Runners head to campus for 6th annual Brooksie Way race

By Katie Land, news editor

Scores of runners, walkers, families, and health-conscious locals will descend upon Oakland University’s campus this weekend for the sixth annual Brooksie Way race and fitness expo.

Set for Sunday, Sept. 29, this year’s event will host both runners and walkers for the half marathon, 5K and – new this year – 10K race. Participants will start on university grounds and follow a scenic route that winds through local parks and trails along minor waterways in Rochester and Rochester Hills.

Registered participants will receive a Brooksie Way finisher’s medal, training T-shirt, training accessories and discounts for running and walking gear.

Prior to race day, the 2013 HealthPlus Brooksie Way Fitness Expo will be held in the Recreation Center on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28. Admission is free and open to the entire university community.

All Brooksie Way runners are advised to arrive at the Meadow Brook Music Festival by 7 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29. Participants can pick up their race packets and check their gear beginning at 6:30 a.m. The half marathon will begin at 8:05 a.m., followed by the 5K and 10K races beginning at 8:25 a.m.

The Post Race Celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include a DJ, live music, food and drink vendors, a photo booth, race awards and merchandise.

Brooksie Way race day traffic map

To accommodate Brooksie Way race day traffic, Oakland University will close the following roads from 8-10 a.m.:

• Pioneer Road from the P-26 lot to Ravine Drive
• All of Ravine Drive
• Meadowbrook Road from Ravine Drive to the Meadow Brook Music Festival

Closure of the roads, which will accommodate the opening and closing stretches of the Brooksie Way racecourses, will prohibit vehicle access to the P11 and P11-Temporary lots. Race participants will be running and walking in the vicinity of the Meadow Brook Music Festival, the Ann V. Nicholson Student Apartments and the Recreation and Athletics Center.

The university community should be aware that vehicle traffic on and around campus will be heavy during the event, particularly from 7-8 a.m. View the campus map for more information.

Throughout the races, the most convenient access to main campus will be best from the Squirrel Road entrances. From 6 a.m. until noon, entry from Adams Road will be restricted to race participants and visitors to the golf courses and Meadow Brook Hall.

To learn more about the Brooksie Way, including course maps, schedules, and registration, visit thebrooksieway.com. Check out training videos and more at oakland.edu/brooksieway.