Series of popular races helps to showcase Dearborn
DEARBORN – The Martians invade April 18, when the ninth annual Martian Invasion of Races returns.
The event will feature traditional 26.2-mile marathon and 13.1-mile half marathon races, as well as the Meteor 5K and 10K, and kids’ marathon races.
The Martian Invasion of the Races, conducted by Ann Arbor-based organization Running Fit, is designed to help promote an active, healthy lifestyle – especially for children – with the long-term goal of ending childhood obesity and the diseases that result from a sedentary lifestyle.
Partial proceeds for the 2015 event will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Training (Dearborn Chapter) and the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department.
“This is a great event, not just for runners, but for our entire Dearborn community,” said Greg Orner, Dearborn Recreation & Parks director. “Many of our local runners, including a lot of kids from the Dearborn Pubic Schools, participate, and the event also draws thousands of runners from throughout the Midwest.”
Online registration for the race will remain open through April 16, and in-person registration will be available the day of the race. Registration fees vary by date and by race.
Runners are welcome to stick around downtown west Dearborn after their race, where multiple local restaurants and businesses will open early and offer discounts to race participants.
New for 2015, most parking options in west downtown Dearborn are available for use free of charge; however, some parking meters still exist.
The race route will include temporary partial or full closures of several streets, including Morley Avenue, Military Street, Golfview Drive, Cherry Hill, and several streets within the Golfcrest Country Club Estates neighborhood north of Cherry Hill.
There will also be lane closures on eastbound Ford Road and westbound Michigan Avenue on the day of the race.
There are plenty of ways for non-runners to get involved in the race, too.
Dearborn residents are encouraged to participate as spectators, and help celebrate at local restaurants after the races.
Non-runners can also show support for a cause by registering for “spirit zones,” aimed at keeping runners entertained on the course. The top-ranked spirit zones will also receive cash prizes for a nonprofit or group of their choice.
The Martian Marathon is in need of volunteers to help with the race expo, race setup and teardown, and at aid stations along the race route.
Race routes and registration, as well as information on road closures, volunteering, and other details, can be found at www.martianmarathon.com.