Bill Rodgers and Sheri Bush
Saturday’s Run Clark Lake has something special in store for its 40th anniversary. The event repeatedly has attracted elite runners from all over, but this year is headlined by Bill Rodgers who is recognized as the greatest American marathon runner of all time. As reported earlier on this website, Clark Lake’s Sheri Bush met with him at several runs, including the Boston Marathon, and encouraged him to be part of Run Clark Lake.
Run Director Pat Dwyer comments the number of runners who have preregistered is “ahead of last year at this time.” He’s expecting a strong turnout, and “many from Illinois, Ohio and Indiana.” There is both quality and quantity as race day approaches. Pat says the Kenyan flag will fly in honor of last year’s winner–Nathan Martin, who is from Kenya but lives in nearby Spring Arbor area. Martin won the 12k and missed beating Run Clark Lake’s record time for the 12k by 3 seconds. Another notable expected to compete is Paul Aufdemberge who now enters the 50 year old category. He won the Master World Cross Country Championship when he was 40. Aufdemberge will challenge Brian Olsen, who holds the Clark Lake record in that age group. Olsen is currently leading the Michigan Running Series in his age group, with 3 races to go. Many other top names are expected, so this is only a small preview of the stories that will play out at this year’s Run Clark Lake.
Race Director Pat Dwyer (clipboard) at finish line in 2014
Pat Dwyer’s hope is that the “last runner has as a great an experience as the lead runner at Run Clark Lake.” Of course, spectators are encouraged at the start and finish line and along the course. Pat says it’s hard to predict the parking situation, so he suggests car pooling if you can. And of course, there’s that Clark Lake tradition of arriving by water.
The 12K starts at 8:30 am; the 5k, 5 minutes later; followed by the walk. The Kid’s Run should start between 9:45 and 10 am. All of this takes place in front of the Beach Bar on Ocean Beach Road.
This website will post results as soon as possible after the race results are finalized.
In person preregistration takes place Friday evening 6 pm – 8 pm at the Beach Bar. That’s also when Bill Rodgers will chat and answer questions from those present. He’ll have autographed copies of his book available for purchase.
It’s important to note that Run Clark Lake has been a major supporter of the Clark Lake Spirit Trail. The donations have been important to improving and maintaining the Trail.
Below is the race course. According to Pat Dwyer, it has remained the same “since 1993.”
