7 A.M.: Racers raise money for Special Olympics

As the sun rose Saturday, approximately 400 people ran in the Homecoming 5K, dubbed “Miles for Medals.”

Some ran, some walked, and all had their own reasons for racing and their own goals in the run, which started and ended in front of Finch Fieldhouse.

But all were there in support of Special Olympics Michigan, which received all money made from the race.

Mount Pleasant residents Rhonda Ostrowsky and Monica Brunetti, as well as Shepherd resident Mary DeGraw, said they specifically came out in support of Special Olympics.
They were having fun with the race and the plastic megaphones they were handed beforehand.

“We’re walking and heckling,” said Ostrowsky, Brunetti’s daily walking partner. “Monica and I walk every morning. And Mary’s out in Shepherd walking to the bar.”

Ostrowsky said she and Brunetti walk three to four miles every day, so the 3.1 mile race was nothing out of the ordinary for them.

The volunteers working at the race were not about to let the competitors have all the fun.

Alpena sophomore Andrea Bruski and a friend, who were working at the “Spirit Table,” handing out beads and megaphones, led racers in a Turbo Kick dance-aerobic warmup before the race.

“We’re with the spirit table, so we’re trying to get people excited, and keep them warmed up,” Bruski said. “It’s also a great way to promote Turbo Kick at the SAC.”

Some competitors were taking the race much more seriously.

“I’m training for a marathon, so this is just a start,” said Alma resident Tracy Beadlescomb, who has been training for the Grand Rapids Marathon on Oct. 18 since August.

Her friend, Alma resident Shirlee Finch, completed the Iron Man triathlon in August, and said 5K races are just part of her weekly routine.

“I go every weekend,” Finch said. “(Racing) gives me something to do.”

Close this window or return to “24 Hours in Mount Pleasant.”