Last call for Sunday's McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon

The 12th running of the McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races is just around the corner.

The Brooksie Way, which includes the half marathon, 10k and 5k races, is set for Sunday at 8 a.m. Those who register by Friday for the half marathon will save $10. There are similar savings on the other races. Register at www.TheBrooksieWay.com. Race morning registration is available in the Post Race tent at the finish line starting at 6:30 a.m.

"The McLaren Brooksie Way is one of the most popular fall half marathons in Michigan," Race Director Deb Flynn said. "We look forward to seeing thousands of runners and walkers Sunday morning and there is still time to register. Of course, it will be a bit melancholy this year for many who were used to having longtime County Executive L. Brooks Patterson greet them at the race."

Patterson, who created the race in memory of his son Brooks Stuart Patterson, died in August. The younger Patterson died in after a snowmobiling accident in 2007.

Race headlines, including an important announcement about the future of the race, and the unveiling of larger finisher medals will be made Friday at the race start line at the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the grounds of Oakland University.

The half marathon includes parts of the Clinton River and Paint Creek trails, Rochester Hills and downtown Rochester. All participants will have access to free and nearly instantaneous racer photographs from enMotive. Finisher messaging is available courtesy of Genisys Credit Union.

Close to 200 individuals are expected to join the Brooksie Ten Year Club, sponsored by VIBE Credit Union. This club recognizes those who have run or walked in at least 10 Brooksie races.

The McLaren Brooksie Way is again partnering with Kroger to collect non-perishable food items. Participants who bring a food donation to either the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday or Saturday at the OU Students Event Center or the race start line will receive a $15 voucher for the 2020 race.

For the fifth year, the race contains a charity fundraising component. Participants can register in advance to raise money for any of the following charities: Gilda's Club; Grace Centers of Hope; March of Dimes; North Oakland YMCA; Oakland County Sheriff's Office PAL; OLSHA (Oakland-Livingston Human Service Agency); OUCares Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach; Orion Art Center and Teachers Pet Dogs and Kids Learning Together. More information is available at www.TheBrooksieWay.com.

The McLaren Brooksie Way Middle School Challenge is also returning for the fifth year. It offers every middle school student the chance to register for the 5k race for only $5, a $37 discount from the normal price. It is supported by the DTE Foundation and allows students to receive all the benefits including a shirt, timing, runner bib and finisher medal.

Race participants are encouraged to get their racing bib and race packets at the Brooksie Health and Fitness Expo Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the OU Student Events Center. The expo is sponsored by Crittenton Ascension Providence Hospital. The expo features 70 vendors. The first 50 people through the door Friday and Saturday receive a coupon worth $15 off the 2020 McLaren Brooksie Way and a Brooksie winter wear item.

The popular Lil' Brooksie Kid's Race is set for Saturday and is sponsored Weiming Education.

Kroger is the official half-marathon sponsor. The 5k race is sponsored by Genisys Credit Union. Oakland University is the race host. Dell is the 10k sponsor, mBank is halfway arch sponsor, Oakland Community College is the Mile Marker sponsor, Park West Gallery sponsors the Info Tent, the Suburban Collection is volunteer sponsor and Shelton Buick GMC is race vehicle provider. Absopure is the official water provider for the races.

ITC and the Manoogian Foundation are premier race supporters.

Published: Thu, Sep 19, 2019