BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Runners and walkers will race through downtown Clarkston for Angels’ Place, Saturday, May 11.
“You can’t beat it. Downtown Clarkston businesses support it, runners and walkers have fun, Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies, Independence Township Fire Department, and the city DPW – it’s all hands on deck,” said organizer Paul Maxwell. “Everyone helps out to make it a very successful race.”
The 12th annual Angels’ Place Race includes a 10K run, 5K Bruce Clifton Run/Walk, and One Mile Fun Walk, all starting and ending at St. Daniel Church.
All participants will be in the running for several door prizes, donated by sponsors. The top 10K female and 10K male runners will win $100 Running Gear gift cards.
“That makes it fun and competitive,” Maxwell said.
Volunteers organizing the race include Michelle Peterson, Andrea Yedlin, Rick Clark, Patty Hopcian, Anne Clifton, Charlie Caine, Steve Savoie, Shannon Keen, Deanna Donahoo, and Paul and Maggie Maxwell.
“We could not do this without great volunteers,” Paul said. “They’re very dedicated. They believe in Angels’ Place and helping people with developmentally disabilities. That’s why we do this.”
City Manager Jonathan Smith has been very supportive, along with Waterfall Jewelers, Mr. B’s Roadhouse, Lourdes Senior Community, and other local businesses, and local Knights of Columbus at St. Daniel’s and Lady of the Lakes.
Deer Lake Athletic Club helped out with the 5K-to-10K training program, added to the Couch-to-5K program, now in its second year. Big Boy on Dixie Highway hosts a fundraiser for the race on April 18, 4-9 p.m.
“It’s not too late to sponsor,” Paul said.
Individual registration is $35, family and team registration is $70, and one-mile Family Fun Walk is $40 per family. Fees go up on April 28. Race packet pickup is at the St. Daniel Church Cushing Center, 7010 Valley Park Drive.
Angels’ Place provides homes and professional support for persons with developmental disabilities. Founded in 1992, the non-profit organization runs 20 group homes in the tri-county area for more than 90 residents, as well as assistance to families of adults and children with developmental disabilities still living at their parent’s home. Services include respite, social/recreational opportunities, vocational assistance and an artisan’s cooperative.
For more information or to register, go to www.angelsplacerace.org.