It's last call for runners who want to take part in one of the Midwest’s largest half marathons, the Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K, and still save as much as $15 on race registration.
The deadline to receive the break on registration is Sept. 30. After that, the price jumps to $75 for the half marathon. Registration for the 5K goes from $30 to $40. The race is set for Oct. 3 at 8 a.m. Those interested can register online at www.thebrooksieway.com.
"We've seen the Brooksie Way grow in popularity among both the serious runners and the casual runners and walkers because we offer something for everyone," said Deb Kiertzner, the race director. “We have created an entertaining family-friendly event that also caters to the serious runners.”
About 5,000 runners are expected for the third running of the race, which begins and ends on the campus of Oakland University. The 13.1 mile half marathon course winds through Rochester Hills and Rochester and includes parts of the Paint Creek Trail and Clinton River trail. The race finishes in the shadow of historic Meadow Brook Hall. The 5K (3.1 miles) course is contained entirely on the OU campus. There is also a One Mile Fun Run/Walk for families.
Olympic marathon champion Frank Shorter, who won the gold medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, is scheduled to participate in the race as is Greg Meyer, the last American male to win the Boston Marathon.
The race is named in memory of Brooks Stuart Patterson, a young father and the son of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. “Brooksie,” as he was known to his family and friends, died after an accident in 2007.
The Brooksie Fitness Expo: registration and packet pickup is set for Oct. 1 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A pre-race all-you-can-eat pasta party is also being held Oct. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rochester Fire Department, 277 E. Second St. Advance tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under and are available at the fire hall or Runnin’ Gear stores in Waterford and Rochester Hills. Tickets the day of event are $8 for adults and $4 for children.
All participants in the half marathon will receive a long-sleeved technical running shirt from Brooks Apparel and those who finish will receive a beautiful medal made especially for the race. There are expanded post-race festivities, including food, entertainment and children’s activities.
The presenting sponsor for the Brooksie Way is HealthPlus of Michigan.
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