Souhteast
Heart of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills, July 26

Head for the hills for these 17th-annual 5K and 10K runs, starting 8 a.m. (when weather is still relatively cool) and ending at Andover High School. For more information, visit www.motor-citystriders.com or phone (248) 544-9099.

Eastpointe Lions Club 5K, Aug. 3

Eastpointe (near Detroit's Grosse Pointes) hosts this second-annual run/ walk at Kennedy Park, on Stephens Road, starting at 8:15 a.m. There's a mile fun run/walk as well. Entry fee includes all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Phone (586) 776-1918 or email schobiek@aol.com

Run Thru Hell, Hell/Pinckney, Aug. 9

Nationally-known 10- and 4.8-mile races offer one of our sport's most- prized t-shirts. Starts 8 a.m. at Hell Creek Ranch, about five miles southeast of Pinckney; roads are narrow and race is popular, so come early. Visit www.gaultracemanagement.com or phone devilish director Harrison Hensley at (734) 878-6640.

Bill's Run Richmond Run, Aug. 16

Richmondis Beebe Street Memorial Park hosts sixth-annual 8K and 5K races, plus a mile fun run. All start at 8 a.m. and are held in memory of William K. Hamilton. Entry fee includes post-race refreshments and therapeutic leg massage. Visit www.ci.richmond.mi.us or phone (586) 727-7571, ext. 105.

Melon Run, Howell, Aug. 22

Howell's melons are as famous as these Friday-evening 5K and 10K races, now in their second quarter-century. Both start at 6:30 in Howell City Park, near Barnard and Thompson streets. L.E.T.S. Transportation will shuttle runners. Register online at www.gaultracemanagement.com or phone (517) 546-0693.

Crim Festival of Races, Flint, Aug. 23

The 10-miler, possibly Michigan's premier road race, draws world elites and thousands of others to tackle the Flint River start, Bradley hills and famed brick-street finish. There are also 8K, 5K and one-mile run/walks, a Teddy Bear Trot, pre-race expo and post-race festival, all downtown near the start and finish. 10 Mile is part of Michigan Runner Race Series. Visit www.crim.org or phone (810) 235-3396.

Milford Labor Day 30K, Aug. 30

Rarely-run distance makes this a great tune-up for fall marathons. Course is mostly dirt roads and hilly. Last year's second-annual race drew 162 runners, triple its first-year turnout. Proceeds promote Down's- Syndrome awareness. Visit www.laborday30K.com or phone (248) 685-7580.

Witch's Hat Run, South Lyon, Sept. 6

No, this is not a Halloween Run; race is named for South Lyon's distinctively-shaped train depot. Veteran stars Laurel Park and Wally Herrala put this 10K and/or 5K on their schedules each year. Both start 9:30 a.m. at South Lyon High School. Visit www.slxc.com or phone (248) 437-6254.

Southwest
Run for Your Health 5K, Muskegon, Sept.1

Mercy General Health Partners' 21st-annual Labor Day romp starts and ends at Pere Marquette Park, with an out-and-back course alongside Lake Michigan that includes a half-mile boardwalk. Cool off afterward in the big lake and/or refreshment tent at the Shoreline Spectacular festival. Last year's race drew a record 351 entrants despite rain, convincing sponsors to go with chip timing this year. Visit www.mghp.com/news/shore-line_run.shtml or phone (231) 739-3948.

Reeds Lake Triathlon, East Grand Rapids, Sept. 6

This 20th-annual favorite features a half-mile swim, 18-mile bike and five-mile run. The swim course is flat, others less so. Overall winners get $250, runners-up $125 and third-place finishers $75. Masters champs receive $50 and are eligible for open prize money too. Starts and ends at John Collins Park. No race-day registration and field is limited to 800, so sign up early. Visit www.eastgr.org or phone (616) 949-1750.

Walk-Er Run, Walker, Sept. 13

The fruit spread after these 5K and 10K races, now in their 22nd year, is worth the entry fee by itself. Starts and ends at Kenowa Hills Intermediate School, 4252 Three Mile Rd., NW. You can also donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Society through the Mary Szczepanski "Never Give Up" Scholarship. Visit www.ci.wal ker.mi.us/Services/ParksandRec/ Programs/Walk-erRun.html or phone the Walker Recreation Department at (616) 791-6890.

