Green Light for M23.1k Run & Relay 2016

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M23.1k Run Logo 2016


Media Contact
Shannon Felgner | 616-610-4401 | 616-738-4672


Green Light for M23.1k Run & Relay 2016

Registration opens 8AM on Friday, July 15

It's not often that a new, major highway is shut down to traffic. That is exactly what is happening on the morning of October 1, 2016 on the M231 Highway. There are no repairs to be made. Instead, Ottawa County is partnering with the Michigan Department of Transportation to offer the Michigan's Credit Unions M23.1k Run & Relay. The M231 Highway stretches seven miles through the spectacular, rolling countryside and over the Grand River in West Michigan. Runners can choose from a 23.1k run or relay. The three-person relay offers legs between 5k and 10k split over the same 23.1k course. For those who are metrically impaired, that is 14.35 miles.


Registration opens to runners at 8 AM on July 15 via miOttawa.org. Through July 31, the price to register is $40. Prices go up progressively until the end of September. The race will be capped at 500 total runners; 200 more than the sell-out crowd last year. Participants will receive quarter-zip shirts, finisher medals, age-group awards, and a post-race party. More information and FAQs are also at miOttawa.org. Those who are not runners are invited to spectate. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Those interested in helping can email mcunningham@miOttawa.org.


The event took place for the first time in 2015 before the highway was open and was billed as a one-time event. However, the participants and organizers were thrilled with the event. When Ottawa County approached MDOT officials, the repeat race was well received.  "The race in 2015 was just too successful. We simply had to do this again," said Shannon Felgner, Communications Manager for Ottawa County. "Plus there was one thing missing: the lines. The 2016 runners will have the thrill of treading on those forbidden yellow lines."


Proceeds from the run will go toward Ottawa County’s non-motorized pathway system, specifically, the Grand River Greenway Trail, North Bank Trail and Spoonville Trail. An extensive system of paved trails benefits residents and visitors alike. Paved trails through Ottawa County provide: opportunities for fitness and family recreation; environmental benefits; transportation corridors; and economic benefits to the community. The 2015 event raised $9,000.


Thank you to the generous sponsors who have provided dollars, services or goods, keeping the run affordable: Michigan's Credit Unions | Chemical Bank | Ottawa County | Michigan Department of Transportation | Ottawa County Sheriff's Office | EcoTrek Fitness | Delta Dental | Priority Health | Merle Boes | ImageSoft | Presidio | Gordons Water Systems  


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