Solstice Run Will Converge on Downtown Northville

An expansive sidewalk repair and improvement project that has closed off much of Main Street throughout the month will not derail the Solstice Run, which will attract nearly 3,000 runners to the downtown Northville on Saturday, June 25.

The race will begin at 7:15 a.m., after any latecomers register for participation at Northville Square Mall. The start line for all races is at Northville Downs, and the finish line is at Ford Field at Griswold and Center Street for the 10-Mile, 10K and 5K courses.

This year, the race is hosting its regular 10-K Run, which will begin at 7:15 a.m., its 10-Mile will follow at 7:30 a.m., and its 5K walk/run, which begins at 9 am.

Additionally, a “Maui Mile” will begin at 8:15 a.m., said the event’s organizer, Alan Whitehead.

“We’re having a Hawaiian theme this year,” he said. “We have a different theme to keep the event fresh; the Maui mile is for people who don’t want to run a regular race, and for the kids.”

The Maui Mile will take place entirely on the track at Northville Downs, said Whitehead. After the race, participants will be invited to a luau – complete with traditional dancers, a DJ and live music – at Northville Downs, Whitehead added.

An avid runner and former marathoner, Whitehead said he founded the Solstice Run in 2003 to encourage residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and to generate some much needed support for some great charities.

“I thought something like this was needed in Northville, and I do think it’s a good way to raise money for some groups that help people out in the area,” he said.

Whitehead said he hopes $10,000 will be generated for the charities. Since its inception, the race has raised $40,000 for the charities it supports, Whitehead added.

This year, the organizations that will benefit from the proceeds of the Solstice Run are the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, the Northville Parks and Recreation Department, Kids Against Hunger and the Northville Educational Foundation.

One aspect of the race that could change things this year is the ongoing Streetscape project, which has closed off significant portions of Main Street – which is part of the course, Whitehead.

“We’re really hoping the work is complete by race day,” Whitehead said. “If not, we could move a street over, to Dunlap.”

Northville Mayor Chris Johnson said the work will likely not be complete, but that a move would not be necessary.

“We’ve had so much rain and such severe weather that [the streetscape] program is behind, schedule,” he said. “We were hoping to be at Center Street by now.”

Still, he said changing the race course would be unnecessary.               

“There may be a choke point near the construction,” he said. “But I don’t think they’ll have to move the course.”

Runners and walkers can still sign up for the event. Registrations are still being accepted online at www.solsticerun.org through today, after which runners will need to register at the race site on Saturday.

This year, entry fees are as follows: the 10-mile run is $45, and $50 on race day. The 10K is $40, and $45 on race day; the 5K is $35 ad $40 on race day; and the Maui Mile is $18 and $20 on race day.