The Crim celebrates its 25th running this Saturday. What began as a fund raising event for Special Olympics through the efforts of former state House Speaker Bobby Crim has blossomed into one of the top 100 races in the U.S. It is a tribute to the organizers who have continued to make the Crim an even that is embraced by the residents of Flint and Michigan plus surrounding states and provinces.
The Crim's marquee event continues to be the 10 miler. As time has ticked on so have the race options. There are now ten different races or walks to choose from. In 1977, 576 runners finished the Crim. Almost 15,000 runners participated last year in all of the races. Choices for charitable contributions has also grown from one to six and over $2 million has been raised to help local programs over the last 24 years.
Although it's billed as a festival of races it is also a festival of food and entertainment. Activities include a neighborhood running club parade, pasta party, food fest, pancake breakfast, 3 day expo, duck race, Friday night concert, free carnival rides and race day entertainment before the awards ceremony.
The 10 mile route winds through the heart of Flint's diverse community. From the scenic start over the Flint River, through parks and welcoming neighborhoods, up the Bradley Hills, past the homes of former auto barons, and finally down the famous finish on brick laid Martin Luther King Jr. street.
23 single-age records have been set on the ten mile course. Some of the best runners in the world have competed at the Crim. Past winners are a who's who of running. Names like, Herb Lindsay, Greg Meyer, Ed Eyestone, Ken Martin, Alejando Cruz and John Korir. Spectators and runners alike have been awed by the presence of Catherine Ndereba, Lynn Jennings, Olga Markova, Uta Pippig, Lisa Weidenbach and Joan Benoit.
Kenya's Joseph Kamau in 1996 and American Cathy O'Brien in 1989 set course records. They are 45:43 and 51:47 respectively.
In 1979, Bill Sills became the first wheel chair athlete to compete at a major road race event in his debut at the Crim. James Briggs owns the world record for a 10 miler at the Crim and multiple Boston Marathon winner, Jean Driscoll set the women's wheeler record. They blazed the course in 35:57 and 43:20 respectively.
Tip of the Week: Over training or racing can cause staleness. Know when your body is over doing it and take a short break when you aren't enjoying your running.
Race of the Week: The Crim, Saturday August 25th in Flint, 10 Miler, 5km, 8km, 1 Mile runs and walks, 7:30am through 12:30pm. Race day entry available, call 810 235-3396 or on the web at:
