Drenth Memorial Foot Races - 5K/10K and Family Mile

Race Day: Saturday, July 22nd - 2023, Downtown Charlevoix, Michigan

Online Registration

5K/10K: 9 AM Corner of Park Avenue and Grant Street, two blocks west of downtown. The 10K is part of the Michigan Runner Race Series for 2022.

Family Mile: 10 AM Bridge Street at the stoplight

The 5K and 10K courses are fast, unique and picturesque. Each highlights the best Charlevoix has to offer: running through areas of beautiful Earl Young mushroom style houses, along the channel connecting Lake Michigan to Lake Charlevoix, through the newly re-done East Park, and along the Belvedere Club. Finally, each race finishes in front of an enthusiastic crowd awaiting the start of the Venetian Festival Parade.

The Family Mile features an out and back course which starts and finishes in beautiful downtown Charlevoix. This family friendly event can be enjoyed by all, including those in jogging strollers. This event also finishes just prior to the parade so plan on hearing plenty of encouragement. Each participant in this event will receive a medal and a popsicle!


All race proceeds benefit Charlevoix High School Cross Country & Pete Spieles Scholarship Fund!

Registration and Packet Pickup

Registration/Packet Pickup:

  • In-person registration/packet pickup on Friday 3 PM to 6 PM at First Congregational Church

  • In-person registration/packet pickup on Saturday 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM at First Congregational Church

  • First Congregational Church - 101 State St, Charlevoix, MI 49720

Entry Fee:

  • T-Shirts are included with entry fee and only guaranteed for early registration

  • Early registration end at Noon on Thursday, July 20

  • 5K/10K early registration - $25, late registration - $30

  • Family Mile early registration - $25, late registration - $30

  • Family = Mom + Dad + Children, maximum of four t-shirts per family, additional t-shirts are $5 each

Age Groups:

  • 5K - 15 age groups, youngest being 9 and under, and oldest 70 and over

  • 10K - age groups start at 13 and under, with the oldest being 70 and over

Aid Stations:

  • Aid stations with water on both 5K and 10K courses

  • Water and food at the finish line

Awards:

  • Awards pickup immediately following races at the finish area

Questions:

Course Maps

Results

Jeff Drenth

Jeff Drenth attended Charlevoix High School, graduating in 1979. He competed in cross- country and track while in school earning All-State status in the former during his senior year. Jeff continued his running career at Central Michigan University, twice winning the individual MAC conference championship in cross country, and earning All-American status in cross country in 1982. He remains a school record holder in the 10,000-meter event.

After graduating from C.M.U. with a teaching degree, Jeff embarked on his professional running career. He competed for the Nike-sponsored Athletics West club based in Eugene, Oregon. He represented the United States on three different occasions as a member of the world cross-country team. He also competed at the 1984 Olympic Trials in the 10,000-meter event.

Jeff passed away at the Athletics West headquarters in 1986. The cause of his death was unknown.

Jeff was a mentor and friend to many in his hometown, and around the country.


Article on Jeff's legacy at CMU from CM Life.