Fitness Center’s annual event yields a healthy turnout
Observer Staff
11/29/2005 12:00:00 AM
By Jaden Harmon
Nimkee Fitness Program Coordinator
What a wonderful day we had at this year's Run on the Rez! The forecast predicted a few showers all week long but fortunately, the clouds opened up giving us a glimpse of the sun on the brisk morning of Oct. 22. Not only did we have great weather, we also had a turnout that was outstanding.
The number of participants doubled from last year with a total of 116 individuals coming to take on the distance of their choosing. Their options were a 5 K run or a 1.5 mile fun run/walk, both venturing through the Isabella Reservation.
The event was coordinated by the Nimkee Fitness Center with the goal to promote health and wellness within our Tribal community and individuals in the central Michigan area. After seeing familiar faces from the Tribal community and noticing there were registrants from a wide spread of places around the state, I believe this was accomplished.
There were many highlights from this year's event. One was the change of the race courses. Many folks had positive comments on the new course, because of the experience change of terrain through the reservation where they could enjoy the autumn colors. Other highlights came from the stylish race attire that participants received; an appearance from the Central Michigan University's cross country team, the healthy lunch that was served afterwards; as well as the fantastic raffle prizes and awards that were given out. Each one of these allowed us to produce an event that was very successful.
I would like to thank all the Tribal departments that made a donation to the event and each person who volunteered their time to work on the event staff. Tribal departments that made donations: At-Large, Police Department, Nimkee Dental, Parks & Recreation, Nimkee Public Health, Public Relations, STEPS Grant, Sagamok Shell and the Education Department. Other organizations that made donations included: Mid-Michigan Pedorthic Clinic, Peninsula Divers, Subway, Herbs Etc., Clover Carpet Cleaning, Image Quest Active Wear and Chee Peng Restaurant
Together, the items donated and the "friendly -vent staff" elicited an extremely positive response from the participants.
The people were definitely encouraged in taking a healthy step towards wellness, and will probably be looking forward to coming back next year. I truly appreciated all who contributed to making this event a beneficial and healthy experience.
Winners for this year are: 5K Run Overall Male Winner: Tim Lambrecht (17:11); 1.5Mile Fun Run/Walk Male Overall Winner: Milton Pelcher (17:26); 5K Overall Female Winner: Sharon Becker (19:40); and the 1.5 Mile Fun Run/Walk Female Overall Winner: Aryl Ruffino (16:46).
For complete race results go to on the Nimkee Fitness Centers webpage at //www.sagchip.org/fitness/rezrun.htm.