G-A Smorgasbord comes to an end; mew 'Running Bear' Run/Walk set

One tradition is coming to a close and another beginning for the Glen Arbor Women’s Club.

The group is retiring its annual fall Smorgasbord after more than 25 years and replacing it with something less labor intensive that promotes good health and fun.

The inaugural Running Bear 5K Run/Walk and Kids Run will be held Tuesday, July 31 in Glen Arbor. The 5K event is open to everyone and is set to begin at 9 a.m. There’s also a half-mile “Kids Run” at the same location with a 9:15 start time.

Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor will serve as the staging area, registration will be held on the Lake Street patio starting at 8:15 a.m., and the race will begin at the corner of Lake and State streets at 9 a.m. The event will conclude at Cherry Republic, with an after-race celebration on the back patio and grass area.

Lori Osinski, trainer and Pilates instructor from the Glen Arbor Athletic Club, will lead warm-up for runners as part of pre-race activities that begin at 8:30 a.m. Two local entertainers, Pat Niemisto and John Kumjian from The New Third Cast, will start the race with a rendition of the National Anthem.

The after-race celebration will include the announcement of winners. There will be an overall race winner for male and female runners, and a winner for “The Most Entertaining Running Attire.” Eight different age divisions will be offered, and a drawing will be held in which all racers are eligible to win prizes that include getaway weekends, dinners at local restaurants, and items from local merchants. All entrants must be present to win a prize.

The new event for the club will raise money for local scholarship and community improvement. Over the past 40 years, the club has given out scholarships every year plus helped students go to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Interlochen and other educational events, workshops and camps. The club has also donated a defibrillator to the fire department, park playground equipment as well as stoves, tables and chairs for the town hall.

The cost to participate in the 5K Walk/Run is $12 if postmarked by July 25, an $15 afterward. The Kids Race is $5. Registration forms are available at Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor Athletic Club and Leelanau Vacation Rentals in Glen Arbor and Running Fit and Cherry Republic in Traverse City.

Forms and fees may be mailed in or returned to the Glen Arbor Athletic Club.

Further information is available by calling 334-7363.