TRAVERSE CITY — The seventh annual Big Little Hero Race returns Saturday, April 23 to Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus with a theme of mentorship matters. An experiential learning project by students in a Professional Communications class, each donation for this event up to $5,000 will be matched by a local sponsor and benefit College for Kids Scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Every year the Big Little Hero Race team chooses a local hero to lead the fun run and recognize during the award ceremony. This year’s race will honor Great Lakes Potato Chip owner Chris Girrbach, who is three races into a mission to complete a triathlon in every state to raise awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Great Lakes also will produce special edition packages of potato chips for the race.

“I wanted to do my part to help Bigs the best way I know how. Some kids get the short end of the stick, and Bigs makes a world of difference to those kids, so it’s the least I can do,” Girrbach said.

All races begin and finish near the West Hall Innovation building on NMC’s main campus. This event includes:

  • 1 mile fun run/walk: Free to participate & free cape for kids
  • 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $25 for adults
  • 10K run: $25 for students, $30 for adults
  • Virtual: $15 for all

Food, an inflatable obstacle course, live music by Drew Hale and an awards ceremony follow the race. Medals will be presented for:

  • Top three male/female finishers for both 5K and 10K
  • Best costume for male, female, child, group, and dog

The costume-encouraged Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and is followed by the 5K and 10K which simultaneously start at 9:30 a.m. Register before March 20 for early bird prices, and by April 3 to guarantee a free t-shirt.

To register, donate or for more information please visit biglittleherorace.com

Release date: March 9, 2022

For more information:

Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059

Angelika Diehl
Student media contact
(231) 360-4870
diehla@mail.nmc.edu

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