Festival of Races
July 11, 2009

Lace up and put your race face on!

Join more than 2,500 competitors in one of Northern Michigan’s favorite foot races. Challenge yourself, a family member or your best running buddy to join in the action. With a 15K or 5K run and a 5K walk, there’s an event for everyone. This year’s Meijer Festival of Races promises to be better than ever with many improvements planned for both on and off the course. Check it out:

15K Run | 8:10AM
Not quite a 10-miler, on the way to a half-a-thon, the 15K is the perfect tweener. If the infamous 'Mt. McKinley' climb doesn't take your breath away mid-route, the views of West Grand Traverse Bay from the top will.

5KRun | 7:45AM
Run through the historic Traverse City and into downtown. The 5K will find you shoulder to shoulder with fun runners and serious racers.

5K Walk | 7:45 AM
Set your own pace on this brisk morning walk with friends, family and hundreds of other community members in this festival fun walk. Due to the start of the 5K Run and 5K Walk together your time will be included with the 5K Run.

Race Divisions
5K Walk & Run; 15K Run - Overall Male, Female in Open and Masters Divisions:

14 & under	25-29	40-44	55-59	70-74
15-19	30-34	45-49	60-64	75-80
20-24	35-39	50-54	65-69	81+

Medals will be available at the finish line until 11:00 am and thereafter at the National Cherry Festival Office at 250 Front Street, Ste 301, Traverse City, MI 49684.
No medals will be mailed.
Awards ceremony will be held for Overall and Masters Male/Female in the 5K Run and 15K.

Perks for 2009:

• Improved logistics streamlined sign - up and new route signage
• Improved race goody bags.
• Music and lots more cheering along the race route.
• Moisture-wick shirt offering (upgrade from a free standard T-shirt for $15).
• Awards: Medals will be given to the top three in each age division.
• Post-race party at Hannah Park along the shady shores of the Boardman River.
• Swag: Get a cool Festival of Races tee and goodie bag at registration.
• Personal satisfaction.

The Rules:

• For the safety of all runners no strollers, rollerblades, wagons or wheeled objects allowed on
   the race course or you will be asked to leave the course.
• Organizers reserve the right to cancel the race in the event of inclement weather.
• Championchips must be returned upon finishing. Entrants will be charged
   $30 for unreturned chips.
• Have fun!

Entry Fees:

• $25 - per entrant through Friday, June 20
• $30 - per entrant June 21-July 11
• $35 - per entrant Day of Race
• Registration fees are non-refundable.
• Pay via check, money order or credit card.
• Please indicate shirt size and type (moisture-wick $15 addt'l upon registering).

Packet Pick Up:

Race packet pick-up will be Friday, July 10, from 5 to 8 PM -or- Saturday, July 11, from 6:30 to 7:30 AM at Eastern Elementary, 1600 Eastern Drive, located next to Traverse City Central High School.

Day of the Race:

• Parking & Shuttle Service: Parking is available on the Campus of NMC.
   Shuttle busesrun from the finish area at the Heritage Center on Sixth Street
   to NMC from 8:30 am to 12 PM.

• ChampionChip: Although there is a 'shotgun' start, your official race time
   is recorded by the ChampionChip affixed to your shoe. Don't forget to
   return your chip at the finish area or you will be charged a $30 fee.

• Results: Results will be posted on race day at www.cherryfestival.org
   and will be printed in the Traverse City Record-Eagle on the following day.