Riverdawgs are getting ready for the baseball season to begin.
In preparation they are inviting the Clarkston community to join them in the first annual ‘Spring Training? 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 18.
‘We have done lots of other fundraisers, but I am more excited about this one,? said Doug Brady, Clarkston Youth Baseball Organization President.
‘It fits with our mission and is a great way to get the family and community involved.?
The event will take place at Clintonwood Park, home of CYBO teams including the Riverdawgs.
Race Director Toni Chrabot presented the idea in the early fall and Brady showed it to the board members and parents.
The idea ran from there.
‘We wanted to do something to support the organization,? said Chrabot. ‘It is something the entire family can do together.?
The route begins near the soccer fields and takes participants on the fitness trail before winding through the wooded trails at the north end of the park. After completing over a mile, the route links up with old logging trails in the Southern end of Independence Oaks, then loops back around to finish in the heart of Clintonwood Park.
‘The course is gorgeous and has been cleared and groomed for almost a mile of additional trail,? said Chrabot. ‘Brian Doyle, Clintonwood Park Superintendent, and his staff have been excellent.
Because of the terrain of the path, no strollers or pets are allowed on the route during the run.
Medals were be rewarded to the top three finishers in each age group, for male and female runners. Participants can be 9-years-old and older.
The first 150 participants to register by April 1 will receive a race T-shirt.
Registration forms can be found online at www.RiverdawgRun.org contains all the information.
The entry fees will go towards the Clarkston Youth Baseball Organization and will go to the costs of uniforms, equipment, referees, tournament fees and league fees for the Riverdawgs.
‘It’s just to make sure we raise enough money for the teams,? said Brady.
Participants registering by April 1 will pay $15 for individuals or $50 for a family. On race day the individual fee is $20 and family fee is $60.
Race packets can be picked up the day of the event from 8-9:15 a.m. and the race will begin at 10 a.m.
Brady will be in the race running aside his family.
‘I hope everyone will come,? said Brady.
The Riverdawgs Walk/Run is endorsed by the Michgan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. This enables run participants to enter the lottery to be picked as one of the 300 participants in the Mackinac Bridge Run on Labor Day.
The Riverdawgs are also looking for volunteers for the event to set up on Friday night and work on Saturday, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
If interested, contact Laura Kuczmanski at JKuzz22@comcast.com.
The event’s major sponsor is Qdoba Mexican Grill on Dixie Highway, with Home Run Sponsors: TIP Capital, Tri-County Custom Sports, Dynamic HR, Smith’s Disposal and Recycling, Oakland Eye Care, Town Center Foot & Ankle, and Tropical Smoothie.
‘We anticipate Tropical Smoothie will be present and offering samples, along with Caribou Coffee,? said Chrabot.
Some sponsors donated prizes, water and food for during the race. Find out how to become a sponsor at RiverdawgRun.org.
Prizes will awarded at the end of the race during a raffle.
The Riverdawgs will begin their season the following weekend at the annual Riverdawg Clarkston Classic.