In four days, Clarkston’s back roads will be filled with about 1,100 runners and walkers. The inaugeral Clarkston State Bank Back Roads Half Marathon is sold out.
“We’re ecstatic, thrilled,” said Deanna Hart of High Five Races, who is organizing the race along with Megan Holt. “Our goal initially was about 850. Once we got beyond that, it just exploded.”
This is the perfect time of year for the race, following the Brooksie Way half marathon and Detroit Free Press Marathon.
“People are still interested in running,” Hart said.
They decided to close registration for the race due to the back roads route, though a waiting list was established.
“We decided to close it for security and safety,” she said. “In its first year, we want it to be executed really well.”
The half marathon, 10K run and walk all start from Depot Park in downtown Clarkston, with free parking and shuttle service from Clarkston Elementary on Waldon Road.
Army reservists, sheriff’s deputies, and volunteers on horses will provide race marshall services along the route, which starts on Holcomb Road north to Bridge Lake, Rattalee Lake, Reese, to Oak Hill, then south on Allen back to Holcomb, ending with a couple kilometers through the Deerhill subdivision. The finish line is on Washington at Main Street.
Holcomb Road will be closed while runners and walkers are on the route.
“We’re all excited ? we hope it’s a beautiful day with sunshine,” Hart said.
Community response has been good, with neighbors along the route posting signs in their yards and the Wolf Pack Running Club of Clarkston hosting training runs in the weeks leading up to the race.
“The response has been pretty great,” she said. “Special thanks to the Wolf Pack for leading the runs.”
Packet pick up is on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Clarkston State Bank, 15 S. Main Street. On race day, packet pick-up is 7-9 a.m. near the start line in Depot Park, 375 Depot Drive.