The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees accepted a $7,000 donation from Fifth Third Bank in support of the annual Steve’s Run race.

This is the 39th year for the race which will be held July 27.

“We are very grateful to have the support of Fifth Third Bank,” said SMC President Dr. David Mathews. “Having the support of local organizations like Fifth Third Bank makes this event an even bigger success. Their generous contribution allows us to give even more money to cancer research and education.”

“This is a premier event in Southwest Michigan,” said Robert Basselman, vice president of Fifth Third Bank. “This is a great event supporting health and education and Fifth Third is very happy to help sponsor this event.”

Steve’s Run is a special run/walk that is held on the Original Road ‘n Trail course which starts and finishes in downtown Dowagiac. The event is held in conjunction with the Dowagiac Summer in the City event.

The race begins at 9 a.m. in downtown Dowagiac.

More than 1,300 participants competed in the 10K and 5K runs and 5K walk. A 1K fun run is also scheduled at 9:03 a.m. Entry information and online registration can be found at http://stevesrun.swmich.edu/ or by calling Southwestern Michigan College Foundation office at 782-1301.

The Original Road and Trail Race was renamed Steve’s Run in memory of Steven Briegel, a Southwestern Michigan College honor graduate who lost his fight against cancer in 1990.

All funds raised, including 100 percent of the pledge monies, are donated to SMC’s Steven Briegel Scholarship Fund and the Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Fund.