DETROIT (2/26/05) - Southeast Michigan runners have a terrific event to motivate them during their winter training.

The inaugural Heat the Streets 10K and 5K runs and 5K Walk for Warmth, offered by DTE Energy, drew more than 800 participants and raised funds to help low-income families pay heating bills.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick served as grand marshal and helped start races. Human services department director Dwayne Haywood also took part. The mayor, his wife and staff have been visible supporters of and participants in many Motor City running events.

While the race should grow in Detroit, it also offers suburbanites the opportunity to visit downtown on a wintry Saturday morning and run its streets.

Participants meet in the atrium of the new Compuware global headquarters, a beautiful, sheltered gathering point. The imaginative course allows runners to pass through Greektown and the Fox Theatre district, and around Comerica Park and Ford Field.

After the race, runners can grab coffee and browse the Borders Book Store within the building, quaff an adult beverage while listening to music at the Hard Rock Cafe, or have lunch at Greektown. If you are up for a duathlon, bring your skates for action at the Campus Martius Park skating rink.

Mark your calendars for a memorable event. For more information, visit http://www.heatthestreets.org. MR