Southwest

Triple Creek Dash, Three Rivers, May 4

Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. The 10K and 5K begin at 8:30 a.m., the one- mile at 8:35. Race-day registration 6:45 - 7:45 a.m. Early packet pickup Friday, May 3, 5-7 p.m. Major sponsors are Three Rivers Area Hospital, HealthTRAC and Cole Motor Co. Call (616) 278-8722, or register on- line at www.trhealthtrac.com -CDM

Fifth Third River Bank Run, Grand Rapids, May 11

Fifth Third Bank, which bought out longtime sponsor Old Kent Bank, will host the 25th annual running of the 25K classic, which draws international stars, offers separate prize money for Americans as the USATF title race, and Michigan Runner's 25K championship as well. There are also a 5K run and walk, youth events, pre-race expo and other features. Check www.riverbankrun.com -SS

Brian Diemer Amerikam 5K, Cutlerville, June 1

Diemer, whose last of three Olympic appearances came in 1992, traditionally buys a donut for anyone who beats him in this southern Grand Rapids suburb, his old hometown. Amerikam puts up prize money, so expect company from some of our state's elite. 18.rhyde@heritageacademies.com -SS

Fast Gait Run, Cassopolis, June 22

It's the cat's meow! These 13th annual races (8K and 5K at 9 a.m.) take place in conjunction with the Catsopolis Festival, started years ago by the inventor of kitty litter. Races start and finish at Cass County Fairgrounds, and raise funds for the Westgate Center, a private, non- profit organization that employs and trains disabled workers. Phone (616) 445-3170 - CDM

Chronicle Seaway Run, Muskegon, June 29

Outstanding. The 5K and 15K both start and end near the YFCA on Muskegon Lake; the longer run loops past Lake Michigan beaches, over a boardwalk and near silent-film star Buster Keaton's old summer home. Stick around for the Summer Celebration parade through downtown Muskegon afterward. www.chroniclevents.com -SS

Reeds Lake 5K and 10K Runs, E. Grand Rapids, June 29

Passes through picturesque suburb where former President Gerald R. Ford grew up. Overall champions earn $250 in the 8 a.m. 5K and 8:30 10K. If you're in shape, you can run them both; if you're Kyle Baker, you'll win them both.http://www.eastgr.org/ rec_html/rlrinfo.html -SS

Southeast

The Fit 5K, Novi, May 1

This 7 p.m. Wednesday 5K, hosted by Running Fit at its Novi Town Center store, raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Runners must enter by April 24. (248) 347-4949 -CDM Dragon Dash, Orion Township, May 5 No this isn't a sequel to Bruce Lee movie "Enter the Dragon." But if you enter this 9 a.m. Sunday 8K, you'll have great time. Starts at the Civic Center Park, and travels bike paths and residential streets around Lake Voorheis. The event also includes 3/4-mile fun run and a tot trot. (248) 391-0304, ext. 140 -CDM

Dexter to Ann Arbor Run, June 1-2

Lew Kidder hopes to make this event a mega-race over time. The first bold step: changing the dates to the Taste of Ann Arbor Festival. The fun starts Saturday with an expo and kids race. Sunday races include the half-marathon, 5K run or fitness walk and half-marathon relay for 2 person teams. Ties with the fool festival will add to the traditional post- race party, with hungry runners joinng others enjoying Ann Arbor's eclectic and interesting cuisine. www.dexterannarborrun.com.-AM Blue Water Hospice River Run, Marysville, June 8 The 17th annual 10K and 5K runs, plus a 3-mile walk, start at 8 a.m. in the city's municipal park and run alongside the Detroit River. (810) 982- 8809 -CDM

Zanglin Downriver Run, Trenton, June 14

This20th annual Friday-night celebration includes a one-mile walk or run that begins at 7, and an 8K at 7:30. The flat, fast course runs through downtown Trenton. Afterward, party in the streets with refreshments and music. Phone Total Runner at (734) 282-1101, or check their website at www.zanglinrun.com -CDM

Plymouth YMCA Run, June 15

It wouldn't be a Father's Day morning without this 23-year tradition. The Sunday 10K, 5K and one-mile start and finish downtown, and travel residential streets. Runners can compete in all three races. (734) 453- 2904 -CDM

International Bridge Race, Port Huron to Sarnia, Ont., June 23

Make a run over the border. This 10K traverses the beautiful Blue Water Bridge. Bring two pieces of ID. The race is presented by CHOK radio and the Sarnia YMCA. (519) 336-9622.

