The new Standard Federal Bank 10K Series that blew into our state this year was a breath of fresh air for Michigan runners. Suddenly, our race calendar boasted four new races on four new courses in different cities. Competitions in Lansing June 29, Grand Rapids July 20 and Kalamazoo Aug. 17 awarded $500 to open champions. The Sept. 14 finale in Auburn Hills offered double prize money. The bank's charity partner was Michigan Habitat for Humanity. Standard Federal's advance team included talent that's been responsible for the successful LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and the same city's Shamrock Shuffle. Two members, CM director Carey Pinkowski and writer/author Hal Higdon of Runner's World, ran in all four Michigan races. Standard Federal is a sister bank to LaSalle Bank, sponsor of both the Chicago races. While the race promotion was primarily from outstate, leaders did hook up with local running stores in Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Auburn Hills. Gazelle Sports, Hansons' Running Shops and Playmakers were site sponors and furnished contact points for runners. Chris Crowell of Gazelle Sports was impressed with the overall organization of the events. "Sponsors did a great job," he said. We are looking forward to working with them next year." Standard Federal CEO Scott Heitmann seemed pleased enough with this first summer that he's given the series a go-ahead for the future. "We hope the series will grow exponentially and runners will come for the fun races bring their communities," Heitmann said. Auburn Hills mayor Mari Harvey-Edwards was on hand for the series finale. "The race lets us show off our beautiful city," Edwards said.

Sept. 14 Auburn Hills Results MALES, OVERALL: Clint Verran, Rochester Hills, 29:39; Michael Korir, Livonia, 29:51; Julius Mwangi, Lebanon, IN, 30:21. MASTERS: Chris Glowacki, Freeland, 33:53. FEMALES, OVERALL: Betsy Frens, Grand Rapids, 34:58; Mari Chandler, East Tawas, 35:37; Sheila Taormina, Livonia, 36:14. MASTERS: Cindy Keeler, Clermont, FL, 37:57.

Aug. 17 Kalamazoo Results MALES, OVERALL: Kyle Baker, Mason, 30:53; Paul Aufdemberge, Redford, 31:54; Chris Stine, Madison Heights, 32:07. MASTERS: Kevin Hanson, Sterling Heights, 34:25. FEMALES, OVERALL: Stephanie Dueringer, Indianapolis, IN, 36.34; Betsy Frens, Grand Rapids, 37:03; Elisa Zemlick, Portage, 40:17. MASTERS: Donna Baker, Kalamazoo, 51:48.

July 20 Grand Rapids Results MALES, OVERALL: Julius Mwangi, Lebanon, IN, 30:46; David Kimeli, Lansing, 31:19; Mike Wisniewski, Ann Arbor, 31:22. MASTERS: Michael Frank, Grosse Pointe Woods, 37:32. FEMALES, OVERALL: Betsy Frens, Grand Rapids, 36.49; Laurie Decker, Cadillac, 40:25; Kathy Hoving, Holland, 41:26. MASTERS: Laurie Decker, Cadillac, 40:25. June 29 Lansing Results MALES, OVERALL: David Kimeli, Lansing, 31:26; Paul Aufdemberge, Redford, 31:31; Carl Rundell, Rochester Hills, 31:52. MASTERS: Kevin Hanson, Sterling Heights, 34:29. FEMALES, OVERALL: Stephanie Dueringer, Indianapolis, IN, 35:56; Katie Jazwinski, Ann Arbor, 36:47; Tere Stouffer Drenth, Franklin, IN, 37:53. MASTERS: Janice Spodarek, Okemos, 41:39. Check out the Auburn Hills run on Michigan Runner