Southeast Michigan runners and walkers are invited to lace up their sneakers for a good cause. The Seventh Annual Patriots Race, presented by White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy, will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 8, to benefit the Michigan Wounded & Returning Warriors Program, a 501(C)3, American Legion member organization supporting veterans. This year’s event marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorism attacks. Accordingly, there will be a moment of silence at 9:03 a.m. in memory of the 9/11 Tower 2 attack.
In competitive runners’ circles, White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery’s 210-acre park-like setting is appealing and known for having the flattest and fastest course in Michigan.
The Patriots Race will begin at 9 a.m. with a 10k and 5k timed race followed by a 1M run/walk. (Discounts are available for veterans and groups). White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery is long known for its on-site events to honor U.S. veterans. Participants will pass by monuments to veterans from WWI, WWII, the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars as well as MIA combat troops.
For the first time, the event will feature country music recording artist, Stephen Cochran, a wounded Marine veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He will perform patriotic songs before and after the races. Notably, race participants often run in honor of a family member or friend. White ribbons will be available and on display for race participants to write the names of those they are honoring.
Participants will want to stick around after the races for a feast featuring carbohydrate-rich food and beverages to replenish electrolytes. A highlight of the morning will be an awards ceremony where top finishers will receive gold, silver and bronze commemorative dog tags. Moreover, prizes will be awarded for “Most Patriotic Attire.”
“The Patriots Race attracts all ages including many families joining in the fun to support Michigan veterans,” said David R. Krall, White Chapel vice president. “It is inspiring to see the Patriots Race grow over the years. Runners and walkers participate in the race for a variety of reasons – they may honor the memory of a loved one or friend or enjoy the exercise.”
Other highlights include:
• The entire race course will be lined with 500 American flags.
• Each race/ walk participant will receive a T-shirt with the Patriots ribbon logo.
• Participation Medal Dog Tags will go to each participant.
• Patriots Race Expo.
• Special children’s activities.
For additional information or to register online, visit www.ThePatriotsRace.com. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can call 248-362-7670.
White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery (www.whitechapelcemetery.com) is located at 621 W. Long Lake Rd. (west of I-75) in Troy.
In competitive runners’ circles, White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery’s 210-acre park-like setting is appealing and known for having the flattest and fastest course in Michigan.
The Patriots Race will begin at 9 a.m. with a 10k and 5k timed race followed by a 1M run/walk. (Discounts are available for veterans and groups). White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery is long known for its on-site events to honor U.S. veterans. Participants will pass by monuments to veterans from WWI, WWII, the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars as well as MIA combat troops.
For the first time, the event will feature country music recording artist, Stephen Cochran, a wounded Marine veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He will perform patriotic songs before and after the races. Notably, race participants often run in honor of a family member or friend. White ribbons will be available and on display for race participants to write the names of those they are honoring.
Participants will want to stick around after the races for a feast featuring carbohydrate-rich food and beverages to replenish electrolytes. A highlight of the morning will be an awards ceremony where top finishers will receive gold, silver and bronze commemorative dog tags. Moreover, prizes will be awarded for “Most Patriotic Attire.”
“The Patriots Race attracts all ages including many families joining in the fun to support Michigan veterans,” said David R. Krall, White Chapel vice president. “It is inspiring to see the Patriots Race grow over the years. Runners and walkers participate in the race for a variety of reasons – they may honor the memory of a loved one or friend or enjoy the exercise.”
Other highlights include:
• The entire race course will be lined with 500 American flags.
• Each race/ walk participant will receive a T-shirt with the Patriots ribbon logo.
• Participation Medal Dog Tags will go to each participant.
• Patriots Race Expo.
• Special children’s activities.
For additional information or to register online, visit www.ThePatriotsRace.com. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can call 248-362-7670.
White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery (www.whitechapelcemetery.com) is located at 621 W. Long Lake Rd. (west of I-75) in Troy.
