More Than 600 Participate in Step By Step Run in Royal Oak

More than 600 runners and walkers and hundreds more supporters and volunteers swarmed the neighborhood of the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak Saturday morning for the Step by Step run on what many runners called a “perfect day.”

The event, which promotes healthful living, uses the proceeds to support recreational activities in the Shrine Parish community.

The 5K run began at 8:30 a.m. on a scenic route taking participants on an out-and-back loop that included Northwood Boulevard, Crooks Highway and Vinsetta Boulevard. There was also a 1.5-mile walk.

"The great weather helps and I think the fact that the course takes runners through beautiful neighborhoods helps, too," said organizer Leslie Kemp. "Many of the runners belong to the Shrine parish and I think it shows their strong support for our church and schools."

For race results go to www.runmichigan.com.