Bring your dog. Your children. Friends, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws…or come alone.  You surely won’t leave that way.

The 33rd annual Burns Park Run being held May 1, 2011 at the corner of Wells and Baldwin in Ann Arbor, is not only a fundraiser for Burns Park Elementary School Students.

It’s also a 5 & 10K road race, which last year drew more than 1,000 runners.

The event is “loved by elite and first time runners alike for its mostly flat course, post race brunch and friendly crowd,” maintains race organizers, Joel and Jackie Dalton.

A half-mile fun run is also available for youth who are not quite up to the challenge of completing a longer event, and every child receives a water bottle and finisher’s ribbon.

Ann Arbor resident and 2010 5K finisher, Anna Gilbert, describes the event as “one big neighborhood party with folks out on their front lawns cheering everyone on.”

Gilbert also notes “how hard the organizers work to involve all the kids in a meaningful way” and is impressed that the children’s age groups are divided into separate grades, kindergarten – 8 and 9 - 12.

Folks well beyond their teenage years also have the opportunity to compete in numerous age divisions for this year’s brand new custom medal.  Additionally, the overall male and female winners of the 5 and 10K competitions will be awarded a free pair of running shoes, compliments of Running Fit.

The Dalton’s attention to detail and diligent efforts to make their race all-inclusive are phenomenal.  In accord with last year’s event, children, kindergarten through grade twelve, attending public schools other than Burns Park, are also invited to raise money for their own Parent Teacher Organizations.

Furthermore, special prizes will be awarded to the school that nets the most youth runners.

To further inspire, each year a celebrity athlete is invited to be apart of the Burns Park Run.  Kenyan native Olympic hopeful and Eastern Michigan University’s former Cross Country Champion, Boaz Cheboiywo, has graciously accepted this time-honored role.

And don’t forget the Ann Arbor Track Club’s 25K Fitness Challenge!  The cost to sign up is nominal, the rewards huge, including race discounts, a technical t-shirt, special awards and much, much more.

Complete details and the latest news on the Burns Park Run and AATC 25K Fitness Challenge can be found at http://www.burnsparkrun.org/

Take it from three-year race veteran, Larry O’Sullivan, “The youthful energy is abundant, the race – well supported.”

The seasons may tease, our weather might fool, but the long standing Burns Park Run is sure to please young and old, one and all.