How about a 33-athlon?

Elkhart - just south of the Michigan-Indiana border, in Amish country - could drive spectators hoarse and buggy with its Great Race offerings May 29-31.

Sponsors bill the festival as "Indiana's only race with 33 events on Memorial Day Weekend" with some confidence. If you find one with 34 or more, let us know.

Top events for runners include the Great Race's marquee half-marathon, held on a new course this year, on Monday, May 31. Look for Michigan Runner TV to record it. What time will the show be on? Any time you want, on the worldwide web.

Also offered Monday are 10K and 5K runs and power walks, 10K hand cycle, 5K fun walk, 50K and 25K bike races.

Fun starts Saturday, May 29, with the Jim Ryun Mile, one-mile swim, 13-mile canoe/kayak race, and cross-court 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 basketball tournaments.

Don't rest Sunday, or you'll miss the USCF bike criterium, 10K canoe/kayak 10K and more activities.

The weekend also includes concerts, fireworks, in-line skate and cheer events, on and on.

Between them, enjoy Elkhart's rolling Amish countryside, historic homes and barns, maybe even a stay at a bed-and-breakfast. Amish cooking? You wouldn't want to miss out on that.

For more information about the Great Race, phone (574) 296-5890 or visit www.thegreatrace.net. MR