BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
New this year for the Clarkston State Bank Back Roads Half Marathon and 10K/5K is a partnership with Socially Motivated Wellness for training groups.
“They’ll run the park course. People are excited about that,” said Deanna McColl Hart of High Five Races, organizer. “It’s good for people who want to train on the course.”
Training starts in July for the Back Roads event, which will be on Sunday, Nov. 13, at Independence Oaks County Park.
“The park system is awesome to work with. They do a super job cleaning the park and trails, making sure there are no hazards out there,” Hart said. “It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to run, a nice mix of dirt roads, bike paths, trails, and hills, with beautiful scenery, too.”
Kickoff for the half marathon training is July 19 at Twin Chimneys at Independence Oaks. It will meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m. until Aug. 29. Beginning Sept. 10, groups will meet on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at the park. Cost is $145, which includes entry into the Back Roads Half Marathon, three other races, and other items.
Training for the 10K/5K, which begins Sept. 10, will be on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Twin Chimneys. Cost is $110, which includes entry to the Back Roads 10k or 5k, plus two other races.
For more information, contact Sue Barnes at 248-342-1009 or sue@somowellness.com, or check www.sociallymotivatedwellness.com.
All programs will meet once a week at Independence Oaks. Participants will be placed in groups depending on pace. All running and walking will be done with an interval method of training.
“Using this interval method of training cuts down on injuries, allows you to go further and actually faster because you are taking a break,” Hart said.
The group provides expectations, encouragement, and motivation, and will be led by 2-3 experienced group leaders, she said.
“They will make sure no one is left behind, will communicate with the group and provide encouragement and motivation,” she said.
Start and finish lines for the Back Roads races, and post-race party will be at Twin Chimneys.
The post-race party will include live music, cold beer from Axle Brewing Company, Monkey Business food truck, and the Clarkston Union and Woodshop’s Mac and Cheese.
“The runners love it,” Hart said. “After a grueling, uphill mile 11, the mac and cheese makes it worth it.”
Registration is $50 for the half marathon; $35 for the 10K run and walk; and $25 for the 5K, all through Aug. 1.
They also have new youth pricing for participants 13 and younger, for middle and elementary students to run any of the three races – half marathon, $45; 10K, $30; and 5K, $20.
About 980 runners and walkers participated in last year’s events, with over 100 registrations on run day, raising $3,500 each for SCAMP and Blessings in a Backpack.
“It was awesome,” Hart said. “The weather was beautiful last year.”
To register, volunteer, or for more information, check clarkstonbackroadshalf.com.

  Back Roads Half Marathon