September Races
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

September in Michigan was meant for road and trail racing.   Like the first few weeks of spring, you notice more runners working out than any other time of the year.   So why not put all that training to good use and test yourself, especially before marathons in October and November.

The September 9th , Dances With Dirt has been sold out for some time but some teams are still recruiting runners. It's become an annual right of autumn for many of the area runners. Beginning at 7:45 am, DWD will be trumpeting eleven years of traipsing through 100 km (62 miles) rugged trails of Pinckney. DWD teams love the challenge of competing on the steepest hills and grungy swamps. They routinely cross rivers just to keep the run as tough as possible. Die-hard trail runners can still sign up for the 50 km or 50 miler with gun time at 6:15 am. Go to www.danceswithdirt.com .

On the 9th , South Lyon High School will host the 15th annual Witches Hat Run at 8 am. The 10km course is a mix paved roads and trails including the nearby rails to trail system.   The 5km run and walk starts at 9:30 am, just 5 minutes before the 10km.   Proceeds are donated to the boys and girls cross country teams. Contact Sue Massuch at 437-6254 or go to www.slxc.com/witch .

Also on the 9 th , Mackinac Island has become a tradition for many runners and walkers. The 36 th annual race expects over 2000 participants to gather at Mission Point Resort to witness the beautiful 8 mile perimeter of Mackinac Island.   Go to www.gaultracemanagement.com or call 810 659-6493.

On September 16 th the 23rd edition of the Kensington Challenge offers a spectacular metro parkway course. The 5km and 15km start just after 9 am. Proceeds go to host Ann Arbor Track Club activities and to support the John Rogucki Memorial Fund.  It also supports: Washtenaw Community College Cross-Country Club Sports program, Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan Special Olympics, and the AATC Youth Program. This year, two $1000 scholarships will go to local high school senior athletes at Washtenaw Community College. .   Email AATC at [email protected] if you have questions.  

On the 23rd , the Motor City Shakedown bills itself as a race, party and fund raiser to combat domestic violence.   The events, which begin at 9:30 am from the Belle Isle shelter #2, have been organized by the Downtown Runners and Walkers for the last thirteen years. Call Cheryl at 888 738-3261 or go to www.downtownrunners.com for more information.

On the 24th , Leamington, Ontario's "Get to the Point" half marathon will run through picturesque Point Pelee National Park at 8:30 am.   Call the Running Factory race hotline at 519 945-3786 or go to www.runningfactory.com/calendar

Northville's Road Runner Classic will be held on the 30 th at 9:30 am. It's hosted by the Northville Road Runners Club in conjunction with the Friends of Maybury and the American Lung Association of Michigan. The purpose of the event is to acquaint the public with the beauty and accessibility of Maybury State Park. The NRRC also meets in Maybury for a run every Saturday at 9 am.

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