“A race to honor one runner and encourage many others.”
Before sitting down to turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, local runners have the opportunity to burn some calories and give back to the community on Thanksgiving morning by participating in the Tyler Kreilter Memorial Run in downtown Marine City. Now in its eighth year, the race course will be lined with inspirational quotes to create an encouraging and uplifting atmosphere. Each participant will receive a custom finisher’s medal and a custom t-shirt with the Friendsgiving logo. According to the event website, the race caters to competitive runners, beginners, and everyone in between, and you have the option to run, walk, dance, or crawl your way to the finish line in either the 5K or mile divisions.
The event is held as a memorial to remember and honor the legacy of Marine City native Tyler Kreilter, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 19. Kreilter was an avid runner, participating in cross country at Marine City High School and later running collegiately for St. Clair County Community College. According to his sister, Betsy Davenport, the race coordinator, “Tyler loved running the streets of Marine City. Tyler was a positive and uplifting person and loved to spread that to others by encouraging his teammates and people in his life. That is the single most important feeling we want people to experience when they are at his race on Thanksgiving - encouraging and uplifting inspiration to live one's best life”.
All proceeds from this race go to the nonprofit, The Tyler Kreilter Memorial Fund. Applications are open to any graduating high school student who ran cross country and wants to continue a collegiate education: two recipients are picked annually. Davenport stated, “We look for candidates that run with the spirit Tyler did - encouraging and uplifting their teammates”.
“Our race differs from similar events because of our focus on the uplifting and encouraging climate,” Davenport emphasized. “We line the race course with signs that have inspirational quotes. We want participants to encourage one another with kind words, high-fives, and inspiration. Our custom finishers' medals are also unique for a 1-mile and 5K race and always have special meaning”.
The design of this year's medal is based on a freighter often seen on the St. Clair River - The Herbert C. Jackson. It is a nod to Tyler’s love for Marine City and his deep family roots there - his grandfather sailed on that very boat.
Last year, 236 runners registered and Davenport is hoping to reach a field of 250 runners. Their goal is to always raise enough to cover the scholarship funds and so far they have been able to do so with race proceeds. “This is a race for everyone!” said Davenport. “Truly - we make the race appeal to seasoned runners with timing and age-group/overall winners' prizes. For new participants, it is an uplifting, encouraging environment and a no-judgment zone! We want people to come out, have fun, and feel inspired.”
To register or for more info visit the race website: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/MarineCity/2ndAnnualFriendsgiving5K1Mile
Race Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Friendsgiving5k
Volunteers are always needed and welcomed.
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