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The USATF-certified 5K and 10K races will take hundreds of competitors through two of southwest Detroit’s most historic cemeteries in celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Latino holiday that honors family and friends who are deceased.
“We are thrilled to announce that this will mark the first year both our 5K and 10K races are certified by the USA Track and Field Association,” said SDBA President Kathy Wendler. “The certification reaffirms the distance for accuracy, allowing participants to compare their individual time to performance runs or other certified courses to see if they have accomplished a personal best. In doing so, we hope to encourage more individuals to join us for the Run of the Dead, which will provide increased visibility for the local community and businesses in southwest Detroit.”
Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the race starting promptly at 9 a.m. rain or shine. RF Timing will compile all race time and results, which will allow event organizers to present awards and prizes to the top male and female 5K and 10K finishers and by age category.
A variety of live entertainers such as the Living Arts Youth Dance Ensemble, COMPÁS Youth Mariachis, stilt walkers, and more will be featured throughout the race course. Participants are encouraged to wear traditional face-paint, flowers and attire. Non-traditional costumes are not encouraged.
“Dia de Los Muertos is a day when the boundaries between the living and the dead becoming permeable, allowing the souls of the departed to travel back to visit families and loved ones,” said Wendler. “Elaborate altars with special foods, flowers, candies and beautiful decorations are erected and visits to local cemeteries to honor loved ones are frequent during the celebration.”
Competitors will pass gravestones, headstones, mausoleums and other burial sites found at Holy Cross and Woodmere cemeteries. Signage throughout the event will showcase noteworthy facts about some of the historic and prominent figures who are buried at each location. A special tribute to honor deceased loved ones will take place in commemoration of the annual Día de los Muertos celebration at the conclusion of the race.
Registration for the 5K and 10K races are $25 and $30 and includes an event bib, 2014 Run of the Dead T-Shirt and swag bag filled with local treats. Online registration ends at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28. Limited 5K and 10K day-of registration is available at Patton Park the day of the event beginning at 7 a.m. for $30 and $35, respectively.
For more information, to register or volunteer, visit www.southwestdetroit.com.
About the Southwest Detroit Business Association: Founded in 1957, the Southwest Detroit Business Association fosters innovation, drive and commitment in our community. We support our community’s vision for a healthy, vibrant neighborhood. The SDBA works with local businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, customers and neighbors to develop a place where more and more people are choosing to live, work, shop and play – a place where you find Business Building Community and Community Building Business. For more information, visit www.southwestdetroit.com.
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