To strengthen a tradition, the organizers of the Fall Fun Daze run through Clarkston felt less would be more as the 18th staging features two races instead of three.
On Oct. 15, racers can choose between a one-mile fun run, beginning at 4:30 p.m., or a four-mile run, beginning at 5:30 p.m. In the past, there were three races: one, five and 10 kilometers.
According to Independence Township Parks and Recreation Supervisor Kelly Hyer, the run will benefit from enhanced competition in the longer race, but will preserve the casual side of the event with the smaller course.
?(Fall Fun Daze) is revamped. We are hoping to get a good turnout and a nice cool sunny running day,? said Hyer. ‘It’s nice to see a good crowd cheering people on.?
Originally started by the Wolfpack Running Club, Fall Fun Daze’s courses were mapped out by running club member Bruce Clifton.
The one-mile course will begin at the corner of Main and Washington Streets, continue down Washington, proceed north on Holcomb Road, turn east on Miller Road and run south along Main Street to the finish line.
The four-mile-course is bit more complex. Runners start at the corner of Main and Washington Streets, run south along Main and turn east onto Church Street, continue east on Wealthy Street which curves south to Waldon Road. The run continues east on Waldon until heading north on Transparent to Snow Apple where the route veers back to the south. The zigzag continues as runners turn north onto Pear, then south on Plum, which loops back north again, bringing runners to turn to the west onto Peach. From Peach the course continues east on Crabapple, turns north along Clarkston Road until crossing Snow Apple again which takes the runners back south. Another turn to the west awaits some winded joggers at Transparent from which the course continues back along Church to Buffalo, setting up another short jaunt north to a final westwardly leg to the finish line on Washington.
On-site registration and check-in begins at 2 p.m. on Oct. 15. For the one-mile run, residents pay $5, non-residents are $7. The fee for the four-mile run is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. Checks should be made payable to Independence Township.
Walkers are welcome at Fall Fun Daze. Awards are handed out following the races. The four-mile run’s overall winner as well as the top man and woman will receive awards. Divisional awards for the first, second and third place in both races and for both genders will also receive an award. All participants in the one-mile fun run receive a ribbon.