By Staff
Southwestern Michigan College will host its 29th annual road and trail race, Steve's Run, on Saturday, July 26 at 9 a.m. (Michigan time).
Steve's Run gives elite runners and casual walkers the chance to compete in several different races in and around Dowagiac.
The race is held in memory of Steven Briegel, an SMC honors graduate who lost his fight against cancer in 1990. Briegel, an avid sports enthusiast, served as a student assistant at SMC's athletic events. All funds raised, including 100 percent of the pledge monies, are donated to SMC's Steven Briegel Scholarship Fund and the Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Fund.
All participants who are cancer survivors can wear a special T-shirt to recognize their courage and determination. Survivors will also be recognized at the awards ceremony.
Steve's Run has been previously voted one of the "Ten Great Vacation Races in the U.S." by Runner magazine, and was also named the "best race in Michigan" by Tom Henderson of The Michigan Runner.
New to Steve's Run this year is a Friday night registration option. On the day before the run -- Friday, July 25, runners may visit the train depot in Dowagiac from 5 to 8:30 p.m. (Michigan time) to register for the race.
Races and walks include a 10K and 5K race, a 5K competitive walk and a 1K fun run and walk.
There will be an awards ceremony at 10:45 a.m. in the finish area at Lions Park in Dowagiac.
Awards include custom-designed T-shirts to all who complete the 10K and 5K events. More than 200 custom designed stained glass awards, and special awards to open male, open female, master male, master female, age-group winners and special team winners will be given. Ribbons will be given to all fun walk participants. Additional awards include traveling team trophies to corporate, educator, and club winners; and certificates to specialty winners in various categories.
The cost for individual registration for Steve's Run is $15. Participants may also collect pledges by the kilometer from local businesses and individuals. If $100 or more is collected, you can receive an Adidas Sweat Top or Land's End Polo Shirt as a prize. If an SMC student raises $50 in pledges, they will be able to participate in the run for free and receive other benefits.
For additional information on Steve's Run or to request a registration form, contact Ron Gunn at (269) 782-1209 or (269) 687-1600, extension 1209.
You may also visit the Steve's Run website at swmich.edu/fireup/stevesrun/ for additional information.