The McLaren Brooksie Way is off and running as festivities began Tuesday for the 12th staging of the popular half marathon and its family of races.
Officials from McLaren, the Flint-based health care organization and title sponsor of the half marathon, joined Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, various dignitaries and race officials to unveil the 2019 race logo, award $5,000 in minigrants to five area non-profits, introduce the nine charities that benefit from the race and the sponsors whose generous support help make the Brooksie Way family of races possible. The event was held in the lobby of McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac.
"The McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the year," Patterson said.
"We have more than 1,000 runners and walkers already registered and we're still five months away from race day. I'm delighted we have such a strong partnership with McLaren. We have given away more than $250,000 in Brooksie Way minigrants. The ongoing support from so many has been phenomenal. The race continues to touch so many lives in our community and I'm grateful for that."
McLaren operates McLaren Oakland in Pontiac and McLaren Clarkston in Independence Township among its vast network of health care facilities and services throughout Michigan.
"McLaren Health Care is honored to serve as the title sponsor of the Brooksie Way, which has become a world-class running event in Michigan each year," said Margaret Dimond, president and CEO McLaren Oakland. "As a key stakeholder in health care, we value the partnership and appreciate the health and wellness focus of the race and surrounding events. It is a tremendous benefit to the community, with all race proceeds funding minigrants that help local communities by supporting programs that promote good health."
The race is named in memory of Brooks Stuart Patterson, a young father who died in 2007. He was the son of the county executive. The 2019 half marathon, 10k and 5k races are set for Sept. 22 and begin on the campus of Oakland University.
Race proceeds support the Brooksie Way Minigrant program, which awards up to $2,000 to Oakland County charities and not-for-profit entities for fitness activities. More than $250,000 has been awarded to area groups. Minigrants were awarded Tuesday to:
- Michigan Senior Olympics 5K and 10K road races Aug. 13 and 15
- Metro Detroit Youth Clubs physical fitness and wellness activities
- Oakland University Fitness Court
- City of South Lyon Wheelchair accessible swing; Paul Zelanak
- Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance walking and reading program
The race also contains a charity fundraising component. Participants can register in advance to raise money for any of the following charities: Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency (OLHSA); Gilda's Club; March of Dimes; OU Cares Center for Autism; Oakland County Sheriff's PAL (Police Athletic League); Orion Art Center; Teachers Pet; Rainbow Connection and YMCA Detroit. Those who register for a charity will receive $10 off their race registration fee.
Kroger is the half marathon sponsor; Genisys Credit Union the 10k sponsor; Suburban Collection is the volunteer sponsor; Park West Gallery is the information tent sponsor; Oakland Community College is the mile marker sponsor; Shannon Industries is the start line sponsor; Fifth Third Bank is the Team Challenge sponsor; Huntington Bank is the course entertainment sponsor; Vibe Credit Union as the 10-year runner sponsor; Belfor as a general race sponsor; and Shelton Buick GMC is the race vehicle sponsor. Manoogian Foundation and ITC are premier race sponsors.
The McLaren Brooksie Way is among the most popular regional fall half marathons, 10k and 5k races in the state. 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. 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 increase June 1.
The popular Lil' Brooksie Kid's Race is set for Sept. 21, the day before the bigger races. Kroger, the official half-marathon sponsor, will soon offer race applications in all Michigan stores. Oakland University is the race host. Brooksie Way race apparel and logo merchandise are available online at www.TheBrooksieWay.com.
Published: Thu, Apr 25, 2019
