Statewide
Photo of Volkslaufe Gemulichkeit by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Standard Federal Bank 10K Series

Back for its second year, this event--sponsored by the pros who put on the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon--offers 6.2-milers in Lansing June 28, Grand Rapids July 19, Kalamazoo Aug. 16 and Auburn Hills Sept. 13. Three-deep prizes of $500, $350 and $250 in each race, plus $150 for masters winners. Male and female Michigan residents who finish at least three races compete for series prizes of up to $1,000. Raises funds for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. For more information, visit www.standardfederalbank10K.com -SS

Southeast
Blue Water Hospice Runs, Marysville, June 7

The 10K and 5K, in their 18th year, can be magic if weather cooperates. The St. Clair River sparkles blue and the town is a fun place to hang out afterward. Phone (810) 982-8809. -AM

Dodge Park 3.1-Mile Run, Sterling Heights, June 14

In its 27th year offering fun, recreation and competition. When you've been around that long, you are doing something right. Visit www.sterling-heights.net/government/citydepartments/parksrecreation/ pub3356.asp or phone 586-446-2700. -AM

Plymouth YMCA Fathers Day Run, June 15

This 10K run, plus 5K and one-mile run/walks, draws 800 to 1,000 runners annually. Start times allow running all three races. A new Harley Davidson Sportster will be raffled: buy tickets for $25 each or five for a c- note. Phone (734) 453-2904. -AM

Volkslaufe, Frankenmuth, July 4

Something for everyone. Fireworks on Volkslaufe Eve are awesome, steins for winners are terrific, and the choice of 20K or 10K runs, 5K run/ walk or "Gemutlichkeit" 2K fun run are great. Reward your efforts with beer and chicken afterwards. Visit www.volkslaufe.org or phone (989) 652-2277. -AM

Central
Ellen's Race, East Lansing, July 27

Celebrates the life of Ellen Osborn, an East Lansing fourth-grader who died in 1993, plus the joys of childhood, friends and family. The fast, flat 5K starts and ends at Pinecrest Elementary School, making a figure- eight through neighborhoods. Post-race activities are superb. Visit www.apin.com/ellen/home or phone (517) 337-4461. -AM

Southwest
Fruitport Old-Fashioned Days Run, May 24

Kick off Memorial Day weekend running this 22nd-annual 5K or 10K on measured loop courses through picturesque, rolling countryside. Both Fruitport Lions Club-sponsored races start 9:30 a.m. at the high school football field, Sixth and Beech streets. Phone (231) 865-6273. -SS

Brian Diemer Amerikam 5K, Cutlerville, June 7

Prize money (10 deep for open, five deep for masters, including $500 for male and female winners) draws the state's elite to the hometown of three-time Olympic steeplechaser and '84 bronze medalist Brian Diemer. Beat Diemer--who, at 41, no longer races competitively but is no tortoise--and win a donut. Starts 9 am. at South Christian High School (from U.S. 131, exit 68th Street east). Stick around for the Cutlerville Days parade, awards and Junior Jog. Visit www.diemerrun.com or phone (616) 575-3363. -SS

Chronicle Seaway Run, Muskegon, June 28

Billed as "A Run With a View," this 22nd-annual classic offers exactly that. The 5K hugs Muskegon Lake; the 15K (Michigan Runner's 2003 title race at that distance) follows Muskegon Lake's shore, loops alongside Lake Michigan, bounds on a boardwalk, then comes back. Both start 8 a.m. at the Muskegon Family YMCA (showers and lockers available). One of MR's "25 Most-Interesting Races of the Last 25 Years." Visit www.chroniclevents.com or phone (231) 725-6333. -SS

Steve's Run, Dowagiac, July 26

Michigan's original road and trail races (10K, 5K and one-mile fun run) offer European cross-country features, starting and ending amid a festival and the Victorian renovation of downtown. Honors cancer-victim Steve Briegel and donates proceeds to Mayo Clinic cancer research. MR will televise this year's race, showing off Southwestern Michigan College and downtown Dowagiac. Race founder/director Ron Gunn is one of Michigan running's great ambassadors. Visitwww.smc.cc.mi.us/ fireup/stevesrun or phone (269) 782-1210. -AM

Northwest
Run & Walk for Funds, Northport, July 5

Take a trip to the tip of the Michigan mitten "pinkie" and you're at Northport, on the Leelanau Peninsula. Courses for the 10K run, 5K run/ walk and two-mile walk offer stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay. Proceeds from this 24th-annual favorite go to the local American Cancer Society. Phone (231) 386-5177 or email gwanderson@chartermi.net - SS

Alpenfest, Gaylord, July 19

Michigan's self-proclaimed "Golf Mecca" boasts many attractions, including a week-long, Swiss-themed festival with 7.5-mile, 5K and one- mile runs. In addition to 8 a.m. races, there's the "Burning of the Boogg," noon parade, car show all day Saturday, carnival, crafts and more. Phone 1-800-345-8621. -AM

Alden Run, July 26

The 5K and 10K share brutal starts up a hill out of town, but the payoff's terrific: cross country-style runs, views and downhills after. Alden is on Torch Lake, whose sparkling green must be seen to be believed, and hosts an arts-and-crafts fair/huge garage sale near the finish line. Phone (231) 331-6620 or email jalynpineview@yahoo.com -SS

Out of State
Sunburst Marathon, South Bend, Ind., June 7

Celebrates its 20th anniversary adding half-marathon to a roster including the marathon, 10K and 5K. There's a 5K fun walk the night before. Events start at the College Football Hall of Fame and end on Notre Dame Stadium's 50-yard line. Interesting college town to discover. Visit www.sunburstraces.org -AM MR