May Races
- By Doug Kurtis

April's cool training conditions have become May's warm racing weather. Now is the time to access your fitness level and test your racing acumen. Every weekend you'll find several races somewhere in Michigan, here's a sampling.

The 22 nd annual For Women Only, 3.1 mile event on May 16 th at 8:30 am celebrates fitness in women of all ages and athletic abilities. This year, they have teamed up with Saint Joseph Mercy Women's Health Services. A new flat & fast course on the campus of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor has been created and optional team categories are offered to recognize the unique bonds of female family relationships. The event traditionally honors a woman for their accomplishments and contributions to women's running. This year Robin Sarris- Hallop will be recognized for her many running achievements and the numerous activities she has supported in Ann Arbor and Michigan.   Call the Ann Arbor Track Club at 734-332-9129 for information.

The 11 th annual Strut Your Mutt will be held on May 16 th from 10 am to 2 pm. Bring your dog to the 5km run and walk at Kent Lake Beach in the Island Recreation Area just south of Kensington.   The event is a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Livingston County.   The organization opened a year ago as a fostering society but has redefined itself as a sheltering society. In the past year it has provided shelter to more then 1,000 dogs and cats.   If you want to witness your dog's social skills call 517 552-8050 to sign up for the Strut.

The third leg of the Triple Trail Challenge is the Rocket Dog Ankle Biter Trail 10km run in the Meadows area of Island Lake on May 23. It's a fun, low-key race that has been held for over ten years offering cheap entry and optional T-shirts. The race T-shirts are cool but you can also shop at the Rocket Dog Boutique at the race site. Sign up just for the unique array of post race refreshments. Contact Jim Betz at [email protected].

Only six hundreds runners will be able to experience the first Mackinaw Memorial Bridge race on May 29 th .   The Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race will be the official 'Kick Off an Active Summer' a new initiative, devised by the Governors Council on Physical Fitness to promote active enjoyment of the many wonders of Michigan.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Michigan Fitness Foundation. Contact the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau at www.mackinawcity.com or 800-750-0160.

The Bayshore Marathon on May 29 th starts on the grounds of Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City.   It winds through one mile of residential neighborhoods before heading out and back on the waterfront along the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay.   It's a shaded, scenic race with some breathtaking views. Temperatures range from an average 41 degrees at the start and 66 degrees for many of the finishers. This year's event has already reached its field limit of 1300 runners that was set based on feedback from runner surveys.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226