GRAND HAVEN — Runners from across Ottawa County hit the pavement Sunday, May 18, morning for the Armed Services Marathon, half marathon, and 5K presented by Adelaide Pointe.

Starting and finishing at the Grand Haven High School football stadium, the event brought the community together to honor first responders, law enforcement and those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.

About 500 participants of all skill levels gathered in what would become a sold-out event, becoming the Armed Services Marathon’s most successful event to date, according to race director Ron Knoll.

The race took participants off the school’s property onto Ferris Street, over to Lakeshore Avenue to just before Kirk Park, then back to the school. The half marathon was one lap of this course, while the full marathon was two.

A portion of the proceeds will go to Folds of Honor Michigan, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of disabled or deceased veterans, law enforcement and first responders. Folds of Honor has awarded over 62,000 scholarships totaling over $290 million.

The event also collaborated with the military branches, each of which set up exhibits near the stadium entrance. The branches, along with volunteers and members of Folds of Honor, set up aid stations along the track to help runners with drinks and snacks.

Knoll said he acquired the race nine years ago under its original name, the “Oktoberfest” Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. He changed the name four years later to better align with a new purpose. 

“We wanted to change our beneficiary to military members and first responders,” said Knoll. “The collaboration with the military, law enforcement, and first responders has really drawn a lot of people to engage with and embrace the theme of the event.”

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Knoll also spoke about what he hopes participants take away from the experience. 

“Our hope is that people embrace the mission of the event — to engage and respectfully appreciate military members, law enforcement and first responders — and embrace the mission of the Folds of Honor. At the same time, we hope they have an enjoyable and safe event,” he said.

Knoll encouraged the public to give the event a try next year: “We would love to see even first-timers come on out and walk the course if they would like to embrace the event and the atmosphere of the day.”

Racer Michael Sorenson, a participant for the past two years, offered his encouragement: “Inspire yourself, do the work, and remember it is about you, not about the times or the numbers — it's about getting out, supporting people and working hard.”

— Contact Diego Storck at dstorck@ottawanewsnetwork.org.