I am a runner.  I have been since I was about 8 years old.  When it is the topic of discussion, I frequently hear comments such as "you know how runners are" or "runners are of a different breed".  I assume these comments arise because dedicated runners frequently pound the pavement regardless of the conditions - temperature extremes, torturous terrain, snow, wind, rain...  Nothing seems to stop us.  We tend to push the limit.  Anything for a challenge.

     On April 4th & 5th this challenge will be taken out of this world and made intragalactic.  That's right, the "Martian Invasion of Races" occurs at Ford Field in Dearborn, Michigan.  These events are sure to be a family (and alien) friendly way to get your exercise.

     The races, presented by Running Fit, include a 5k, 10k, Half & Full Martian Marathons, and a Mini-Martian Marathon for kids.   A donation of $5,000 from the races will be given to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT).  TNT is the world's largest sports training program dedicated to helping individuals train for activities such as marathons and triathlons while raising money to fund blood cancer research.  A portion of the proceeds from the Martian Marathon races has been given to TNT every year since the race began in the year 2000.

     The Martian Marathon started as a training run for the Boston Marathon.  This race, along with the Half Martian Marathon, will be held on Sunday, April 5th.  Race start time is 7:00 am for both events.  

     The 5k, 10k, and Mini-Martian Marathon races will take place a day earlier on Saturday, April 4th.  Race start times are 9:00 am for the 5 & 10k races and 11:00 am for the Mini-Martian Marathon.

     The Mini-Martian Marathon race is one of many events throughout the year that Running Fit has created to get kids active and moving.  According to Will Smith, Administration Manager at Running Fit, this event requires kids to accumulate 25 miles either at home or in the school setting over the weeks leading up to race day.  They then complete the marathon experience by participating in the 1.2 mile race on Saturday, April 4th.  There are currently over 500 children registered for the race.  Smith states that students from the Dearborn and Ann Arbor school districts are participating.  However, many students from outside these school districts are registered as well.

     Pre-registration for these races is available online at www.martianmarathon.com until 12:00 pm Friday, April 3.  Packet pick-up and late-registration take place at the Annual Martian Expo at 835 Mason Rd, Dearborn, Michigan on Friday, April 3rd from 3-7 pm for all races; and, on Saturday, April 4th beginning at 7:00 am for the 5k, 10k, and Mini-Martian Marathon races.  Saturday's Expo hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  Packet pick-up and late-registration for the Half & Full Marathon races are available during that time.

     A pre-race "carbo-loading" dinner for the Half & Full Marathon runners will be offered by Pizza Papalis, located on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn for $15.00 per person.  The dinner takes place on Saturday April 4th between 6:30 and 8:00 pm.  For more information about this and other events related to the races please visit the official race website at www.martianmarathon.com.

     If you are looking for an "out-of-this-world" exercise experience, these races are sure to please.  So come on out and have some "extraterrestrial" fun.