Memorial Day
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Like Boston's Patriot's Day Marathon, this Monday the Grosse Ile Memorial Day Run will honor those that have fought in battle. It has been a tradition on this island since 1981. New Zealand's Arthur Lydiard, another island warrior who changed the world with his teachings about jogging and running your personal best will also be remembered.

Until race director Greg Everal took over the Memorial Day Run, it was a casual event experienced by local runners. With the help of a new course and the support of the Island Road Runner Club the race has seen steady growth over the last five years. More than five hundred runners are expected to compete.

The course is designed to show off Grosse Ile's beautifully landscaped streets and residents that were once summer homes to prominent locals such as R.E. Olds, William Fisher and Bunky Knudson.   Runners will enjoy a brief run through a tree lined trail, (the Ottie Trail named after one of the IRR Club members) and then a mile stretch along the Detroit River, often with big ships passing by.

The color guards from the Vietnam Veterans United L.Z have been a five year tradition before the race start, as is a special rendition of the Star Spangled banner sang by club member Kait Laporte.

The Island Road Runners are delighted to put their signature on the Memorial Day Run. Pride and attention to every detail make this a must do event for hundreds of happy runners.   Many wear the gift sweatshirt received before they head home to Memorial Day picnics.

Post race goodies are all home baked goods from club members.   They also serve peanut butter & jelly sandwich & bagels and wash it all down with water, Gatorade & pop. It takes about 40 Island Road Runners and five months of organizing to put on this race.

Runners can register on line at www.islandroadrunners.net or at Total Runner in Southgate.

Last fall, Hanson's Running Shop was fortunate to have Arthur Lydiard visit with their athletes and coaches. Not long after, the legendary coach died in Texas while doing what he liked to do, spreading the word about running and fitness across the world.

"He was a charismatic and passionate man with strong beliefs" according to Keith Hanson, who marveled at his 87 year old dinner guest when Lydiard visited their home after a clinic.

Lydiard's training principles are still employed by leading coaches and athletes around the world. He is credited with inventing the exercise called jogging.   His books, such as Running to the Top, have been translated for publication throughout the world.

His success with New Zealand gold medal winners, Peter Snell and Murray Halberg, at the Rome Olympics in 1960 led him to opportunities as a national coach for other countries such as Mexico, Finland, Venezuela and Denmark.   In Finland, he was awarded the White Cross, the equivalent of Knighthood.

Lydiard was always telling young runners that they were just a good athlete if they could perform a good race on the luck of the day, while a great athlete is one that knows how to train properly to perform at their best on a specific day.

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