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DOWAGIAC — Southwestern Michigan College President Dr. Joe Odenwald recently accepted a $7,000 donation from Fifth Third Bank Financial Center Manager Jeremy Truitt. Fifth Third is sponsoring the July 25-Aug. 1 virtual Steve’s Run.

“A virtual run this year supports the race’s ultimate goal — raising funds for cancer research and the Steven Briegel scholarship — while practicing social distancing,” Odenwald said.

Participants can run or walk their favorite route at a preferred time anytime Saturday, July 25, through Saturday, Aug. 1. Participants who sign up by Sunday, July 5, at runsignup.com/Race/MI/Dowagiac/StevesRun will be mailed a race T-shirt.

Once a participant completes the race, they can share their run time and a photo wearing the T-shirt to the Steve’s Run Facebook page @smcstevesrun. Top runners will be recognized on the Steve’s Run Facebook page once the race is complete on Aug. 2.

“This is a great opportunity for racers, families and supporters of the Briegel family to join together from wherever they are,” Race Director Heather Zile said. “It is my hope that we see an increase in participation by offering a flexible option. What a wonderful way to make a difference in cancer research right from your neighborhood.”