By Staff
It could be considered a "local institution" of sorts. The event is becoming synonymous with its host city of Dowagiac.
It's the Original and Genuine Road and Trail Race, aka Steve's Run.
The annual race, sponsored by Southwestern Michigan College, is held in memory of Steven Briegel, son of former SMC president David Briegel and his wife Camille. Steve was an SMC honors graduate who lost his fight against cancer in 1990.
Steve was an avid sports enthusiast and served as a student assistant at SMC's athletic events.
This year, the race will be held on Saturday, July 30 starting at 9 a.m.
It's the 31st year for this event. Last year, more than 1,300 people participated in the race. Participants came from Dowagiac, Niles, and South Bend as well as Florida, California and other parts of the country.
Steve's Run gives elite runners and casual walkers the chance to compete in several different races in and around Dowagiac. The race includes a 10K and 5K race, a 5K competitive walk and a 1K fun run and walk.
In addition to all the typical running events, Steve's Run has a reputation for creating a festive atmosphere that just about anyone can enjoy – even those who get tired at the mere thought of running.
Fire Up Signs
Runners always need extra encouragement. Purchasing a Fire Up sign for $5 is the perfect way to give that loved one some extra support during the race. Fire Up signs have become a unique part of the spirit surrounding Steve's Run.
Write a personal message of encouragement to a friend or relative running the race. Or, pay tribute to those who have lost their battle to cancer.
The signs are posted along the 5K and 10K routes. Don Hall of Dowagiac is the volunteer Chairman of the Fire Up Signs for the race.
Hall hopes that as the years go by, he will make more signs paying tribute to survivors and less for those who have passed away.
Last year, Hall estimates the total number of signs he created was between 80 and 90. He hopes to break the 100 mark this year.
Hall carefully places the signs on the race route at the end of the golf course and through the Riverside Cemetery so all the participants can see them. The signs go up the night before the race and stay up through Sunday.
Hall will even accept last-minute Fire Up sign requests on the morning of the race at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Dowagiac.
Steve's Run Wristbands
Courage. Love. Compassion. Wear Green. This year, SMC is selling green Steve's Run wristbands for $2 each. Anyone interested in buying one should either contact Ron Gunn or stop by the Zollar Sports Center at SMC.
They will also be for sale the day of the race.
All funds raised from the wristbands, Fire Up signs and pledge money are donated to SMC's Steven Briegel Scholarship Fund and the Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Fund. Each year, Steve's Run raises more than $15, 000 for research and the scholarship fund.
All participants who are cancer survivors can wear a special T-shirt to recognize their courage and determination.
Survivors will also be recognized at the awards ceremony.
Awards include custom-designed T-shirts to all who complete the 10K and 5K events. More than 200 custom designed stained glass awards, and special awards to open male, open female, master male, master female, age-group winners and special team winners will be given.
Ribbons will be given to all fun walk participants.
Additional awards include traveling team trophies to corporate, educator, and club winners; and certificates to specialty winners in various categories.
The cost for individual registration for Steve's Run is $15. Participants may also collect pledges by the kilometer.
Participants who raise $100 or more will receive an Adidas sweat top or Land's End polo shirt as a prize.
There will be a pre-race pasta buffet special held at the Woodfire Trattoria, located in downtown Dowagiac, Friday evening before the race from 5-8 p.m. EDT. Race packets may also be picked up at the Historic Train Depot as well as late registration during this time.
For additional information on Steve's Run or to request a registration form, contact Gunn at (269) 782-1209 or (269) 687-1600, extension 1209. You may also visit the Steve's Run website for additional information at www.sw-mich.edu/fireup/stevesrun.