Greater Midland Announces 2024 Race Line-Up
Tuesday, Janaury 23, 2024
Greater Midland Races 2024 calendar is set and registration is open for the summer race series. From Dow RunWalk to Loons Pennant Race, Greater Midland Races focuses on boosting community health and connectedness. The 2024 Greater Midland Race Season features four events, starting with their flagship event in June, the Dow RunWalk. Next up in July, the largest standalone youth triathlon in Michigan, Tri-Kids-Try. In August, Greater Midland partners with Midland River Days for Run the River, and to finish the season, they team up with the Great Lakes Loons for the Loons Pennant Race.
Kids of all ages and adults alike take off for the 2023 Dow RunWalk 1 Mile Run.
The first race of the season is the 38th Annual Greater Midland Dow RunWalk, taking place on Saturday, June 1. From the Tot Trot to the challenging DRW DUO (5K + 10K), this race has something for everyone. The Dow RunWalk unites the community and the racers by taking them through the neighboring streets surrounding the Community Center. It also serves a critical purpose for the Community Center as a fundraiser to support our impact driven programs. “This is an exciting year for the historic race,” Greater Midland Race Director, Jennifer Adamcik explains. “We are all excited about the new Community Center opening this spring, and with our start and finish line at the corner of the new building, it will be a great time to take in the new site.”
Coming next, July 19-20, over 300 children are expected to compete in their largest youth-focused race event, Tri-Kids-Try Youth Triathlon. A Mini Division for ages 3-5 allows little ones to enjoy an active evening of fun, while becoming familiar with a triathlon, on Friday evening. The main event for takes place on Saturday morning for ages 6-15. “This event is the largest of its kind in the state and we love how many athletes return each year due to its fun yet competitive nature. We have children who have done the last 6 consecutive TKT’s, and watching the confidence and perseverance grow in our youngest racers is inspirational.”
On August 2, Greater Midland Races contributes to the Midland River Days experience by hosting Run the River along the Chippewa Trail. Running for a pint glass and a drink ticket has a special draw as well as the chance to run under the hot air balloons. “There is so much action happening by the Tridge with family and friends kicking off the celebrated summer weekend-event. Racers often see the balloons float by as they race, after they cross the finish line or as they enjoy their post-race beverage.”
Lastly, on August 23, Greater Midland Races teams up with the Great Lakes Loons to host the Loons Pennant Race. The race starts in the outfield and finishes in the concourse of Dow Diamond, just in time to enjoy an evening of Loons baseball.
For those interested in staying active the whole summer, they offer a Midland Triple Challenge. Run or walk a 5K in the Dow RunWalk, Run the River and the Loons Pennant Race, and you’ll pay one price that includes a custom medal and wearable to mark the achievement. “NEW in 2024, we have added 1 MILE Triple Challenge. Our young racers have a chance to work for a larger summer goal and obtain a special medal and wearable as well.”
Adamcik notes the impact of these races, “Hundreds of participants choose to partner with Greater Midland Races to stay active and mobile around our Midland community during the summer months. The community experience our series of races offers is unlike any other.” Hundreds of volunteers made up of neighbors and strangers offer encouragement, directional help and water along the routes. Community landmarks like the Greater Midland Community Center, Plymouth Park, the Tridge and Dow Diamond are celebrated. And many local sponsors choose to invest in keeping their employees and neighboring communities healthy throughout the summer. “Runners, walkers, stroller pushers both old young and in the middle, we have something for everyone. Join us in the 2024 Race season,” Adamcik says.
