Oct. 24, 2016

Contact: Eva Solomon, CEO of Epic Races, 734-678-5045

HeartMiRun Virtual 5K to benefit Michigan state parks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that the HeartMiRun Virtual 5K will take place through Dec. 15. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go back into Michigan state parks.

"The HeartMiRun is a great way to get out in state parks, while helping raise funds for them at the same time," said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. "The format of this 5K is unique because it allows participants to choose where and when they participate and offers the perks of a traditional 5K, such as a race T-shirt and medal. We thank Epic Races for partnering with the DNR on this unique event."

This virtual 5K takes walkers and runners off the sidewalks and roads and into Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Participants will discover shady trails winding through wooded forests, sunny pathways that border sparkling lakes and the simple serenity of Michigan's great outdoors. The cost is $40 and the deadline to register is Tuesday, Nov. 1.

To participate in the HeartMIRun Virtual 5K, follow these steps:

• Register for this event at RunSignUp at www.epicraces.com/event/heartmirun. The deadline to register is Nov. 1.
• Locate a state park, forest, trail or public land managed by the DNR.
• Head to your chosen park and go for your HeartMIRun run, walk or skip (or anything on your own two feet) through Dec. 15.
• Visit the HeartMIRun Facebook event page and "join" the event. Upload your run or walk using MapMyRun or Strava.
• Look for your finisher’s medal, T-shirt and auto decal that will be mailed Dec. 16.

The HeartMIRun Virtual 5K is is part of the Pure Michigan FITness Series of events and is endorsed by the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports. 

For more information, contact Eva Solomon, Epic Races, at 734-678-5045 or eva@epicraces.com.

Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.

Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.