Home field advantage is invaluable in the world of sports.

For competitive runner and Midland native Maggie Rettelle, it makes all the difference in the annual Dow RunWalk.

“I enjoy being able to do a competitive race and have my whole family present. The overall atmosphere of the race is just electric and I love that it is based at the (Greater Midland) Community Center where I spent many days in the summer as a child,” said Maggie, who finished 18th out of 1,664 in her age group at this year’s Boston Marathon.

Maggie has also finished as the top overall female in the Dow RunWalk 10K.

But to her, the hometown event is more than just beating the competition.

“My father did the 5K Walk within months after having a liver transplant a couple years back and I was able to run the 10K and still join him for the rest of his walk and celebrate at the finish line,” she said.

The Saturday, June 1, event will draw more than 1,000 walkers and runners of various backgrounds and athletic levels. Maggie said she welcomes the competition and encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the day.

“The course is fast and flat and never boring. There is a crowd cheering you on along the way throughout the entire race. If you have never competed in a 5K or are thinking of challenging yourself to a 10K or half-marathon, this is the race to do it in. The support and the fun afterward are worth it!” she said.

Interested in competing in the Dow RunWalk on June 1? CLICK HERE for greater details and to get registered.