Solstice Run
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Northville's Fifth/Third Bank Solstice 10km and 5km Run/Walk is the place to race this Saturday. Now in its third year, the event continues to climb the charts as one of Michigan's most popular races.

Race Director Alan Whitehead expects a record turnout, in part, due to the addition of a certified 10km run that will traverse past luxurious homes in both Northville's township and city at 7:30 am.   According to Whitehead, " Our entertainment venue offers world class amenities not matched by many race events throughout Michigan. Comcast had made a significant commitment to telecast our event to 1.3 million homes statewide.  We have headliner band Ultra Violet playing on the main stage at Ford Field, three music soloists performing out on our courses and Karen Newman singing the national anthem at the start of the 5K event at 9 am."

Whitehead has a passion for sports that has helped him create an exciting experience in Northville.  He gained valuable insights as a captain on the Detroit Free Press Marathon staff and now directs with his own experienced group of runners and volunteers.   Whitehead has utilized his marketing expertise to secure a solid sponsorship program.   It has put the race in a position to donate proceeds to a number of local charitable and non-profit organizations,

"I really enjoy the special relationships and contacts I have developed within the Michigan running community and Northville during the past three years through directing the Solstice Run, said Whitehead.

One of those relationships is with Fifth Third Bank who nurtures sponsorships that anchor the Bank in the communities they serve.   "Supporting races reflects the level of professionalism we live by, and provides sweat equity philanthropy opportunities for our employees. The Solstice Run meets the mark on all of those counts," said Fifth Third Bank Vice President Jack Riley.  "We believe the Solstice Run will grow into one of the premiere running events in the region. The Solstice Run brings together great race management and sponsors who are committed to its success, while working together in a picture perfect community to host the race.  We expect a huge turnout."

The Solstice Run has also partnered with Foresters to organize the kid's fun run and mobilize volunteers. "Foresters measures its success not only by our financial strength but also by the positive impact we have on local communities and the children who represent the future," says Deb DesChenes, race volunteer coordinator and President of Foresters local member branch.

The pond and park of Mill Race Village and Ford Field make the Solstice event an ideal location to finish.  The area will be filled with an outdoor sponsor expo, food tasting as well as tethered balloon rides, clowns and face painting for the kids. Several elite runners, including former Eastern Michigan star Boaz Cheboiywo, have signed up to compete for the $5,000 in prize money and gift awards. Pre race packet pick up is available Friday at the Waterwheel Health Club at Griswold and Main Street. You'll find plenty of parking just a block south at Northville Downs harness raceway. For more information, call Running Fit at 248 380-3338 or go to www.solsticerun.org .

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