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Marathon Happenings
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist
10/21/04
Pre race expos, pasta dinners, race day entertainment and post race parties are part of the mix for major marathons around the country. The Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon has all of these ingredients and more.
Everything begins Friday with one of the countries best expos. Coordinator Bill Ewing has gathered sixty five exhibitors to Cobo Center. As runners meander through the path to packet pick up they might notice national flags from other countries that represent some of Sunday's marathoners.
On Saturday, 4731 Gallery presents Dream Big - The Art of the Marathon Pasta Dinner Party voted "Best Arts Building in Detroit" by the Detroit Free Press, is opening its doors for the first annual carbo-loading pre-race pasta extravaganza on Saturday, October 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ride the free shuttle from the host hotel or Cobo Center, thanks to Royal Transportation, look at the art displays, load up on pasta and share liquid libation and stories. The location is 4731 Grand River near Warren Avenue. Tickets are almost sold out.
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is conducting a survey to project the accuracy of marathoners' predicted of finish times. Runners that want to participate can log onto website: http://aux.edinboro.edu/detroitmarathon and help Dr. Jim Roberts with his research project.
Fitness expert Peter Neilson will be promoting local runners on his WDIV Channel 4 show "Peter's Principles" at 7:00pm this Saturday night.
Opening ceremonies includes over thirty children from the Michigan Fine Arts Youth Choir/Boys and Girls Choir of Detroit. They will be joined by Erin Armstrong singing the Canadian National Anthem and Martha Reeves (of the Vandellas) singing the U.S. National Anthem.
Out on the course, Commissioner Tyrone C. Scott is bringing back the Detroit Fire Department's Boat to shoot water spray near the Ambassador and MacArthur Bridges.
Entertainment will be spread out all across the 26.2 mile route. At Corktown's new Irish pub Baile Corcaigh, Jeremy Kittel will inspire runners on his Celtic Fiddle. Los Galane's Restaurant at Bagley and 23rd will feature Mariachi Nuevo Zapopan. The Michigan Scottish Pipes and Drums Military Band will perform, as will Windsor Police Pipers on bagpipes.
Punk rock band, Half the Battle will blast runners to the ten mile mark as they run along Detroit's side of the river. Listen for several Clear Channel radio stations on the course including WJLB at the Hard Rock Café.
The word is out that Karris Brothers Tavern owner Ilya Snyder may be stopping his marathon run when he reaches his Tavern just beyond the 15 mile mark or maybe just stay long enough to enjoy Marc Szymanski's techno music.
As runners pass the Scott Fountain on Belle Isle they will be treated to Michigan Heritage Award winner Nadim Dlaikin performing some of his native Middle Eastern folk music. In Indian Village Keith Vreeland's jazz quartet and creative keyboarding will be showcased as well as Benny and the Jets near the 22 mile mark spirit station. The Martin Luther King Marching Band will round out the entertainment on Lafayette.
Michelob Ultra's Finish Line Party with entertainment provided by Enemy of the Sun is open to anyone over 21 years of age. Spectators, family, friends, can purchase beer for a minimal fee. All proceeds to go to the Michigan Chapter of the MS Society.
Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St.
Detroit, 48226
or [email protected]
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