By Dave Groves, contributing writer
Oakland University employees, students and alumni looking to get in shape this summer and enjoy an increasingly popular Oakland County fitness event in the fall have a number of attractive incentives to help inspire them to get involved.
"The Brooksie Way is an outstanding example of a fun, healthy way for the community to come together to support healthy lifestyles," President Gary D. Russi said. "The Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K attracts thousands of participants and receives widespread community support. We are proud to partner with the Brooksie Way team."
As a result of the partnership between the university and Brooksie Way planners, Oakland University employees, students and alumni are eligible for $3 and $4 discounts on 5K and half marathon race fees, respectively.
Meanwhile, in support of personal health and wellness within the university community, the university will contribute $20 to all individual OU employees' registration fees, as well as $50 to groups of 5-10 employees who wish to participate in the Team Challenge program.
This year's race, set for Sunday, Sept. 30, welcomes both runners and walkers for the half marathon and 5K, and also features an untimed, 1-mile event. Participants will embark from university grounds onto a scenic route that winds through local golf courses, parks, and biking and hiking trails along minor waterways in Rochester and Rochester Hills.
Complementing the race event, the Brooksie Way Fitness Expo will be held in the Recreation Center on Friday and Saturday September 28-29. Admission is free and is open to the entire university community.
Oakland employees interested in taking part in the Brooksie Way, but concerned about their level of preparedness for it, are invited to take part in a 16-week training program designed specifically for this event. Prospective participants can begin training in June with one of three goals in mind; completing the race, or using either interval or non-interval workouts to enhance speed and endurance.
Training program registration includes the entry fee for a Brooksie Way half marathon or 5K event, as well as entry into several other area races this year. Other benefits include a Brooksie Way training T-shirt, as well as training accessories and discounts for running and walking gear.
Those interested in registering for a training program can save $5 off the $180 program fee by doing so prior to Saturday, June 2. The $20 contribution to Oakland University employees also applies.
Brooksie Way participants not looking to participate in available training programs also can save money by registering early. In fact, OU employees who register for the 5K race prior to July 15 will have no cost to participate as a result of partnership discounts and university support.
To learn more about the Brooksie Way races and training program, visit
thebrooksieway.com.
OU students and alumni can register on-line. University employees interested in participating should download an
event registration form. Employees interested in taking advantage of the $20 registration contribution or interested in the Team Challenge should contact Campus Recreation Director Greg Jordan at ext. 4888 or
jordan@oakland.edu for more information.