Central

YMCA 5K Run & Fun Walk, Saginaw, June 1

Starts at 10 a.m. in Wicks Park near the Saginaw Y, with the 5K part of that organization's "World's Largest Run." Hundreds of Y's nationwide will hold similar events. (989) 755-5160 -CDM

River Run Classic, Bay City, June 15

Presented by the Bay Area Family Y - Invested In Youth, this ninth- annual event features a 10 a.m. 5K run/walk, followed by a half-mile run for kids ages 10 and under. Both races take place at the Bay County Community Center. (989) 895-8596 -CDM

South Central

Advance Packaging 5000, Jackson, May 17

This family-oriented, Friday-night race drew 298 participants last year. The kids fun run starts at 6:30, 5K run at 7 and 5K walk at 7:05. Proceeds go to the Interfaith Shelter. Phone Dave Knickerbocker at (517) 788-9800, or email: dknick@advancepakg.com -CDM

Rose Run, Jackson, June 8

The 32nd annual Rose Run, one of Michigan's oldest races includes an 8 a.m. 10K, 8:15 four-mile walk and 10 a.m. 5K. The first two start in Sharp Park and travel to Jackson Community College; runners register at JCC and then are bused to the start. The 5K starts and finishes on the JCC campus, and a 10 a.m. kids race takes place on the college track. Phone (517) 524-6995 or email: Mike_mcglynn@jackson.cc.mi.us - CDM

Concord Classic, Jackson, June 22

The 8 a.m. 5K run, 5K walk and kids fun run start and finish at Concord High School. Call David Jordan at (517) 524-6995, or email cclassic@frontiernet.net -CDM

Northwest

Bayshore Marathon & 10K, Traverse City, May 25

Last year, a record 550 participants competed in the marathon and 1,100 took part in the two races combined. The course is flat, paved and provides a breathtaking view of Grand Traverse Bay. The 20th-annual marathon begins at 7 a.m., the 10K at 8. Both races start at Northwestern Michigan College and finish on the track of Traverse City Central High School. Call the Traverse City Track Club at (231) 941-8118. Register online at www.bayshoremarathon.org -CDM

Run for Funds, Northport, July 7

Since it began 23 years ago, this scenic road race has raised close to $50,000 for the Leelenau Chapter, American Cancer Society. The two- mile starts at 9 a.m.; the 10K, which provides a breathtaking view of Grand Traverse Bay, follows at 9:20. Call (231) 386-5341 or email: gwanderson@chartermi.net -CDM

Upper Peninsula

Lilac Festival Run and Walk, Mackinac Island, June 8 Enjoy the fragrance and beauty of Mackinac as you compete in this great event. The 9:30 a.m. 10K travels through the historic downtown, heads through the wooded center of the island, then finishes on the shore road offering a unique view of the straits. A Lil' Lilac Kids Race starts at 11 a.m. Call (248)659-6493, or go online to www.riverbendstriders.com or www.gaultracemanagement.com -CDM

Pictured Rocks Run for Shelter, Munising, June 30

Sponsored by Harbor House, races provide a picturesque and challenging tour of Munising and its outskirts. The 11-miler passes waterfalls, streams and Lake Superior on hilly terrain. The five-mile event is less demanding, but no less scenic. Both start at 8 a.m. from the Alger Centennial Arena. Call (906) 387-5341 or check the website at roadrace.algercounty.com -CDM