As part of its 100th anniversary celebration throughout the year, Whirlpool Corp. will hold a race called 100 Years Running, and is encouraging participants to sign up now online.
The race, which is open to the public, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9 a.m., with the start and finish line located at Whirlpool Headquarters in Benton Harbor. Whirlpool has partnered with several local Subway restaurant franchises for this event, which will feature a pre-race speech by Jared Fogle, “The Subway Guy,” about how he achieved a healthy lifestyle.
The race involves a 5K walk/run and a 10K run over mostly flat terrain with a portion of the route along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. It will begin at the Whirlpool Corporation Administrative Center parking lot, located at 2000 M-63 North, Benton Harbor. Subway restaurant personnel will be on hand to provide healthy post-race refreshments for participants and Fogle will distribute prizes to the winners.
“The journey to 100 years for Whirlpool Corp. started with a courageous first step by company founders Lou and Fred Upton and Lowell Bassford. 100 Years Running spotlights the company’s commitment to the health and well-being of its employees and local residents,” noted Debbie Brandt, senior manager, health and wellness, Whirlpool Corp. “With this race, we want to encourage everyone to take the first step on their journey to a healthy lifestyle.”
Registration is available online at http://www.active.com/running/benton-harbor-mi/whirlpool-corporation-5k-and-10k-walkrun-2011. Those registering on the race day may do so from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Children eight years old and younger can participate in a free Kids Fun Run, which begins at 10 a.m.
Those participating can pick up their race packet Sept. 16 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Whirlpool Administrative Center parking lot. All participants will receive a T-shirt and raffle ticket for door prize drawings.