meijer
Festival of Races
July 11, 2009

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30th Anniversary 15K & fast 5K feature new Finish!

New to the races this year is a classic straitaway finish at the historic corner of Front and Union Streets.

Join more than 2,500 competitors in one of Northern Michigan’s favorite foot races. Challenge yourself, a family member or your best running buddy to join in the action. With a 15K or 5K run and a 5K walk, there’s an event for everyone. Check out this year’s Meijer Festival of Races:

15K Run | 8:10AM
If the infamous 'Mt. McKinley' climb doesn't take your breath away mid-route, the views of West Grand Traverse Bay from the top will. Start on the Northwestern Michigan College next to Cedar Lot. Finish at Front and Union!

5KRun | 7:45AM
Run through the historic Traverse City and into downtown. The 5K will find you shoulder to shoulder with fun runners and serious racers. Start on the Northwestern Michigan College next to Cedar Lot. Finish at Front and Union!

5K Walk | 7:45 AM
Set your own pace on this brisk morning walk with friends, family and hundreds of other community members in this festival fun walk. Due to the start of the 5K Run and 5K Walk together your official time will be included with the 5K Run.

Race Divisions
5K Walk & Run; 15K Run - Overall Male, Female in Open and Masters Divisions:
14 & under 25-29 40-44 55-59 70-74
15-19 30-34 45-49 60-64 75-80
20-24 35-39 50-54 65-69 81+

Medals will be available at the finish line until 11:00 am and thereafter at the National Cherry Festival Office at 250 Front Street, Ste 301, Traverse City, MI 49684. No medals will be mailed. Awards ceremony will be held for Overall and Masters Male/Female in the 5K Run and 15K.

Features for 2009:

Throw away chip system, no worry about losing your chip!
• Enhanced route signage and mile markers
• New Finish at Front & Union Sts. – RIGHT DOWNTOWN!
• Moisture-wick shirt offering (upgrade from a free standard T-shirt for $15)
• Awards: Medals will be given to the top three in each age division
• Goal pace start sections
• Personal satisfaction

Reminder:
• For the safety of all runners no strollers, rollerblades, wagons or wheeled objects allowed on the race course
• Organizers reserve the right to cancel the race in the event of inclement weather.

Entry Fees:
• $25 - per entrant through Friday, June 20
• $30 - per entrant June 21-July 11
• $35 - per entrant Day of Race
• Registration fees are non-refundable
• Register on-line (easiest) or print and pay via check, money order or credit card ($2.50 handling)
• Please indicate shirt size and type (moisture-wick $15 additional upon registering)


Sign Up!

 

Packet Pick Up:
Race packet pick-up will be Friday, July 10, from 5 to 9 PM -or- Saturday, July 11, from 6:30 to 7:15 AM Sharp! at Eastern Elementary, 1600 Eastern Drive, located next to Traverse City Central High School.

Day of the Race:

• NEW! THE SHOE TAG: Although there is a 'shotgun' start, your official race time is recorded by the Shoe Tag laced to your shoe (be sure to follow lacing instructions!) Keep the tag as a souvenir of the race!
• Results: Results will be posted on race day at www.cherryfestival.org and will be printed in the Traverse City Record-Eagle on the following day.
• Finish line Re-fuel: will include cookies, bananas, bagels, water, pepsi, cherries and other goodies.
• Take a dip in the Bay! With the race finish only a block from the festival Open Space, finish with a refreshing dip in the nearby Grand Traverse Bay.
• Race maps may be viewed by looking up route #2933496 for the 5K, and route # 2864992 for the 15K by clicking here.
• Parking & Shuttle Service: Parking is available on the Campus of NMC, excluding Aspen and Cedar and Chestnut Lots. Shuttle buses run from the finish area at the Grand Traverse Heritage Center on Sixth Street to NMC from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon. Click here for parking map