A half marathon coming to the area this October could draw as many as 5,000 participants, but it will mean a little bit more to the family of the late Brooks ‘Brooksie? Patterson of Lake Orion.
Patterson’s father, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, announced detailed plans for the inaugural Brooksie Way Half Marathon Friday on the grounds of Oakland University, where the race will start and finish.
‘This was an idea that I initiated last February during my State of the County Address,? Patterson said.
That address was held last Feb. 7. The younger Patterson, just 28 years old, was pronounced dead after snowmobile accident in Genesee County in the late hours of Feb. 10.
‘Little did I know that four days later, my son, who was at that speech, would be killed in a tragic accident,? Patterson said, noting the committee then decided to name the race in his honor.
The Brooksie Way is scheduled for Oct. 5 and will include a 5K fun race/walk in addition to the 13.1 mile race.
Look for more on this story in next week’s Lake Orion Review.