McLaren Health Care, a leading integrated health system in Michigan, has signed a three-year contract to be the title sponsor of The McLaren Brooksie Way as the race celebrates its 10th anniversary this fall.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said he was thrilled the health care organization had signed on to support the race, which is named in memory of Brooks Stuart Patterson, a young father who died in 2007. He was the son of the county executive.
“Lining up McLaren as the title sponsor was a coup for us,” Patterson said. “It is a statewide, pre-eminent health care organization that gives back to the communities it serves. We’re delighted to welcome McLaren to our quality of life event.”
The McLaren system maintains operations in 350 facilities across Michigan, including 12 hospitals, and has a statewide network of more than 47,000 physicians and ancillary providers. Among its facilities in Oakland County are McLaren Oakland in Pontiac and the McLaren Clarkston campus in Independence Township.
“McLaren Health Care is very pleased to elevate our longtime support of The Brooksie Way as the new presenting sponsor,” said Philip Incarnati, president and CEO of McLaren Health Care. “While our core mission is to care for complete health care needs, it is also our role as a health care leader and community advocate to engage in programs that focus on overall health and wellness. The Brooksie Way has become a signature event in our state that definitely fits those parameters and, as an added benefit, fosters community engagement and collaborative partnerships. With these common goals, we are proud to share our name with The Brooksie Way and maintain a level of support that complements our role as health care leader in Michigan.”
Returning this year is The McLaren Brooksie Way Middle School Challenge, which offers every middle school student in Oakland County the chance to register for The Brooksie Way 5k race for only $5, a $30 discount from the normal price. Registration information is being distributed to Oakland County middle schools this month.
In celebration of its 10th year, The McLaren Brooksie Way is also saluting runners and walkers who have participated in a Brooksie race each year. Each member of the select group who registers this year will be given a special running shirt noting their accomplishment, an invitation to a special race week reception and those who finish one of this year’s races will be given a customized medal created especially for 10-year participants. Through 2016, 84 people had participated each year in a Brooksie Way race. The 10-year runners and walkers are sponsored by Oakland County Credit Union.
The McLaren Brooksie Way is among the most popular regional fall half marathons, 10k and 5k races in the state. The Road Runners Club of America named the race the 2017 official half-marathon of Michigan. The races are set for Sept. 24 and open to runners and walkers. They begin and end at the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the campus of Oakland University. The half-marathon includes parts of the Clinton River and Paint Creek trails, Rochester Hills and downtown Rochester. The 2016 race attracted more than 5,700 runners and walkers. All participants will have access to free racer photographs.
Entrants for any of the Brooksie Way races can realize significant savings by registering early at www.TheBrooksieWay.com. Participants can also register online for the popular Team Challenge – which sold out last year – and celebrate after the race in the exclusive Team Challenge tent. Registration fees discounts have been extended until June 10. The names of those who register before July 4 will be entered into a random drawing for a $500 travel voucher courtesy of Flint’s Bishop Airport, official airport of The McLaren Brooksie Way.
For the third year, the race contains a charity fundraising component. Participants can register in advance to raise money for any of the following charities: Brooksie Way Minigrants; Glenda’s Club; Hope Water Project; Grace Centers of Hope, Teachers Pet, Leader Dogs for the Blind; Michigan Special Olympics; OLSHA (Oakland-Livingston Human Service Agency); Michigan Special Olympics; OUCares and North Oakland YMCA. Those who register for a charity will receive $10 off their race registration fee.
The popular Lil’ Brooksie Kid’s Race is set for Sept. 23, the day before the bigger races. Kroger is the official half-marathon sponsor. The 5k race is sponsored by Genisys Credit Union. Crittenton sponsors the Health & Fitness Expo on Sept. 22-23 at the OU Student Recreation Center. Oakland University is the race host.
The Oakland Press is the finish line sponsor and will also be producing a commemorative color magazine on the race. Dell Computer 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.
