The longest day of the year will be celebrated in style. On June 21^st, Galyan's Northville Solstice Run will kick off its inaugural event to support the city's Parks and Recreation department.

Northville is one of Metro Detroit's most scenic areas to run. Downtown has quaint shops, Victorian homes and small ponds to run past.� The western end of E. Hines Drive's 17 mile bike path starts in Northville and Maybury State Park has miles of trails for runners to enjoy.

It's been several years since Northville had a premier running event during the summer.� After a year and a half of planning it looks like race director Alan Whitehead's hard work is paying off. More than 30 sponsors have come on board to launch its success. Organizers expect more than 1,000 runners, walkers and kids to participate in either the 5K Race or Kids Fun Run.

Former city council member and resident runner Mark Cryderman designed a charming course.� Comcast is on board to televise the event to 59 cities in the Detroit area.� A number of the sponsors such as Galyan's, Rock Financial and Masters Green have been displaying and distributing entry forms at various locations to promote the event

Race amenities include a buffet of food, frozen fruit bars, massages and plenty of raffle prizes after the race. Several of Michigan's top running talent has agreed to participate on the officially certified 5K course, including Chris Toloff of MSU and this year's Michigan Runner of the Year Laurie Decker. Entertainment at the bandshell with live music performed by Tommy Vale and The Torpedos with face painting and MoonWalk keeping the kids in attention.� For the adventurous there will be tethered RE/MAX 100 hot air balloon rides.� A Sponsor Expo is also included.

All events start/finish at Ford Field located next Mill Race Village on Griswold St., north of Main Street.� Results will be posted later that day on runmichigan.com

On-line entries are open through 7:30 am, June 19. Packets may be picked up the week of the event at Northville Parks and Recreation located at 8 Mile and Center Street in the Hillside Middle School. Race day registration and pick up is available at Ford Field located northwest of Griswold and Main Street before 7:30 am.� For more information about the race call 248 349-0203 Ext. 1408 or on the web site at www.northvilleparksandrec.org

Volunteers are still needed as well.

Next Weekend is full of great running events to choose from:

Zanglin Run, 8km, June 13, 7 pm in Trenton Call 734 282-1101

Strawberry Run, 8km, June 14, 8 am in Belleville, Call 734 434-6593

Midwest Corporate Cups, Track meet, June 14 in Canton, Call 586 997-3063

Moon in June, 10km, June 14, 7 pm in Tecumseh, Ontario, Call 519 945-3786

Ludington Lakestride, 13.1 mile, June 14, 8:30 am in Ludington, Call 231 845-0324

The Rose Run, 5 & 10km, June 14, 8 am in Jackson, Call 517 796-8485