Stony Creek Hosts Half Marathon May 22

Looking for a race to kick off this year's running season?

Then look no further than , which will host the Back to the Beach Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, May 22. 

The half marathon consists of a single loop of 13.1 miles that starts and finishes at Eastwood Beach at the park. Runners will compete on a variety of surfaces, 70 percent of which are within the park's boundaries. Thirty of the park's trails are on the route and race director Joe Burns believes the fact that this is a unique course a main reason the registrations are flooding in.

"I think the course itself has been a big draw for us so far," said Burns. "I think runners will enjoy running on the trails at Stony Creek, particularly going through the trails at West Branch and along the fitness trail. We're seeing more and more runners interested in this type of race. The park is so beautiful."

To date, organizers have processed approximately 275 registrations for the half marathon and another 150 for the 5K Run/Walk. Burns is shooting for a target number of 450 for the half marathon.

The 5K Run/Walk also starts and finishes at the park's Eastwood Beach.

Burns, a Sterling Heights resident, spearheaded and developed the event that benefits the Detroit Chapter of Medals4Mettle organization.

Medals4Mettle is a national nonprofit organization in which runners and triathletes donate medals to hospitals which are then given to patients facing serious illnesses. Burns formed the Detroit chapter of M4M in 2008 and additional information on the organization can be found at www.medals4mettle.org.

The half marathon begins at 8 a.m., with the 5K Run/Walk starting at 8:15 a.m.  Additional information and entry registration for the event is available at www.backtothebeachraces.com. Volunteers are welcome. 

"We have about 100 volunteers from local running clubs that have signed up to help so far," said Burns. "But as usual, we could always use more."