For 50 years, the Ann Arbor Track Club has not only built stronger, faster runners, it has developed friendships, reinforced family bonds, strengthened communities and brought people of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities together through the bond of running.
Instrumental in these achievements now in its 45th year is the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run, viewed by AATC President, Mitch Garner, as the “Ann Arbor Track Club’s crown jewel.”
“It is the race that put our Club on the map,” Garner maintains. “It is widely recognized each year as one of the premier races in the State of Michigan.”
All true and so much more.
In 2014, Garner ran the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon with his daughter, Kasia.
“It was a fabulous father-daughter experience,” Garner reminisced. “We ran at a leisurely pace so that we could talk and enjoy the scenery.”
Equally significant for the younger Garner, Kasia similarly recalls, “Running the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run with my dad is a very special memory. I remember there was a friendly atmosphere, a beautiful course and we talked so much that before I knew it, we were puffing through the 13th mile!”
This year’s Dexter-Ann Arbor Run festivities will be kicked off with a very special “meet and greet” in celebration of the Club’s 50th anniversary and the 45th edition of the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run. Planned for Thursday May 31st at Ann Arbor’s longstanding, preeminent establishment, Weber’s Inn, the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run director and Club veteran of nearly four decades, Doug Goodhue, reveals, “Hors d’oeuvres will be served along with a cash bar.”
While Goodhue and AATC board member, Nancy Yvanauskas, currently in her 14th year of service, are in the final planning stages, devotees are advised to watch their email along with Ann Arbor Track Club social media outlets for all the forthcoming celebration fine points.
In contrast, Dexter-Ann Arbor Run registration is in full swing. With a Kids Run on Saturday June 2nd and half marathon, 10K and 5K races scheduled for Sunday June 3rd, this well loved event offers something for everyone. In addition, this year’s half marathon will serve as the USATF National Championship race and the 10K is the Road Runners Club of America regional championship event.
Goodhue who can be reached at douggoodhue@comcast.net notes that alternative support is also welcome.
Spring is on the horizon. Be a part of an organization that as Garner so eloquently illustrates, “has made our community a better place, through running.”
For Dexter-Ann Arbor Run registration and all Ann Arbor Track Club related news, please visit http://dxa2.com and http://aatrackclub.org accordingly.
