KALAMAZOO KLASSIC'S MISSION: Promote diversity, community and overall health and well-being while raising funds that benefit individuals with disabilities.
Are you interested in being involved with one of Kalamazoo's premier events? There are outstanding promotional opportunities available for the 2008 Kalamazoo Klassic!
For more information on sponsorship and benefits please call MRC Industries at: 269.343.0747
or e-mail us at: mrcpr@mrcindustries.org
For more information on the Klassic and other racing events, check out the Kalamazoo Area Runners' website.
For more information on sponsorship and benefits please call MRC Industries at: 269.343.0747
or e-mail us at: mrcpr@mrcindustries.org
For more information on the Klassic and other racing events, check out the Kalamazoo Area Runners' website.
A big "Thank You" to all of our sponsors who made the 2008 Klassic possible:
History
Benefitting MRC Industries, Inc.
Acknowlegements
Several participants have made the Klassic a part of their lives for 25 years. Dick Hoeskstra ran the first Klassic in 1979 as a high schooler. Since then Dick has finished all 23 Klassic 10Ks and the 5K for the two years the 10K was not offered. Dave Dunn has also participated in all 25 races. Dave ran the 1979 race as a high schooler and continued to race the Klassic during his years at WMU where he ran track. His best time at the Klassic was 32:18 in 1984. A chronic back injury ended his running career in 1993 but he returned as a Race Walker and has won the Klassic 5K Walk three times. Patsy Hand was talked into running the first Klassic by a friend. Since then she has participated every year despite forgotten numbers and torn ligaments. Patsy, Dave and Dick were presented 25 Year Commemorative Jackets at the 25th Klassic Race Awards Ceremony.
Bob Rafferty has been a volunteer for all 25 years. He has all 25 T-shirts.
The YMCA has also been involved for all 25 years. They have provided their facilities for race planning meetings, late registration, and packet pick-up.
Where are they now?
David Kays (1979 Track Club President and first Race Director) lives near Nashville, Tennessee. He no longer runs but swims and bikes. James Gregart (Fired the starting gun at the first Klassic) is Kalamazoo County Prosecutor. Bill Krasean (Involved in race organization) is still at the Kalamazoo Gazette and active in the local running community. Blain Lam (Race Director for several years and a catalyst for Club activity in the 80s) is a Independent Consultant in Kalamazoo and is active in the Borgess Run organization.
Acknowledgements
The author thanks Blaine Lam and Bill Krasean for contributions to this article. Please direct correspondence regarding this article to Jay Campbell at jay_a_campbell@hotmail.com.
Several participants have made the Klassic a part of their lives for 25 years. Dick Hoeskstra ran the first Klassic in 1979 as a high schooler. Since then Dick has finished all 23 Klassic 10Ks and the 5K for the two years the 10K was not offered. Dave Dunn has also participated in all 25 races. Dave ran the 1979 race as a high schooler and continued to race the Klassic during his years at WMU where he ran track. His best time at the Klassic was 32:18 in 1984. A chronic back injury ended his running career in 1993 but he returned as a Race Walker and has won the Klassic 5K Walk three times. Patsy Hand was talked into running the first Klassic by a friend. Since then she has participated every year despite forgotten numbers and torn ligaments. Patsy, Dave and Dick were presented 25 Year Commemorative Jackets at the 25th Klassic Race Awards Ceremony.
Bob Rafferty has been a volunteer for all 25 years. He has all 25 T-shirts.
The YMCA has also been involved for all 25 years. They have provided their facilities for race planning meetings, late registration, and packet pick-up.
Where are they now?
David Kays (1979 Track Club President and first Race Director) lives near Nashville, Tennessee. He no longer runs but swims and bikes. James Gregart (Fired the starting gun at the first Klassic) is Kalamazoo County Prosecutor. Bill Krasean (Involved in race organization) is still at the Kalamazoo Gazette and active in the local running community. Blain Lam (Race Director for several years and a catalyst for Club activity in the 80s) is a Independent Consultant in Kalamazoo and is active in the Borgess Run organization.
Acknowledgements
The author thanks Blaine Lam and Bill Krasean for contributions to this article. Please direct correspondence regarding this article to Jay Campbell at jay_a_campbell@hotmail.com.
