Local Sports Journal

The Mercy Health Seaway Run is adding a new twist to the 32nd annual event.

The event, scheduled for June 22, will feature a half marathon, which will give runners a close up look at the USS Silversides as they run along the Muskegon Channel. The course also takes runners along Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.

“We are very excited to offer this new half marathon option,” event co-chair Don Martines said. “This addition to our traditional 5k and 15k races gives runners the chance to push themselves to a new level each year.”

Mercy Health has expanded its sponsorship this year to include the Expo and has committed to Platinum Sponsorship of the event for multiple years.

“Mercy Health is excited to continue their support of the Seaway Run and Expo,” said Blair R. Moreau, Director of Heart and Vascular for Mercy Health. “This healthy community event is a perfect match with our organization’s wellness program for associates and with our mission to improve the overall health of our community.”

Organizers are seeking additional sponsors for this community event; if you would like to show your support for the health of our community by becoming a sponsor, contact Chris Burnaw at 557-4949 or via email at [email protected] for details.

Proceeds from the event will support the work of 1 in 21 Healthy Muskegon County and the Muskegon Family YMCA in making our community a healthier place to live, work, learn and play.

The Mercy Health Seaway Run is one of Michigan’s most scenic and most popular runs. With courses that take advantage of the beautiful shorelines of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, it has been a favorite of runners from across Michigan and beyond for 32 years. All timed courses begin and end near the Muskegon Family YMCA, with a finish along the Lakeshore Recreational Trail; the Community Fun Walks begin and end at adjacent Rotary Park, looping northeast along the trail.

With its fun, family-friendly atmosphere, the Mercy Health Seaway Run celebrates healthy living and a healthy community with events for all ages and abilities! Participants in all events can register online quickly and easily at www.seawayrun.com. Returning this year is the YMCA’s 10 week training class, with groups for all levels of runners.

The class will be held at the YMCA on Tuesday evenings beginning April 16, contact the YMCA at 231-722-9322 to sign up.

New this year, the event’s Healthy Lifestyle Expo is moving to an indoor location at The Watermark Center, 920 Washington – just up the road from the YMCA. The expo will feature local businesses and health providers whose products and services promote a healthy mind, body and spirit. It will also include health screenings, food samples, demonstrations, entertainment, kids’ activities, giveaways and more. The expo will take place on Friday, June 21, from 11 am to 7 pm. Businesses with products and services of particular interest to runners will also be at the YMCA on race day. The Healthy Lifestyle Expo is free and open to the entire community, not just race participants.

For more information on how to become an exhibitor at the event contact [email protected]