s such a great cause and I always hear how much fun this race is!” said Carol.

The race is sponsored by the Glen Arbor Women’s Club, and 100 percent of the net proceeds are used to fund college scholarships and community projects.

Following the awards ceremony, a raffle drawing awarded over 50 prizes, including lodging at local resorts, dining gift certificates, jewelry, health and beauty items and local merchandise. “The local merchants really get behind this event by donating generous prizes”, said Becker. “Last year we awarded five scholarships to high school seniors totaling $10,000. We also gave to several community groups including donations to the local food pantry.”

Molly Seymour designed this year’s t-shirt with help from her grandfather, Hank Feeley (whose paintings have been featured in the Glen Arbor Sun). Seymour is a junior at Glen Lake High School.

The Women’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 to other major sponsors including Boone Docks, Dale’s Golf course, Crystal River Outfitters and The Cyclery, The Homestead, Leelanau Vacation Rentals, Manitou Passage Golf Club and Riverfront Pizza and Specialties.

Thank you to all the runners who came out and supported the Running Bear Run. It was another great year. See you on July 28, 2015.