Polly Ann Trail Run/Walk Saturday, June 4 at ICHS

Sign-up begins for participants in event to raise funds for trail

IMLAY CITY — Whether you prefer to run or walk, the traditional Polly Ann Trail Run/Walk on Saturday, June 4 will help you start your day on the right foot.

The 15th Annual Friends of the Polly Ann Trail fundraiser kicks off at 9 a.m. from the northwest corner of the Imlay City High School parking lot.

Check-in time for the 4.5-mile event is at 7:45 a.m., when participants can prep for running or walking the distance.

In keeping with tradition, the Polly Ann Trail Run/Walk is held in conjunction with National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4.

David Howell, chairman of Friends of the Polly Ann Trail, said the event will start from the west side of Blacks Corners Rd. and go south to Hunters Creek Rd., east to Summers Rd., then north back to the Polly Ann Trail and back to the finish just before Blacks Corners Rd.

Due to the pandemic, last year’s course started and finished at Dryden Memorial Park.

Howell said it is now the intention of the Friends of the Polly Ann group to alternate each year between Dryden and Imlay City.

Registration begins

The registration cost is $30 through May 28; and rises to $35 up to and including race day on June 4.

All participants (until supplies run out) will receive a t-shirt and finisher medal upon registration.

There will be awards for the “first overall” male and female, and awards for first male and female in the various age groups, including: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and over.

Howell said the annual Run/Walk is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Friends of the Polly Ann Trail.

“The Friends group is focusing most of its energy on raising money for trail maintenance,” said Howell. “Though Lapeer County is the manager of the trail, it spends no county funds on the trail.

“Most years, there is some trail funding from the Michigan DNR, but that money is on hold.”

Howell added that most of the maintenance done on the trail is by volunteers.

“The Friends group works hard to raise the money for fuel and maintenance for volunteer equipment used on the trail,” Howell said. “Support for this event will translate into support for trail maintenance.