Northwest
Cadillac Festival of Races, Cadillac, Sept. 1

This woods-and-water paradise hosts the RRCA 10K and 5K state championships. The 10K is part of this year's Michigan Runner Race Series. First-year Adventure Triathlon includes a 5K run, 12-mile bike and two-mile kayak. All start and end at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Phone (231) 775-4272.

Harvest Stompede, Leelanau Peninsula, Sept. 13

Michigan Runner's best new run of 2001 just keeps getting better. Features seven-mile and 5K runs through scenic vineyards, plus discount for winery tour of region. Tickets sell out quickly, so book early. Visit www.lpwines.com/harvest-stompede.shtml or phone (231) 938-3247.

Upper Peninsula
St. Ignace Fitness Expo, Aug. 16 & 17

Fun and fitness in the beautiful Straits of Mackinac include 5K and 10K runs along the shoreline Saturday morning, a boat cruise with sunset views of the Mackinac Bridge that evening, and bike tour crossing "Big Mac" next morning. Visit www.stignace.com or phone (810) 338-6660.

Mackinac Island 8-Mile, Sept. 6

The island, -- a Michigan icon with its historic fort, downtown, mansions, and car-less roads roamed by bikes and horses -- is a treat any time, especially for this race around its perimeter. Held for 33 years on the Saturday after Labor Day (think "fewer tourists, crisp running weather"), it offers breath-taking views of the Mackinac Bridge, Lake Huron, Arch Rock and other favorites. Typically draws close to 3,000 runners and walkers, who start in waves based on predicted per-mile pace. Visit www.gaultracemanagement.com or phone (810) 659-6493.

Northeast
Mark Mellon Memorial Triathlon, Gaylord, Aug. 2

In its 23rd year, this is one of the longest continually-staged swim-bike- run races in the world. Features 1K swim in Otsego Lake, 50K bike with impressive hills, then flat out-and-back 10K run that lets you size up your competition. Many athletes camp on-site, Otsego County Park; sign up early, if that's your plan. Kid's Tri and shorter Twilight Tri are held in the afternoon and evening. Phone (989) 732-6521.

Silver Valley Trail Run, East Tawas, Sept. 27

You get a double dose of happiness: a great 7K or 5K fun run in the Huron National Forest, plus a chance to hang out in East Tawas and Lake Huron. Views are gorgeous, especially if color season has started early. Everyone has a chance to win one of four random cash prizes. Call (800) 55-TAWAS.

Central
Capital City River Run, Lansing, Sept. 28

Family-friendly fun starts and ends at Impression 5 Science Center, a hands-on museum with displays and events for children of all ages. Smile Mile Kids Run (ages 12 and under) starts at 9:30 a.m., quarter- mile Slime Dash (ages seven and under) at 9:40, 10-mile run (typically for grown-ups) at 10, and 5K at 10:10, all on shores of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers. 10 mile is part of Michigan Runner Race Series. Museum is three blocks east of the Capitol, just south of Michigan Avenue on Museum Drive. Visit www.ccriver-run.org or phone (517) 332-2681.

Ohio
Celebrate Westlake, Aug. 30

This city of 30,000, just west of Cleveland, offers a five-mile run with $1,000 cash prizes to overall male and female winners, a 3.4-mile walk, kids fun runs and 5.5-mile in-line skate. Don't forget music, post-race massages, food tent, refreshments and kids activities. Michigan Runner will be on hand to see what's to celebrate in Westlake. Phone (440) 808- 5700 or visit www.celebratewestlake.com.

River Run 5K & Half-Marathon, Cleveland, Sept. 6 & 7

Saturday's 5K and Sunday's half-marathon showcase Cleveland Metroparks. The point-to-point 13.1-miler runs alongside the Rocky River in shade from trees, and includes theme water stops, music and post-race pizza party. There's also a two-day expo, Cleveland Browns Kiddie Run, in-line skate race and half-marathon relay option. Michigan Runner will be on hand and report back to readers on this premier Ohio Run. www.hermescleveland.com or phone (216) 623-9933. MR