5, 000 runners can‘t be wrong, the Bayshore Marathon

May 17, 2009

5,000 Runners Can’t Be Wrong
The Bayshore Marathon & 10K offers one
of the best in the Midwest
By Bryan Burns 5/18/09

Spring, Memorial Day weekend, and Traverse City have become important to thousands of runners from Michigan, the United States, and even Europe and Asia. Why? The Traverse City State Bank Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k races on Saturday, May 23 are why.
This year the TCSB Bayshore events will draw nearly 5,000 runners to compete in the three races. The full marathon has filled to capacity (1,700 runners), as well as the half marathon (1,500 runners). These two races were booked to the max in less than seven weeks when registration opened in December. The 10k race currently has over 1,200 registered runners, surpassing last year’s record turnout.
The Traverse City State Bank Bayshore Marathon and connected races are entering their 27th year. This event has grown from 200 runners at its inception in 1983, to its current participation of 5,000. A half marathon was added four years ago to the race selection and has been extremely popular, following a trend seen around the country.

INTERNATIONAL IMPACT
With the support of the title sponsor, Traverse City State Bank, and additional support by Brooks and Running Fit, the Bayshore races have become a destination event for many people. This year, competitors are coming from 36 states, Canada, and a number of European and Asian countries. What was once a local race has become a true international event. The economic impact of this event for Traverse City was $2.1 million dollars last year. Much of this is due to the warm, friendly atmosphere and beauty of our community.
Due to the popularity and success of this annual race, the Traverse City Track Club is able to provide financial support to a variety of organizations that promote health and fitness in the Grand Traverse region. Last year alone the club was able to help fund the following projects: further trail construction for TART, the completion of the Old Mission Elementary track, scholarships for cross country athletes, coaching/support for elementary cross country and track programs, facility enhancements for cross country courses, and volunteer support for numerous races and high school track/cross country events.
Although the marathon and half marathon are filled, 10k registration is still open. Begin the holiday weekend with a run on a beautiful course with a big race feel, but true small town hospitality. See you May 23.
Bryan Burns is race director of the Bayshore Marathon & 10K. For further information go to: bayshoremarathon.org