BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Angels’ Place Race is celebrating 10 years of running to help people in need.
“We’re expecting more runners and more prizes,” said organizer Paul Maxwell at a benefit fund raiser for the race, Feb. 23, at Mr. B’s Roadhouse.
“It’s the 10th anniversary of the 10 kilometer run,” Maxwell said. “Runners get a great sense of the village, and the race has the best hills in Clarkston.”
The race is very important to Angels’ Place, which was founded in 1992 to provide safe, clean housing for persons with developmental disabilities, said Carole Karbon of Angels’ Place.
“It’s a huge fund raiser for us,” Karbon said. “Our funding is going down and costs are going up. Residents are aging and it’s more costly to take care of them.”
The organization has 20 homes in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, with 4-6 residents in each home. Individuals live with them for life.
The race is also an important event residents look forward to every year.
“Residents from several homes come out and participate,”said Dave Cushing, a race committee member.
“They love getting the medals to pass out at the end, and they have a lot of fun running and serving water at the water stations,” Karbon said. “It’s a beautiful race.”
The community provides excellent help, with Mr. B’s helping out with the benefit, and local businesses providing door prizes and donations at the race.
“The Clarkston Wolfpack running club has been very supportive,” Maxwell said.
Usually staying busy behind the scenes, this will be the first time he’s actually running the 10K.
“I’m running in memory of my mother, who recently passed away,” he said.
Margaret Mary Ulrich Maxwell was one of five women who founded Angels’ Place, 25 years ago. She passed away on Sept. 16, 2016.
Founder Annemarie Lopez also passed away last year.
Angels’ Place Race will be on May 13 at St. Daniel Church. The event includes a 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, 5K Bruce Clifton Run and Walk, and 10K Run. For race information and on-line registration, refer to www.angelsplacerace.org.