Motor City Strider President Ed Kozloff and his wife, Sue, have announced their decision to retire from the club, discontinue its races and shut down its membership. Ed has served as president since 1975.

The Striders are still one of the largest clubs in Michigan with more than 500 members. At one time, the club had more than 1,300 runners and volunteers.

At its zenith the club helped organize more than 30 races a year. Over the past five years that number has dwindled to 15. The hefty schedule must have had its wear and tear on the small core of Striders that worked many of the races.

The Kozloffs have been tireless supporters of running events in the Detroit area. They have been connected to some of the largest events in the state, such as the Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon, Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and Detroit's Race for the Cure.

The Striders. in existence since 1959, have been served by just three presidents. The Kozloffs worked on an average of two dozen races a year and were instrumental in introducing wheelchair contestants, age- group categories and all-female races. The club also hosted numerous low-key races that introduced people to running.

A three-year search by board members found no one interested in replacing the Kozloffs and taking over some of the Strider races. Members were notified this August by newsletter that the club would no longer accept new applicants.

Last month a cross section of area running leaders gathered to discuss preservation of the Striders. All have been influenced by the club and deeply respect its history and importance. They see tremendous potential in keeping the Strider nameplate alive.

The group is willing to lend support to giving the club a new direction that would create a synergy between running stores, local clubs, race organizations and the running community.

They would like to provide the Striders resources to continue as a volunteer, not-for-profit "club" that promotes running and walking as healthy lifestyle activities and competitive sports. They would help the club to meet member needs by creating group run/walks, social functions, volunteer leadership, organized races, fitness education and communication between members.

They understand how many people have enjoyed their ties with the Striders and believe there is great opportunity to attract new members. There is also potential to bring back many past members. Many races and charities have depended on the Striders. They want the club to continue to be proud of these contributions and the millions of dollars that groups have raised through club efforts.

Other major cities - such as Indianapolis, New York and Atlanta - have huge running-club organizations that offer a variety of opportunities for runners to organize outside-of-race events. These clubs produce some of the biggest races in the country, including Atlanta's Peachtree 10K and the New York City Marathon. The Indy Runners have three or four club runs a week, many social events, plus coaching opportunities.

Now is the time for runners to speak up and rescue the Striders before the club reaches a place of no return.

Writer Doug Kurtis, of Livonia, holds world records for the most sub-2:20 marathons (76) and marathon wins (40). He is former director of the Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon and writes a weekly running column for the Free Press. He may be contacted at dkurtis@earthlink.com. MR