Cat Tracks 5K set for Aug. 11

Published 2:46 pm Monday, July 2, 2012

The Sixth Annual Cat Tracks 5K Trail Run will be held Aug. 11 at Brandywine High School.

The annual race will begin at 9 a.m.

This is a trail run utilizing parts of the cross country course and surrounding farmland with a finish on Brandywine’s new track. Features of the race include “The Swamp,” hills, sand, rocks, washouts, wildlife, mud and bugs.

The Cat Tracks 5k is a good preseason run for cross country teams and will once again be a Governor’s Council endorsed running event, which makes you eligible to participate in the annual Labor Day Run over the Mackinac Bridge. You must be 18 years or older and a Michigan resident to participate in the bridge run.

Keep in mind this course is very sensitive to weather conditions. Heavy rain can turn parts into a quagmire.

Proceeds from this event will go towards a new press box for sports complex and also to other various academic programs.

Course records were set in 2009 by Ryan Greutman of South Bend with a time of 16:30 and Katherine Manion, also of South Bend, with a time of 20:00. Last year’s winners were defending three-time champion Ryan Greutman of South Bend and former Buchanan High School standout Torrie Eger.

There is also a timed walk, although I consider it more of a hike for those of you that wish to do it. Entry fees are still only $15 for pre-registered until July 30, $18 after that date and $20 on race day. T-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registered participants only. Early packet pick up and registration is in the high school cafeteria Friday Aug. 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Race day registration is from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Trophies will be awarded to the overall male and female winner in the run, while medals will be presented three deep in all age groups for the run and the walk. Door prizes and refreshments will be available.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.brandywinebobcats.org and are also available at Metro Run & Walk.

This race will be held rain or shine. There will be no refunds. Since the race will be finishing on the track, participants are asking that they do not wear trail spikes, only 1/8-inch pyramids are allowed.

Visit Facebook to view photos from past races, if you need more information e-mail cattracks5K@aol.com or contact race director Al Price at 684-6123.