By Sue Moore
Running a five-mile race in the 4th of July heat early in the morning is a great way to start the day of celebration, according to Randy Small, Schoolcraft High School basketball coach. The Firecracker 5-Miler, sponsored by the Athletic Boosters, begins at 8 a.m. in the high school parking lot and circles around the village.
After the race, the Boosters will give away door prizes, but runners must be present to win. A race shirt goes with those who register early for the run. Late registration will take place on July 3 and and on July 4 until 7:30 a.m. for $30 at the high school. The event benefits the athletes and coaches of Schoolcraft Community Schools.
This race is known for its unique distance as well as its fast and flat course. It will be timed by Mac’s Sports Timing for quick and accurate results. Runners will receive their timing tag and bib number during packet pickup on the morning of race day.
If the 5-miler is too long for potential runners or if they prefer to walk, there is a new 5K Walk event only beginning at 7:30 a.m. There is also a free, fun, non-competitive run/walk for people of all ages at 7:30 a.m. on the high school grounds. Finishers will receive a participation ribbon. Customized trophies will be presented to men’s and women’s top overall winners and to men’s and women’s top overall master winners for the 5-miler. Customized medals go to the top three places in 13 different age groups for the 5-miler. Results will be available following the race and posted at macssportstiming.com. Participants who register online can have results sent to them via text.
Participants are encouraged to stick around Schoolcraft for the many other events scheduled for the day, Small said.