Last call for pre-race discounts on entry fees for McLaren Brooksie Way

Runners and walkers keen on participating in the 11th annual McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races have until Sept. 20 to register and save on their entry fee.

The race is set for the morning of Sept. 23 and begins at the Meadow Brook Music Amphitheater on the grounds of Oakland University. Those who register by Sept. 20 for the half-marathon will save $10. There are similar savings on the other races. Registration can be done online at www.TheBrooksieWay.com. Race morning registration is available in the Post Race tent at the finish line.

"This is one of the highlights of the year for me," Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. "We expect to have about 6,000 participants this year. Couple that with the impact the Brooksie Way Minigrant program has had, giving out $260,000 to help support health and fitness activities in our county. I would never have dreamed the entire Brooksie Way would play such an important role in the community."

The McLaren Brooksie Way continues to be among the most popular fall half marathons, 10k and 5k races in the state. It is named in memory of Brooks Stuart Patterson, a young father who died after an accident in 2007. He was the son of the county executive.

The half marathon includes parts of the Clinton River and Paint Creek trails, Rochester Hills and downtown Rochester. The 2017 race attracted more than 5,700 runners and walkers. All participants this year will have access to free and nearly instantaneous racer photographs from enMotive. Finisher messaging is available courtesy of Genisys Credit Union.

The McLaren Brooksie Way is partnering with Kroger to collect non-perishable food items. Participants who bring a food donation to either the Health & Fitness Expo or the race start line will receive a $15 voucher for the 2019 race.

For the fourth 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; OLHSA (Oakland-Livingston Human Service Agency); OUCares Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach; St. Paul's Rochester/Tiny Homes; and Teachers Pet Dogs and Kids Learning Together. Those who register for a charity will receive $15 off their 2018 race registration fee. More information is available at www.TheBrooksieWay.com.

The McLaren Brooksie Way Middle School Challenge is also returning for the fourth 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 Brooksie Health and Fitness Expo Sept. 21 from 3-8 p.m., and Sept. 22 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Oakland University Student Events Center. The expo is sponsored by Crittenton Hospital. The expo features 70 vendors and the first 100 people through the door Friday and Saturday will receive a coupon worth $15 off the 2019 McLaren Brooksie Way. Registration for the 2019 race is at the Bishop Airport booth. Bishop is giving away a voucher worth $500 for airline travel.

The popular Lil' Brooksie Kid's Race is set for Sept. 22, the day before the bigger races 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.

The Oakland Press is the finish line sponsor. Dell is the 10k sponsor, Oxford Bank 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. FCA. ITC and the Manoogian Foundation are premier race supporters.

Published: Tue, Sep 11, 2018