Southeast
Corktown Races, Detroit, March 14

Mark Scoles and Kathy Rink led hundreds of runners through the Corktown area, near the old Tiger Stadium, and on some of the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade route last year. Look for more of the same at this year's 22nd annual four-mile run, 1.5-mile walk and quarter-mile kids run, with MR cameras on hand to greet you. Afterwards, watch for the wearing (and drinking) of the green as runners belly up at many a downtown pub to watch the parade. For more information, visit http://motorcitystriders.com -AM

Shillelagh Run & Walk, Flushing, March 20

Anne and John Gault score races all over the country, but still have time to put on this four-mile favorite in their hometown. Look for St. Patrick's Day merriment, distinct t- shirts and more at this 15th-annual classic. Visit www.gaultracemanagement.com -AM

Hansons 5K, Utica, March 27

Hansons Running Shops do more than sponsor teams of elites. This 13th annual 5K run/walk, with mile fun run for kids 12 and under, offers plaques, raffles, giveaways, t-shirts and fun for entrants of all abilities. Starts 10 a.m. at Flickinger Elementary, 25400 Vanker, and traverses subdivision behind Utica store. Phone (586) 323-9683 or visit www.hansons-running.com -SS

Southwest
Heart & Sole 5K, East Grand Rapids, Feb. 14

Celebrate V.D. (Valentine's Day) with a heart-healthy romp to satisfy soles and melt away winter blues. New this year is a couples team event and registration at East Grand Rapids High School. First-year sponsor Tobacco Free Partners will offer free lung- function testing at race-day health fair. Phone (616) 458-7888 or visit www.classicrace.com -SS

Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5K, East Grand Rapids, March 20

West Michigan's traditional race-season opener -- which draws more than 2,000 runners annually -- pulled off a last-minute move from its downtown site to EGR Middle School last year, thanks to organizers' work plus a pinch of leprechaun-style magic. The school will again host this year's running, the 21st. Look for serious racing (the Jig's $3,400 pot 'o' gold draws the state's elite), costumes and St. Paddy's Day shenanigans. Phone (616) 391-1514 or visit www.classicrace.com -SS

Thumb Area
Reese Winter Series, Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 6

Keep you fitness edge running monthly 5Ks the first Saturday of each month starting 10 a.m. at Reese High School, 1696 VanBuren St. (north of M-81). The fee is $6, race-day only. Phone Rick Houghtaling, (989) 693-6558. -SS

North
Bigfoot Boogie, Traverse City, Jan. 24

There's no shoeing like snowshoeing. These 5K and 10K races draw their share of studs -- the 10K is a U.S. Snowshoe Association Regional Championship and Nationals-qualifier -- but are beginner-friendly too; sponsor Running Fit stores will be happy to lend you shoes. Snow-kicking takes place on Timber Ridge Campground trails. Visit www.runsnow.com or phone Jeff Gaft at (231) 933-9242. -SS

White Pine Stampede, Mancelona, Feb. 7

This 28th annual cross-country ski bonanza offer 50K, 20K and 10K events on professionally-groomed trails starting at Mancelona High School and ending at Shanty Creek. A Junior Stampede for skiers ages 7-12 takes place Feb. 8 at Shanty Creek's Summit Village. Phone (231) 587-8812 or visit www.whitepinestampede.org. -SS

North American VASA, Traverse City, Feb. 14-15

Nordic skiers of all ability are invited to "experience the ultimate in grooming technology among towering white pines and through the prisitine serenity of Pere Marquette State Forest. The 28th annual VASA offers 12K, 27K and 50K freestyle and classic races Saturday; plus 16K Gran Travers Classic (yes, they drop the last letters from "Grand" and Traverse": it's a French thing) and Family Fun Day Sunday. Visit www.vasa.org or phone Pete LaPlaca at (231) 938-4400. -SS

Upper Penninsula
Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon, Ishpeming, Jan. 24

This 30-mile cross-country ski race, through ruggedly-beautiful U.P. wilderness, starts at Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming and travels the Noquemanon Trail to the Superior Dome in Marquette.The Ski Hall of Fame Half-Marathon starts midway along the Trail and also finishes at the Dome. Visit www.noquemanon.com or phone (888) 578-6489. -SS

Out of State
Arnold 5K Pump and Run, Columbus, Ohio, March 7

Named for a Governor, who, some will recall, pumped iron (among other things)and then ran for office. A maximum 500 entrants have an hour before the race to bench press their weight as many as 30 times, then subtract 30 seconds for each successful rep (a maximum 15 minutes) from their race time. Negative splits -- and even a negative time -- are possible. Or wimp out and run the 5K without the lifting. Phone (740) 587-0376 or visit www.runohio.com -SS

Churchill's Half-Marathon, Monclova, Ohio, March 14

Michigan's Paul Aufdemberge and Kimberly Dezarov Peterson swept last year's running of northwest Ohio's oldest continuing road race, leading close to 200 entrants. This year's 37th-annual Churchill's again offers runners a great tune-up for spring marathons. Visit www.toledoroadrunners.org -AM

LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Chicago, March 28 The world's largest 8K offers world-class competition and one of the sport's biggest post-race parties. The Shuffle turns 25 this year: Michigan Runner will be on hand for what should be a Windy City blow-out. Check out last year's race at http://michiganrunner.tv/2003shamrock. For information on this year's run, visit www.shamrockshuffle.com - AM

Around the Bay 30K, Hamilton, Ont., March 28

Sponsors of North America's oldest road race expect close to 5,000 entrants for the 110-year-old 30K (which offers two- and three-person relays) around Hamilton's natural harbor, and 5K. Visit www.aroundthebayroadrace.com -AM