Steve’s Run has a special meaning to the Dowagiac Union High School Class of 1986.

That is because it is the class in which the late Steve Briegel was a member of and for which the annual road race is named after.

The Class of 1986 will gather Saturday for its 30th reunion and will once again participate in Steve’s run before getting together to celebrate another year.

Since 2002, the classmates of Briegel have been participating in the race as a way of honoring his memory and to help raise funds and awareness for cancer research and the scholarship endowment established in Briegel’s name according to Julie (Turner) Ruff.

“At the 15-year reunion in 2001, Elaine (Gratz) Tuel, Mike Henry and myself discussed trying to get a group of classmates to participate in the race,” Turner said. “In 2002, Elaine’s parents, Charlie and Carol Gratz, sponsored the group and designed and provided t-shirts bearing the name of Steve’s Team.

“Over the years, we have had times where there were only a few participating but on reunion years we usually have a pretty good turnout. Our goals for the 20 and 25 were to have that many participate and we were able to reach that goal. We will have around 20 to 25 classmates participating this year in all of the various events. There will be some participating in the 5K, the 10K and the fun run with their own children. There will be lots of spouses, children and family members of classmates participating as well.”

Classmates come from around the country to take part in the race and to attend the reunion.

“Michelle (Poole) Varnau and Cindy Krueger are traveling from California to participate in the race and Mia (Greer) Talley is coming from Texas,” Ruff said. “We also have classmates traveling from North Carolina — Missy (Leets) True; Alabama — Michelle (Baker) Kelsoe; and Tuel is coming from Ohio.”

Classmates who need more information regarding the race or the reunion can contact Ruff at 782-3793 or (269) 591-2549.