Running the Seaway Run
by Chris Burnaw
For the last several years, I’ve been busy “running” the Mercy Health Seaway Run as a co-chair, so even though I logged some miles on race day by trying to be everywhere at once, I never had a chance to participate. But this year, I’ve stepped back from being a co-chair, so I get to do something I’m really looking forward to… run the new 10K course, my new favorite distance in my all-time favorite run! For years, the Mercy Health Seaway Run had 5K and 15K courses, but with the addition of the Half Marathon a few years ago, discussions started to take place about switching from the 15K distance to a 10K. The 10K is a very popular distance in the running world and is a great “in-between” distance for the 5K and the Half Marathon. This year, the change was made and a new 10K course designed. It follows the new 5K course, then takes a turn through historic neighborhoods before heading back downtown. It looks like a great course – I’m looking forward to giving it a try!
The great thing about the Mercy Health Seaway Run is that there is something for everyone! With the 5K Community Walk, the 5K run, the 10k, and the Half Marathon, no matter what distance you like, whether you run or walk, if you want to challenge yourself or just enjoy a healthy family event, there’s a distance and a pace for you. Plus, if you don’t care to run or walk in the event, you can volunteer (which is good for your health too!) The event supports a healthy community, with the Muskegon YMCA and 1 in 21 Healthy Muskegon County sharing the proceeds for their work to provide healthy programs and initiatives in Muskegon County.
The Mercy Health Seaway Run takes place this year on June 23, with the Healthy Lifestyles Expo on June 22 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Expo is at the LC Walker Arena and the start/finish line for all events is at the corner of 4th Street and Western Avenue. Learn more and register at www.seawayrun.com. I’ll see you there!
Riding for a Great Cause
The week before the Mercy Health Seaway Run is another healthy community event in downtown Muskegon, with United Way of the Lakeshore’s seventh annual Ride United bike event taking place on June 16, 2018. Riders will bike a 6, 25, 50, or 100 mile route that begins and ends at the corner of 3rd Street and Clay Avenue. Taste of Muskegon is happening downtown that day too – Ride United participants get complimentary tickets to Taste of Muskegon, so they can get a delicious (preferably healthy) snack after they ride! Visit www.ridemi.org for more information and to register. Proceeds from this event will benefit programs that promote healthy and safe families in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties. I’ll see you there too… still deciding on my distance for this one!
