5th Annual Fun Run is Sept. 14ANN ARBOR—The starter’s gun for the University of Michigan’s Fifth Annual Fun Run with President Lee C. Bollinger will sound at noon on Sept. 14 at the Washington Heights entrance to Nichols Arboretum. Walkers and runners can register for the 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) event at the Burnham House beginning at 11 a.m. that day.

Because parking is limited, participants are encouraged to use campus transportation or walk to Burnham House. From North Campus, take the Commuter Southbound to the Taubman Center stop or Mott lot on East Medical Center Drive. Runners and walkers coming from Central Campus can take the Commuter Northbound to Stockwell Hall or the stop near the Simpson Building. Commuters buses run every 10 minutes. For commuter bus routes, see http://www.transportation.umich.edu.

To accommodate the lunch-time run crowd, the Central Campus Recreation Building will make a locker, showers and a towel available to runners and walkers for $1.50.

The 150-acre site of the Nichols Arboretum is the perfect campus venue for this event. As in the past, members of the men’s and women’s cross country teams are expected to participate in the run. The first annual presidential fun run was held in conjunction with Bollinger’s inauguration.

“The walk/run is an opportunity for members of the University community to come together to exercise at one of the University’s most beautiful natural areas,” says Jim Kosteva, director of community relations and chair of the fun run planning committee.

“Runner and walkers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate,” Kosteva says. This is not a competitive event, and no times will be posted. Kosteva says runners and walkers can anticipate some modest hills and uneven footing along the scenic course.

Water, juice and bagels will be available after the run. Many early registrants also will receive T-shirts with a special logo commemorating the event.

Lee C. Bollingerhttp://www.transportation.umich.edu