April Races
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Half a dozen fun races are coming up during the next few weeks. One event has been resurrected and another has been transformed in two distinct separate events.

This Saturday morning the fourth annual Woof and Hoof 5km scampers off at 9 am in Gallop Park, Ann Arbor. Dogs are the focus here. In fact, at the finish line spectators are seen hunched over clapping for the dogs (not the owners). There are three divisions: small, medium, and large dogs based on weight. Gifts from Dogma Catman too are awarded to the top three dogs in each division. All finishers receive dog bandanas in addition to doggy water, treats, toys and a raffle after they complete the race.   All dogs must be leashed and up to date with rabies shots and licensure. For more information go to the Ann Arbor Track Club web site at: www.aatrackclub.org or email race director Kathleen Gina at: [email protected]

Also on April 2 nd at 10 am is the No Frills All Thrills 5 Miler hosted by the Brighton Area Road Striders (BARS) at Huron Meadows Metro Park in Brighton. It's a scenic wooded course on well-groomed cross country ski trails. This event is part of the Triple Trail run series.   A pair of gloves will be handed out to the first 250 entrants. A Metro Park pass is required to enter the facility by car. Contact Paul Harkins 517 672-1518 or email [email protected] .

It's been eight years since the gun went off for the classy Briarwood runs. Many competitive races and some wild weather conditions are part of its lore. Thanks to the Ann Arbor Track Club the event is back, albeit with just the 5km.   I'm sure many will ask, "why not the 10km and 20km too?", but organizers had to start somewhere. So this year it will be two laps around the mall and the traditional award ceremony inside the center. Generous prize money should attract a competitive field. A long sleeve t-shirt that matches the 1997 design could be a collector's item. Go to the AATC web site for information.

If you're ready for a marathon but can't make it to Boston on the 21st, try Toledo's Glass City Marathon on April 10 th . The Toledo Road Runners have been staging this race for 29 years. It's a beautiful course that starts at the host hotel and takes you on a tour of both sides of the Maumee River before returning to downtown Toledo. In addition to a polo shirt, finishers receive a medal and glass mug. The event also has an expo and pre-race pasta dinner. New this year is a free 3km race the night before the marathon. Go to www.toledoroadrunners , call Edwin O'Reilly at 419 360-3709 or email him at [email protected] .

On the 16 th Herb's Run is back for its fourth year. The race honors Herb Mell who collapsed and died of heart failure while running on his favorite bike path in Monroe. The four-mile race was initiated by his wife Sandy with proceeds used to promote youth running and scholarship. Call 734 241-6190 or email [email protected]  

Runners have been inquiring about the West Bloomfield Half Marathon which is usually held in April. The parks and recreation has decided to split the race into two separate events this year. A neighborhood 5km will be held on May 7 th and the new Rock and Road Trail 10km will run on October 4 th . Go to www.westbloomfieldparks.org

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