Winding through a beautiful old Ann Arbor neighborhood near the University of Michigan campus, the tree-lined Burns Park Run loop course has been a favorite of beginner and world-class runners alike since 1979.
Organized by volunteers as a fundraiser for Burns Park Elementary School students (the Penguins), the 5K and 10K races draw 800 to 1,000 runners aged 5 to 85 years, with over 200 elementary school kids running the 5K. A separate Fun Run around the park for little runners starts after the big races finish.
Each year, a celebrity athlete joins the Burns Park Run for running and inspiration. Past guests have included Olympians Sada Jacobson, Cheryl Haworth, Cara Heads, Sheila Taormina, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Frank Shorter, Francie Goodridge, Gary Morgan, and Jackie Hansen - as well as Runner's World writer John Bingham ("The Penguin").
Special Thanks to our Race Day Guest, Doug Kurtis! Marathon guru and running legend Doug Kurtis dropped into our race for the 10K and graciously agreed on short notice to warm up the Walk and Talkers and other kids. He helped with the start of the 5K and hung around chatting and inspiring runners of all ages after talking home a cool medal and other prizes. Doug was the 10K masters winner at 6:24 pace and 2nd overall just behind Alex Jakle from the AATC running at 6:13 /mile. Thanks for driving over in the rain, helping out at the event, and trusting our weather guarantee, Doug!
Check out video of your own finish on FinishCam! Thanks to Ann Arbor Active Against ALS, you may click the banner image below and see if you can spot yourself crossing the finish line in your own personal video - and get your race results at the same time. Click to check it out!
Preliminary BPR 2011 Results Posted Visit Everal Race Management's website for 2011 Burns Park Run
5K Run,
10K Run, and
5K Walk results.
Run for the Schools! In 2010, we kicked off our effort to raise money for other schools - and we are doing it again 2011! Donate to a school PTO or the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation using ourSchool Donation Form.
K-8 runners from other schools are again invited to raise money for their own school PTO by running the Burns Park Run. For each kid on a PTO team, 100% of their net registration proceeds plus those of one running parent per kid will be donated to their school's PTO. This year, the signup is streamlined - eligible kids will see a signup during online registration. Let us know if you want your school on the list!
National Barefoot Running Day!We can't promise perfect pavement for minimalist runners - but we can offer awards for the first three runners of each gender of any age finishing in Vibram Five Fingers, bare feet, or some other minimalist footwear. Look for a signup list when you cross the finish for each race and give us your name, footwear, and finish time!
BPR Movie Night! Last year we watched Fire on the Track about running legend Steve Prefontaine. This year's movie will be "Endurance" - the story of Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia. This Disney docudrama, features Geb and his family playing themselves as well as real running footage. It beautifully highlights Haile's childhood, Ethiopia, and climaxes with his running triumphs. It is unavailable on DVD and out of print on VHS. View the trailer at Amazon.com and check out the recent interview below to learn more about Haile Gebrselassie, one of the greatest sportsmen and runners of all-time. (Thursday, April 21st, 7pm)
Welcome Boaz Cheboiywo!This year the Burns Park Run is thrilled to welcome Kenyan native, former EMU National Champion at CC and 10K, elite pacer and Olympic hopeful Boaz Cheboiywo! Boaz will visit our school at the BPR assembly. Welcome to Boaz!
Read more about Boaz's career and current aspirations in this article from Running Times Magazine: Boaz Between Two Worlds
25K Fitness Challenge!
Kids can now run any AATC even for just $12! This year, kids 14 and under may sign up for the very affordable Ann Arbor Track Club 25K Fitness Challenge program for just $5! Sign up and get a $3 discount right away on a Burns Park Run registration!
Kids who run FIVE 5K races (not necessarily AATC events) or the equivalent distance with a mix of races and non-competitive runs will earn a team tech fabric t-shirt, special awardsl, invitations to track workouts at the U of M track, and an invitation to a special ceremony and celebration in the fall. Sign up during registration!
To prepare for the BPR and 2011 running season, check out the effective, fun, and affordable adult and youth workouts and other benefits of AATC.
New Charity! Due to the tough economic times, many kids and their families face difficulties in funding healthy activities like those offered by the YMCA. For 2011, the Burns Park Run encourages registrants to donate to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
With Strong Kids funds, the YMCA is able to provide scholarships for childcare and afterschool programs, summer camps, youth aquatics/sports programs and Youth in Government. Donations also support our Ypsilanti afterschool sports programs, Chain of Plenty at the Delonis Center, and Youth Volunteer Corps.
Donate directly through their link above or during online registration!
In 2011, we expect to have an even better brunch with homemade goodies again, fruit from Stadium Market, Zingerman's bagels and Caribou Coffee. Plus complimentary massages from Arbor Wellness and Probility after the run!
Please Email us if you are interested in volunteering, sponsoring the Burns Park Run in the future - or if you have any other questions or suggestions for next year!
The Burns Park Run's social atmosphere is fun for runners and supporters alike. Along with typical race fare, the post-race brunch includes fresh Zingerman's bagels with cream cheese, hot Caribou coffee, homemade muffins and other goodies.
Come join us for music, treats, and great running at the 2010 Burns Park Run!
