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.
Patterson’s father, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, announced detailed plans for the inaugural Brooksie Way Half Marathon last 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.
The address was held last Feb. 7. The younger Patterson, just 28 years old, was pronounced dead after a 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.
The race name was coined by the late Patterson’s brother-in-law and the county executive said his son’s passion for his family and friends and his zest for life were models for others.
The race course will take runners through Rochester and Rochester Hills and include stretches of both the Clinton River Trail and the Paint Creek Trail. It will venture as far north as the Oakland Township border, for a short stretch along Dutton Road. Those who finish the demanding 13.1-mile course will cross the bridge to Meadow Brook Hall to complete their trek.
Patterson called the course both ‘challenging? and ‘beautiful.?
‘We wanted to give the participants a snapshot of Oakland County,? he said. ‘The fact that we were able to include some picturesque neighborhoods, parts of our trail system and then finish at majestic Meadow Brook Hall makes this a truly special event.?
The race is co-sponsored by the Crim Fitness Foundation, which has held a popular race in Flint for over 30 years.
‘They’ve brought everything to this race that we needed,? Patterson said.
Officials from Crim helped to unveil the race logo during Friday’s press conference. Also recognized was Health Plus of Michigan, a presenting sponsor for the event.
‘We have every intention of bringing the tradition and the magic of ‘The Crim? to Oakland County,? said Deb Kiertzner, race director for the Crim Festival of Races. ‘Everything that has made the Crim what it is for 32 years – course entertainment, medical preparations and the attention to detail – will be brought to the Brooksie Way. We’re excited to be part of it.?
Kiertzner said those interested in participating should register early to save money. Those signing up by the end of February will pay just $45 for the half marathon and $20 for the 5K. Options are also available to participate in both the Brooksie Way and the Crim at a discounted rate. All race details can be found at www.thebrooksieway.com.
Kiertzner also noted that novice participants can take part in the official Crim Training Program, which begins on May 1 in Oakland and Genesee counties.