The McLaren Brooksie Way preps for 10-year celebration

Runners and walkers keen on participating in the 10th annual McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races have until Sept. 21 to register and save on their entry fee.

The race is set for the morning of Sept. 24 and begins at the Meadow Brook Music Amphitheater on the grounds of Oakland University. Those who register by Sept. 21 for the half-marathon will save $10. There are similar savings on the other races. Registration can be done online at www.TheBrooksieWay.com. Race morning registration is available in the Post Race tent at the finish line.

"I'm expecting this to be a memorable year," Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. "The Road Runners Club of America has named our race Michigan's 2017 Championship Half Marathon. We have also identified 85 men and women who have participated in one Brooksie race every year since the start and there will be special recognition for them, including customized medals for 10-year finishers."

The 10-year runners and walkers are sponsored by Oakland County Credit Union.

The Road Runners Club of America will honor first place male and female finishers overall, Masters (age 40-49); Grand Masters (age 50-59) and Senior Grand Master (60 and above).

The McLaren Brooksie Way is among the most popular fall half marathons, 10k and 5k races in the state. It is named in memory of Brooks Stuart Patterson, a young father who died after an accident in 2007. He was the son of the county executive.

The half-marathon includes parts of the Clinton River and Paint Creek trails, Rochester Hills, and downtown Rochester. The 2016 race attracted more than 5,700 runners and walkers. All participants this year will have access to free and nearly instantaneous racer photographs from enMotive. Finisher messaging is available courtesy of Genisys Credit Union.

For the third year, the race contains a charity fundraising component. Participants can register in advance to raise money for any of the following charities: Brooksie Way Minigrants; Gilda's Club; Hope Water Project; Grace Centers of Hope; Teachers Pet; Oakland County Sheriff's Office PAL; Michigan Special Olympics; OLSHA (Oakland-Livingston Human Service Agency); OUCares; North Oakland YMCA; and Saint Paul's Rochester Tiny Houses. Those who register for a charity will receive $10 off their 2017 race registration fee.

The McLaren Brooksie Way Middle School Challenge is also returning for the third year. It offers every middle school student the chance to register for the 5k race for only $5, a $37 discount from the normal price. It is supported by the DTE Foundation and allows students to receive all the benefits including a shirt, timing, runner bib, and finisher medal.

Running legend Bill Rodgers will sign autographs in the Beaumont Hospital booth at the Brooksie Health and Fitness Expo Sept. 22 from 3-8 p.m., and Sept. 23 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Oakland University Student Events Center. The expo is sponsored by Crittenton Hospital. The expo features 70 vendors and the first 100 people through the door Friday and Saturday will receive a coupon worth $15 off the 2018 McLaren Brooksie Way registration.

The popular Lil' Brooksie Kid's Race is set for Sept. 23, the day before the bigger races sponsored Weiming Education.

Kroger is the official half-marathon sponsor. The 5k race is sponsored by Genisys Credit Union. Oakland University is the race host.

The Oakland Press is the finish line sponsor and is producing a commemorative color magazine on the race. Dell is the 10k sponsor, Oxford Bank is halfway arch sponsor, Oakland Community College is the Mile Marker sponsor, Park West Gallery sponsors the Info Tent, the Suburban Collection is volunteer sponsor, and Shelton Buick GMC is race vehicle provider. Absopure is the official water provider for the races.

Published: Mon, Sep 11, 2017