Crittenton Hospital has been named the presenting sponsor of the annual Stony Creek “Back to the Beach” half marathon, 10K & 5K. “Back to the Beach,” which takes place May 19 at Stony Creek Metro Park, is in its third year with an anticipated record field of participants.
“Crittenton realizes the importance of local events like “Back to the Beach” not only for their community impact, but for the promotion of healthy living that they encourage. We’re proud to be a sponsor and look forward to helping grow this event over the years,” said Brian Birney, Director of Marketing and Communications at Crittenton.
The Half Marathon is a single 13.1 mile loop that starts and finishes at Eastwood Beach. Runners will find the course to be very scenic with a variety of running surfaces which include asphalt, runner friendly trail segments, dirt roads, boardwalks and city streets. 75 percent of the course is within Stony Creek Metro Park. The 10k and 5k race are mostly on a scenic cross country trail, through the woods adjacent to Eastwood Beach, Southdale Park and the Trolley trails.
In 2012, the 1,290 registered runners and over 250 volunteers helped raise $18,000. The main charity, Medals 4 Mettle, received $8,000 which was their largest donation ever. Other charities supported were Special Olympics, Team Michigan Transplant Games, The Boys and Girls Club of Washington Township, Always Brothers, and the Boys Scouts. Funds raised also went to many other local races and charities around southeast Michigan as well as supporting local bike and running trail improvements on local bike and running trails.
For additional information and to register, go to www.backtothebeachraces.com.
About Tom and Ann Gendich