Third Running Bear Race a huge success
Press release
The weather cooperated with a blue-sky day as 707 people participated in the third annual Running Bear 5K Race held on July 28 in Glen Arbor. Two hundred and five children participated in the kid’s one-half mile run, cheered on by an enthused gallery of grandparents, parents and siblings.
The race has turned into a real family affair. The Berlacher Family participated in the first two Running Bear Runs, and this year they brought 28 people to the race. Family members came from across the United States including Ohio, Illinois and Virginia. Their grandmother is their center, and she wants them to be back next year to support Glen Arbor.
The Dahm family from Cincinnati brought 27 members. “Our youngest participant is six years old while our oldest is 82. The race is so much fun for people of all ages,” said Jenny.
Louie and Effie Atsaves from Chicago were there with 27 family members. “This is a very electric atmosphere, well organized, and everyone is so friendly”, explained Mr. Atsaves. The runners in the family ranged from seven to 70.
The race is 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 the people who participated in the event. The Best Overall Male time was 16:14 minutes by Dan Church from St. Paul, Minn.; the Best Overall Female time was 18:56 minutes by Jessica Graf from Holton, Mich. The two overall winners and the first and second place winners in each age/gender category received gifts from Cherry Republic.
Following the awards ceremony, a raffle drawing awarded 80 prizes, including weekends at local resorts, dining gift certificates, kayak rentals, and local merchandise. “We can’t thank the local merchants enough for their generous response to this race” said Carole Becker, race chairman. “The race generates about $8,000 for college scholarships for high school seniors and also supports community projects. Last year the Club donated money for the Glen Arbor Gardens which, with their restrooms, were a welcomed addition to the race venue.”
Lisa Nadlicki of Glen Lake High School sponsored a race t-shirt design contest for her Visual Communications classes. The winning designs were submitted by Mandy Brown and Ricky Butrick.
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 Boonedocks, Dune Wear, The Homestead, Leelanau Vacation Rentals, The River and Riverfront Pizza.
The following merchants/individuals also provided generous donations and support: Andersons Market, Art’s Tavern, Becky Thatcher Designs, Benchwarmers, Bittersweet, Black Swan, Blu, Cottage Book Shop, Cottage Collections, Cottonseed, Deering’s Market, Dune Dogs, Evolve, Forest Gallery, Funistrada, Glen Arbor Athletic Club, Glen Arbor Beauty Salon, Glen Arbor Botanicals, Glen Craft Marina, Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce, Good Harbor Grill, Grace Dickinson Gallery, Grandpa’s Place, Great Lakes Tea and Spice, Hepburn Holt Gallery, Jay Shoffner, Kristen Hurlin, Lake Shore Inn, Laker Shakes, Lavender Trading Company, Leelanau Coffee Roasters, The Manor, Martha’s Closet, Marilyn Mook, Melba Ann’s Restaurant & Bakery, Peace Poles, Petoskey Pete’s, Pine Cone, Prescription Shop, Queen of Couture, Ruth Conklin Gallery, Sportsman Shop, Synchronicity, Tiny Treasurers, T’n’T Video, Totem Shop, Wildflowers and Yarn Shop.