Saline Summerfest: 5K Run Scheduled for August 9
IN 2013, THE Saline girls’ cross country team won its 12th consecutive regional title. No doubt several of the Lady Hornets will be on hand to compete in the August 9 Probility 5K run which is being held as a part of the Saline Summerfest. The competition offers the $1,700 in cash prizes.
Alison Krueger is in charge of organizing the 5K run for Probility Physical Therapy.
“The Probility 5K is an event for everyone. The Kids Splash and Dash, fun finisher medals, shirts, and face painting make this event perfect for families. Strollers and dogs are also welcome.”
Krueger also said she expects serious runner to compete in the event, as well.
“We also anticipate quite a few serious runners with the incentive of cash awards. Last year, we had four sub-fifteen minute finishers with several high-level athletes and anticipate an even stronger turn out in the running community this year.”
The 5K starting line is at Saline City Hall. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Runners may pick up race materials beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The Kids Splash and Dash begins at 9:30 a.m. Race entry fees are set at $35 until Aug. 7. Runners who register onsite should expect to pay $40.
According to reporting by TheSalinePost.com, in 2013 Probility Physical Therapy took over the annual Summerfest 5K from the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.
A Summerfest official said this year organizers are hoping to attract closer to 500 participants.
“We were able to more than double race participation from the previous year and anticipate even a greater turn out this year. The general feedback was that people really enjoyed the race and liked our bottle opener race medals,” Krueger said.
Organizers gathered participants’ feedback last year. Things that were popular – like the free race photos posted on Facebook – will be back. Probility is also making changes to improve the race.
The Kids Splash and Dash is a brand new quarter-mile kids run. At the end of the race, the kids will run through a misting tower at the finish line. All who participate will receive a prize basket.
Another new element this year is charity.
“This year, we have teamed up with the Saline Area Social Service and will be donating a portion of all proceeds to help provide clothing, backpacks and other school supplies for Saline area children in need,” Krueger said.
With runners competing for cash prizes, expect some fast times.
“Our intention in offering the cash awards is to attract competitive runners to the race. Last year, the race was literally a neck-and-neck battle at the finish line and we had four sub-fifteen minute runners,” Krueger said.
In the male and female events, first place runners receive $500. There are also prizes for second ($250) and third place ($100). The top three finishers in each category will also receive a prize basket with coupons and goodies from local businesses in Saline and Ann Arbor. Runners in the 65-and-up group will also receive a special gift basket with gift cards and prizes donated by local businesses such as Afternoon Delight, M Den, Bivouac, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Exercise Warehouse and others.