From ages three to 78 - and maybe older, the 35th Dow RunWalk hosted by the Greater Midland Community Center brought together the Great Lake Bay Region and beyond. The event which produced more smiling faces than a night at a comedy club took place on Saturday, September 18.
“It was a wonderful day. The humidity wasn't high, the slight breeze, the sun came up and the race started and everybody was smiling. It felt so good. It was the first time I raced in a couple of years and this just feels so good to get back to normal,” Rebecca Wieland, age 78 from Midland and competed in the 5K run said.
“It's been a joy to be able to do all four Greater Midland Races this season. From our “all youth” race - Tri-Kids-Try, to our longest and shortest; the half marathoner and the Tot Trot! We are glad to be back seeing the smiles on people's faces as they cross the finish line, getting their medals and coming together as a community of active people who enjoy the sport of running and walking,” Jennifer Adamcik, Race Director said.
Over 800 people registered for a mixture of races. The event provides a half marathon, 10K, 5K races, 1 mile, and Tot Trot Dash for ages three to five. CLICK HERE for race results.
For parents of the youngest competitors, it provides a fun festive family atmosphere to instill healthy habits at an early age.
“I’m sold. My three-year-old loved it and next year I’m running it too. We are adding it to our traditions for sure,” Cassie Nealis of Midland said.
“It was a wonderful day. The humidity wasn't high, the slight breeze, the sun came up and the race started and everybody was smiling. It felt so good. It was the first time I raced in a couple of years and this just feels so good to get back to normal,” Rebecca Wieland, age 78 from Midland and competed in the 5K run said. “I’ve done this race many times over the years. This race brings neighborhoods together because people get together, ‘Oh, let's ride together. Let's go do this.’ It's wonderful,”
Lance Pride, 38 of Mattawan finished first overall in the half-marathon competing in his first Dow RunWalk.
From someone who has done the race many times to a gentleman who completed a series of firsts. Lance Pride, 38 of Mattawan finished first overall in the half-marathon competing in his first Dow RunWalk.
“It's the first time I've ever finished first at basically anything, so that is great. I emptied the tank. Couldn't ask for anything more,” Pride said.
And while those firsts were something for Pride to be proud of, they weren’t the most important.
“I'm probably more excited about my son running in the Tot Trot here. It is the first time he's been able to sign up for anything.”
Many former Midland residents return for this race over the years. The flat course, running through the neighborhoods, and friendly volunteers are contributing factors.
“The course is always really great. There are always great aid stations and the people that are there for the turns to tell you where to go and everything. They're always cheering you on. It's just a really upbeat race,” Lynn North, now of Fenton, said.
Events for the Dow RunWalk kicked off at the Friday night packet pick-up event. Participants and community members were welcomed to enjoy live music by Mio and free food provided by Proper Taco and That Guy’s Barbeque. The food trucks we paid for via the Eat Great Festival powered by the Great Lakes Bay Invitational.
“Our goal is to support restaurants in the Great Lakes Bay region. We usually do an Eat Great Festival during the tournament, but this year we didn't because of covid. So we had been committed to doing popups,” Wendy Traschen, Director of the Great Lakes Bay Invitational said. “Tonight has been wonderful. This is our first pop event so far and when you take a look around and have people listening to music, sitting on the lawn, eating free food and drink, they're loving it.”
Supporting the Dow RunWalk goes a long way for the Greater Midland Community Center as it allows the organization to run mission-driven programs to ensure all community members can participate.
“We are super excited to have the race again. It's great to get all of our community members together, support the community center and get people healthy and moving,” Kevin Heye, Executive Director of the Community Center said.
Greater Midland Races is excited for the 2022 line-up as the Dow RunWalk will move back to its usual race date of early June.
