Race directors, Jessica and Chris Stark, and their six-week-old baby girl Madilyn, who was entered in the Fun Run with proud Daddy, while son, Eric, age 7, took second in his age group, welcomed runners to the ­5th annual Chemical Bank Kingsley Heritage Days 5k and Fun Run July 15, 2017. The race was held along a beautiful partially paved and wooded course featuring handsome horses in a nearby field. The runs started near Brownson Park, downtown Kingsley, and featured medals for the top three finishers in each age group, and a free pancake breakfast at The Rock. The race was sponsored by Chemical Bank, Gogo Squeeze, The Rock, and Northland Food Center. Results can be found online here. The race was part of the Traverse City Track Club racing series. 

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My race “winner” was Corey Grames, 33, from Cadillac. Corey lost 213 pounds after suffering four heart attacks. Corey was not the fastest runner today, but he was the bravest, recovering from his heart attacks. Corey is currently weight training and hopes to earn his way onto a Cadillac-area power-lifting team, while holding his weight steady. Bill Swift, 74, is another “winner.” This was Bill’s 1058th race. I edged Bill in a close finish, although the online race results show Bill beating me. Strange. The race between Bill and me proves racers near the end of the pack can have good, hard competition.  Keith Revolt, 55, of Traverse City, saw his cholesterol drop from 205 to 140. Keith was joined by his wife, Michelle, age 55. Rebecca Nofke, 34, was in the fun run with her new daughter, Brynn, only six days old. Running has helped Rebecca mentally and physically.  Michael Novak, 69, from Harrietta, made a new year’s resolution to run three 5Ks each month. Michael is doing OK on the 5Ks. He’s already done three 5Ks this month. Michael is a Naval Academy graduate and a Navy veteran of 32 years and retiring as a surface warfare officer. Thank you, Michael for your service.

Angela Ingold, 30, from TC, is the current Pure International Pageants Ms. Sweetheart. Angela won her crown in Orlando, Florida, completing an interview, an on-stage introduction, modeling and evening wear. Congratulations to 5K finisher and queen, Angela Ingold. We were fortunate to talk to another queen, Jessica Mason-Froelich, Mrs. Michigan 2017, who was crowned in Jenison, Michigan. Jessica will compete in Las Vegas for Mrs. America.  Jessica got her start in the contests because she watched a Mrs. America contest on TV in 2005. She has been working toward this goal since. The competition will be for best swimsuit, evening gown, an interview and a state costume. Jessica teaches dancing for children in her “spare” time.

We were honored to meet clients of the Lighthouse. Rob, age 60, and Eli, age 28, were in the fun run. Mike, their personal trainer, accompanied them. HIPAA laws forbid using last names.  Eileen Asam, 64, of TC, had high cholesterol five years ago. With diet changes and exercise, Eileen dropped her cholesterol from over 200 to a normal range. Her doctor says her good cholesterol is the best he has seen for a woman of her age. Chris Desmond, 34 from TC, ran with a twinner Jogging stroller with twin daughters Stella and Saylor, age 2. Chris and twins almost beat me. Today was only his second race. Laura Miller, 45, of Lake Leelanau, dropped 25 pounds. Laura’s heart is healthier than ever and according to her doctor, Laura has reduced her chance of heart trouble. For Mark Sanchez, 41, of TC, running is his chance to get away from stress. Mark dropped 20 pounds. This is Mark’s 3rd race. Steve Pankowski, 55, of Buckley enjoys the endorphins released while running. The race could not have taken place without the help of many volunteers such as Jeanine Elder, who helped with pre-registration and watched Jessica’s new baby during award presentation and cheered for the old men (me) because by the time old men are given their prizes, most folks have left and are enjoying the free pancake breakfast at The Rock.

Jessica and Chris Stark, baby Madilyn, big sister Alli, and big brother, Eric, hope you will join them next year for the Kingsley Heritage Days 5k and Fun Run, so you can experience this lovely course. Before starting an exercise program, talk to your physician for approval.

Mickey Fivenson, 75, is a stroke survivor. Mickey’s doctor credits running to his survival. He is a 100 pound loser and former director of the National Cherry Festival Races. He completed over 60 marathons and holds a marathon world record with sons, Zack and Adam. He has trained 150,000+ miles in 48 years of running. He took second place in his age group.  If you’d like tips on running, on marathons, if you have a story to share how running has impacted your life, or if you would like coverage of your race, contact Mickey through the editor (editorial@traversemagazine.com).

Photo(s) by Mickey Fivenson