Blueberry Dash 5K

HOSTED BY: Benzie Senior Resources Nonprofit Organization Online registration: $40 (closes on Friday, August 1, 9 p.m.). Tee shirts available for the first 200 who register. Registration and packet pick-up the night before the race on site at the pavillion in Bellows Park from 5-7 p.m., and also the morning of the race from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. (Online registration processing fees are covered by the orgaization). The course begins and ends near the pavillion in Bellows Park. The race will be professionally timed by Rotpac Racing of Detroit. Shotgun start for runners or walkers wishing to be timed, is at 8:15 a.m. Walkers and runners not wishing to be timed can begin at any between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. The course is an out-and-back (turnaround point marked on the course) using South Shore Drive E. along the shoreline of Crystal Lake. South Shore Drive is a low-traffic, residential roadway with an enforced speed limit of 25 mph. The roadway will not be closed to traffic during the race. Law enforcement will monitor speed, and a courtesy car will move continually through the race route. Walkers and runners not wishing to be timed can walk any length of the course. This is family friendly event, with strollers and mobility devices welcome. Children up to age 17 may accompany parents or guardians at no charge. Age level certificates for men and women will be available, and will be mailed to contestants. Participants may park away from the race start line in Bellows park, and along non-private property on Bellows Ave., S Shore Drive E, and Thomas Road. Parking is limited, and we encourage participants to ride-share or have family members or friends provide drop-off and pickup. Please do not park with wheels encroaching any private properties. Enjoy a time of fellowship and refreshment after your run or walk, in the Bellows Park pavillion! All proceeds of this race support the work of Benzie Senior Resources, in their effort to help Benzie County adults 60 and older remain healthy, intellectually and socially engaged, and living independently in their own homes. Join us the night of the race at The Cabbage Shed in Elberta, to dance to the music of K. Jones and the Benzie Playboys, from 7-9 p.m. No cover charge, but donations supporting Benzie Senior Resources will be gratefully received. Watch for updates here, or on the Blueberry Dash 5K Facebook page. Note: We're keeping a close eye on the Canadian wildfire smoke situation. At this time, the prediction is that prevailing winds should have moved the smoke away from the area by race day. Just in case we still have some residual smoke issues, there will be particulate-filtering N95 masks available for all participants.