Greater Midland’s 2023 Race Season Features Community-Focused Events for All Ages
Monday, April 10, 2023
Greater Midland hosts a series of community-focused race events each year. From Dow RunWalk to Run the River, Greater Midland Races demonstrate commitment to boosting community health and connectedness. The 2023 Greater Midland Race Season features four main events, starting with their flagship event, the Dow RunWalk. Next up, the largest standalone youth triathlon in Michigan, Tri-Kids-Try, then Run the River in partnership with River Days, and lastly, teams up with the Great Lakes Loons for the Loons Pennant Race.
Also returning this year is MI Great Journey, a virtual trek across Michigan. In its fourth year, the virtually trekking adventure brings hundreds of participants together to accomplish a summer mileage goal. The unique piece of this challenge is that from Memorial Day to Labor Day, all mile’s count. Whether you are biking, blading, boarding, running, walking or swimming; it’s easy to add up miles and ‘go’ somewhere this summer.
Kids of all ages and adults alike take off for the 2022 Dow RunWalk 1 Mile Run.
The first race of the season and in its 37th year, is the Greater Midland Dow RunWalk, taking place on Saturday, June 3. From the Tot Trot to a half-marathon, this race has something for everyone. The Dow RunWalk unites the community and the racers by taking them through the neighboring streets of the Greater Midland Community Center. It also serves a critical purpose for the Community Center as a fundraiser to support our impact driven programs. “We have a lot of notable action near the Community Center this year due to the construction of our new building. This is a historic year; as by the next season, we’ll be into the new building,” says Jennifer Adamcik, Director of Greater Midland Races. “I love the theme of this year and how it ties into the construction, the students at Dow High really knocked it out of the park when designing our logo for the race and for the Tot Trot!”
Proud TKT 2022 participants hoist their trophies.
Coming next, July 14-15, over 300 children are expected to compete in our largest youth-focused race event, Tri-Kids-Try. A Mini division for ages 3-5 happens Friday before the Saturday main event for ages 6-15 and allows little ones to get familiar with the triathlon format. “The energy and excitement at Tri-Kids-Try is contagious! From our race crew, parents, grandparents, siblings and even the participants; the support and encouragement is overwhelming. This race is full of JOY and the feeling of self-accomplishment. It truly is something special to be a part of.
On August 4, Greater Midland Races contributes to the River Days experience by hosting Run the River along the Chippewa Trail. Running for a glass and a drink ticket has a special draw as well as running under the hot air balloons.
Lastly, on August 25, Greater Midland Races teams up with the Great Lakes Loons to host the Loons Pennant Race. The race starts on the field and finishes on the concourse of Dow Diamond, just in time to enjoy the Loons game.
For those interested in staying active the whole summer, they offer a Triple 5K Challenge. Run or walk in the Dow RunWalk, Run the River and the Loons Pennant Race, and you’ll pay one price that includes a custom medal and long-sleeve wearable to mark the achievement.
Adamcik notes how important it is that the community supports these races. “Each event is more than a race; it is an all hands-on-deck community experience. Last year 35 sponsors made up the Greater Midland Race Sponsor Crew. Our sponsors understand the importance of supporting events in our community that promote connectedness, inclusivity and health. We always have a space for you!”
