The Cass County Parks Department announced this week that the Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park is set to host the 14th running of the Sandhill Crane All Trail races on Saturday, Oct. 15. Races scheduled are a half marathon, a 10k run & walk, a 5k run & walk, and a kids’ fun run.
Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate on the all-trail, non-repeating courses set up throughout the 820 acre park. This natural scenic journey will take participants through forests, fields, six bridge crossings, streams, small lakes and hills. If you’re lucky, you even see the race’s namesake, the Sandhill Crane.
The event includes really laser-carved wood awards for the top two finishers in each age group, as well as medals for third place. Racers who register by Oct. 8 will receive custom long sleeve performance t-shirts. After Oct. 8, sign up will only be online or in person between 8 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. the morning of the race.
The event kicks off with the half marathon race at 9 a.m. and is followed by the 10k run & walk at 9:30 a.m., the 5k run & walk at 10 a.m. and the kids’ fun run at 11 a.m. There will be water and sport drinks on the course and a rehydration station at the finish featuring fruit, sport drinks, popsicles, potato chips, homemade cookies and water.
There will also be a music DJ at the start and finish, along with two music stations on the course. There will also be no parking fee for participants in the races, which benefit the Dowagiac Rotary Club and Cass County Parks.
Interested runners can register here. Race day sign up in person from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Cost for the event is $25 before Oct. 8th, and $30 after Oct. 8.
