The Big Ten run had been scheduled for Sept. 24. It got to the point where we weren't raising any money for our mission. The 10-mile marquee event, full of arduous hills and used by many as a test of fitness heading into their fall marathons, had been held for 20 years. Last year, it and an affiliated 10K drew about 1,000. Christner says the association is channeling its efforts toward a statewide series of walks next May called the Breath of Life Walks, in conjunction with Clean Air Month.
Details have yet to be worked out.
She also says the association would welcome a host organization or individual to pick up the Big Ten run for next year and turn over funds raised to the lung association. Local runners have expressed dismay to find out at the end of the summer season that one of their favorite runs has been cancelled on such short notice. Ann Stewart, an elite marathoner and owner of her own company, Athletic Ventures, which puts on races in the Ann Arbor area, including several runs at Domino's Farms, says she would have loved the opportunity to keep the event alive this year. It's a great race, a tough course and a nice prep for a fall marathon. I'm sorry charities don't see the history of an event as do the participants.