Ryan Shay Road Mile: July 27th/Prize Money-Travel Money

help me understand wrote:

What I don't get is why are you having a road mile in memory of a guy who never raced shorter than a 5K?

Make it at least a 5K and up the prize money with special bonuses for beating Ryan Shay's PR and special prize money for local runners. Make the race about Ryan Shay and not about your event and guys will show up.

I don't understand people like you. You clearly have never been to this race and know nothing about it. Ryan grew up very close to where the race is held and his parents come to the race each year, meet the runners, and so forth. The guys who put on the race do a great job honoring Ryan and telling his story. It's an amazing event. Watch the race videos on YouTube, ask someone who's been there, or something along those lines to get the picture.

And by the way... if you knew anything about the race, the 5K and 10K are already named in honor of Jeff Drenth and his late parents, all from Charlevoix. A quick search would give you that information, but I'm not sure you're interested in truth... just shade.

This def sounds like a super cool event.

Still looking for runners, contact Matt @ mpeterson@ejps.org

Great it sounds like they are already half way there to making it a good event. I still don't get why they are running a distance that has nothing to do with Ryan Shay. Have the Drenth 5K and Shay 10K. As a 5K/10K guy, if I was Ryan Shay I'd think it was a little odd that they are running a mile in my name. It is like running a 400 in honor of Roger Bannister.

Still spots for runners, contact Matt @ mpeterson@ejps.org

Last call for athletes-still some travel money available but interested athletes must contact me by this Friday June 28th. Thanks!

Actually-we will probably take later entrants than this.......those that don't make USA qualifier...please reach out to me.

Hi Traverse City...thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve this event. Our ultimate goal is to provide a quality race experience for both the competitors and fans, and of course honor Ryan appropriately. Having said that-we'd love to improve the prize money. We've reached out to business' big and small...and have appreciated all their support. If you have any connections that could help or perhaps you are willing to make a donation to contribute to the event. Thanks again-Matt Peterson.

Just thought I'd add in my two cents as I'm running the 10k this year..

I was up there with family and stayed in Torch Lake last year and was able to watch the elite mile and run the family mile. Great event, great atmosphere, and super fun to watch. Although some people weren't into running in attendance, the commentator (who did a fabulous job mixing in stats and humor) and the runners made it all worth it. Awesome job!!!

Don't let anyone tell you how to put on a race, you guys obviously know how to based off of what I saw.

jhartnagle wrote:

Still spots for runners, contact Matt @

mpeterson@ejps.org

prize money should be more

Just sent my entry information in ... hope i get a spot.