(Chelsea Update would like to thank Matt Pegouskie for the information in this story.)
Run for the Rolls recently announced the return of a 5K to its annual event on Aug. 29 and in its ninth year, will welcome Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and his son as participants.
The races precede the Chelsea Community Fair Parade, with the 5K beginning at 12:30 p.m. and the 1-mile run starting at 12:45 p.m. Proceeds from the run will benefit the St. Louis Center’s Fitness for Life Program, which provides health programming such as free aerobics and fitness classes.
The event began in 2007 to provide a community-focused event for all kinds of athletes. In previous years, families, athletes, non-athletes, children and individuals with disabilities have participated. Individuals and families of varied ages and abilities annually participate in the traditional 1-mile race. It’s not uncommon to see racers in wheelchairs or with intellectual or developmental disabilities at the starting and finish line.
This year, as Run for the Rolls introduces the first 5K run since 2011, Calley and his son, Collin, are expected to join the runners.
“Our focus on runners with all abilities has helped attract many non-traditional runners to our annual event,” said Cindy Triveline, Run for the Rolls race director, in a press release. “We are excited to expand this event and have Lt. Gov. Calley joining us this year.”
Calley, a long-distance runner who is known for promoting both physical and mental wellness across the state, is expected to speak at the event kick-off, then join his son in the 5K. Calley led the charge to implement autism insurance reform and has traveled extensively to promote inclusion for people with disabilities.
“The Run for the Rolls is a great chance to bring athletes and non-athletes alike to participate in this annual event, regardless of ability,” Calley said. “It’s exciting to see this annual event grow in the Chelsea community and I look forward to participating this year.”
“As a result of our efforts to bring non-traditional runners into the sport we’ve had four runners – Sophie Lash, Jacob Nelson, Bryce Hotaling and Nicholas Hoffman, nominated for the annual Governor’s Fitness Award over the last three years,” Triveline said.
In 2013, Lash won the Governor’s Council Conquering Obesity Award. She has a great story, as do Nelson, Hotaling and Hoffman, she said.
As in 2014, 2015 proceeds from Run for the Rolls will go to St. Louis Center’s Fitness for Life program. Over the last three years, St. Louis Center has implemented physical activity programming to improve the health and quality of life of their residents. Opportunities for residents include free aerobic classes at Chelsea Wellness Center, daily fitness classes at St. Louis Center, a new garden in which residents work and Run for the Rolls training. Their residents will be running with other participants in this year’s race.
Scott and Misha Moore of Moore Pediatrics sponsor Run for the Rolls’ Bulldog Challenge. The fastest Chelsea team of three or more participants will win the Bulldog Challenge trophy and $200 for first place and $100 for second.
There is also a school challenge. Teams from Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, St. Louis Center and Stockbridge area schools can earn prize money for the most participants. First place is $500; second place $250; and third place earns $100. In 2014, St. Louis Center School placed first.
Run for the Rolls hosts a summer training program which began June 14, but is still open to anyone interested in preparing for the race. Training occurs on Sunday, Tuesday and Fridays at 6 p.m. on the Chelsea Football Field’s track. Race preparation includes both one mile and Couch to 5K training. The training is open to everyone, regardless of ability.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Moore Pediatrics, the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation, Silver Maples of Chelsea and the Chelsea Rotary Club.
To learn more or register for Run for the Rolls, click here or email
