"Running the Crim: Stories from the Coolest Race in Michigan," by Anthony R. Ellis, M.D. 2005. 232 pp. $14.95 paper. Running Brain Press (www.RunningBrain.com).

For many runners, the Crim is the Coolest Race In Michigan. The 30 who contributed to this book think it's the coolest race, period.

Flint's Crim Festival of Races, which will turn 30 in August, is recognized internationally. U.S. and world records have been set there. "Running the Crim" notes often that "ordinary" runners can run the same course at the same time (not necessarily in the same time) as the top athletes in the world.

Although "Crim Facts" appear after many of the book's 40 entries, this is not a history of the race. There is no year-by-year account, no record of winners or times.

The closest "Running the Crim" comes to being a history book is its lists of "Ten-Mile Total Finishers" and "Crim Training Program Participants." They reveal the heart of the Crim as well.

That's what these entries, written by Crim runners who have stories to tell, all emphasize. Every reader will have his or her own favorite chapters they want to read over again. You can't miss "the spirit of the Crim" that comes through in these accounts.

Each entry is brief, generally a few pages. Some come from runners who have completed all 29 Crims (a dwindling number) or started their own streaks. Other writers have used the Crim and its training program to rebound from personal crises.

Originally, many of these "Crimmers" could not imagine running one mile, let alone 10. Now they can't imagine not running the 10-mile Crim each year.

Several entries are humorous; if you've ever seen Riley McLincha "drubbling" basketballs and wondered why, you will find out here. Others are somber, remembering those who have parted but left their marks.

Many writers credit the Crim Training Program for giving them inspiration. Instructors Brian Barkey and Mark Bauman both share stories here, as does Frank Hazen, who graduated from student to teacher too. All share their their praise and thanks.

Crim runners will recognize (and likely nod, grin or chuckle at) accounts of the Bradley Hills, Miller Road and the bricks of Saginaw Street. Old-timers will remember the starting-line changes -- from near Mott Community College to the current start on Saginaw. They'll recall extreme-weather race days, from the first Crim's noon start at 90 degrees to the 1986 deluge, resulting in what McLincha calls the "Crim Swim."

The 25 pages of color photos are delightful, as are the printed words to McLincha's self-written song, "Spirit of the Crim (Hit the Bricks)." I enjoyed the part showing off artwork that graced all 28 Crim t-shirts. How many do you own?

Editor Anthony Ellis, a four-time Crimmer and contributor of several entries, has pledged 30 percent of book-sale proceeds to the Crim.

If you've run the Crim, you will recognize from these stories what the "big deal" is. If you've never run it, maybe you'll be inspired to join a Crim Training Program and toe the starting line on the next fourth Saturday in August.

The Crim is contagious, as these accounts attest. MR

Ron Marinucci can be reached by e-mail atron_marinucci@comcast.net