The 10th annual Brooksie Way was undoubtedly a hot one, but that didn’t stop over 4,500 runners and walkers from completing last Sunday’s race. Temps hovered in the mid to high 80s, but 5k, 10k, and half marathon racers were brimming with energy and excitement!
5,000 volunteers and about 10,000 spectators lined the beautiful course that began at Oakland University. Half marathon walkers and runners continued through the city of Rochester Hills, Downtown Rochester, along the Paint Creek and Clinton River Trails, and ended back at the university.
Check out our video to see all of the race day fun! If you were a runner, walker, volunteer, or supporter, you just may find yourself in it!
DJs, musicians, and high school bands were scattered along the course and did a fantastic job of keeping racers entertained and motivated. Along with the entertainment, several water stations kept racers hydrated on the unseasonably warm autumn day.
Did you know? Each year, a portion of the Brooksie Way proceeds are given to non-profit organizations in Oakland County that inspire healthy lifestyles and are divided into $2,000 mini-grants. With this year being the 10th anniversary, the race committee decided to give one lump sum to a single organization.
The committee unanimously agreed to donate $30,000 to Innovation Hills in Rochester Hills. Formerly known as Riverbend Park, the 62-acre park will name a section of the trail “Brooksie Way.” The trail, to be built next year, will highlight the natural beauty of over 113 acres of wetlands and woods and run alongside the Clinton River.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Race Director Deb Kiertzner-Flynn, and RRCA representatives presented awards to first place finishers and RRCA Half Marathon Championship recipients in the post race tent.
First Place Finish Results
Half Marathon Run
- Alex Ratliff
- Andrew Cusmano
- Rod Corby
- Christopher Manuszak
- Erik Ohlsson
Half Marathon Walk
- Steve Hansen
- John Wehrly
- John Harris
- Charles Byers
- Michael Cushnier
10K
- Chase Higgins
- Michael Fisher
- Inma Zanoguera
- Alejandro Perales
- Ben DeHondt
5K
- Donald Richmond
- Eric Buday
- Jacob Brockert
- Abraham Garcia
- Luke Maher
Congrats to all of the runners, walkers, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors on what turned out to be a fantastic 10th anniversary race of the Brooksie Way!
For more about the McLaren Brooksie Way, visit their website. Follow along with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #BrooksieWay.
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