Summer is indeed winding down, and though this is always a bittersweet time of year for those of us who can’t ever get enough of Michigan’s glorious sunshine and warmth, the promise of cooler mornings for running and the anticipation of upcoming fall races definitely lessen the blow of saying goodbye to this season.
In just one month, I’ll be taking on my first Detroit race in a long while, and I’m equally as excited to be among hundreds of women participating in this autumn event, too. The Detroit Women’s Half Marathon & 5K, now in its second year, is set for Sunday, Sept. 21 on Belle Isle, with an Expotique taking place in Cobo Hall. Earlier this summer I announced MRG’s partnership with this race — I’ll be running the half marathon as well as have a booth at the Expotique — and today I’m excited to announce I’ve got two race entries to give away to two readers. These race entries are good for the half marathon, 5K or the virtual race (All virtual participants will receive the same swag as “race day” participants, including a super soft race t-shirt, bib number, and “the coolest medal in town.” More details on the virtual race here » )

More details on the race entry giveaway later in this post, but first I want to share this news, too: runners coming to the Detroit Women’s races in September can pre-order Michigan Runner Girl hoodies now through Tuesday, Sept. 2. Ordering within this timeframe will ensure you’ll have an MRG hoodie ready for easy-peasy pick-up at the MRG booth at the Expotique! And in case you haven’t yet heard about these super soft and cozy sweatshirts, head over to the MRG Shop page for details. And check out the picture of MRG reader Kristi V. wearing hers. (Thanks, Kristi, for sharing your photo on the MRG Facebook page!) I spent a lot of time searching for the perfect hoodie — something I knew I’d wear myself over and over again, all year long. I wanted to find a wardrobe essential, and I believe I did just that with this hoodie. (I’m also working on a couple of other, new clothing pieces for the Expotique — more details soon!)
To pre-order an MRG hoodie for pick-up at the Detroit Women’s Half Marathon & 5K Expotique on Sept. 21 & 21, please do the following:
- Order your hoodie on the MRG Shop page here »
- Please tell me in the notes section on your Paypal order that you will be in Detroit for the races. This way I will know you’re going to pick up it up there. (You can also always contact me at michiganrunnergirl [at] gmail [dot] com with any questions or concerns.)
OK, race entry giveaway details…
To enter to win one of the 2 entries, please share in the comment section below why you’d like to run this race — would you like to run with friends? Take on your first half marathon? Try to snag a 5K PR? Whatever your reason, I’d love to hear! Two winners will be chosen at random. Winners may use their free entry for the half marathon, the 5K or the virtual race option. The giveaway starts now and ends at NOON EST Aug. 26. I will announce winners here on the blog Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Good luck!
[Some fine print for this fine prize.] This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada who are 18 years and older. It begins on 8/21/14 and ends at NOON EST on 8/26/14; the winners will be announced by 8/27/14. One entry per person. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Void where prohibited by law.
I’m running because I CAN! My dad is wheelchair bound due to Parkinson’s Disease and would give anything to be able to get up and walk. It’s a blessing to be able to move, and one I’ll never take for granted.
To kick it with my BRF in DET
I’d love to run this race. I’d run it as a training run for the Detroit Free Press.
I am also running because I can! I had major health issues after I delivered my son two years ago. Although I have been a runner ever since high school, running has taken on a new meaning after I almost died from a severe infection. ps I am already registered. Will this entry still work, for getting a reimbursement?? If not I understand! Thought I would try! :)
I would love to run this half marathon because it celebrates women runners. I am motivated by bling and this one sure has a nice medal.
I ran this one last year, the first race post babies, and it kicked my butt. I almost quit at Mile 10. Now here I am, twenty pounds lighter, better trained, etc. I would love to be the one doing the butt kicking this year!
I have been wanting to run this half marathon, but I limit races due to cost. Would love to support women running the D!!!
Thank you for this opportunity! I ran this race last year as part of a training run for the Chicago marathon. I would love to run it again this year to try and PR! Hope to meet you in person! I love your blog!
I would love to run this race because women have far exceeded men in running races now and I would love to be part of a race that is for women and for a great cause!
Running to stay fit and healthy! Still not registered for a Fall race due to costs. This would really help.
I’d like to run this race so that I can run the half marathon with my sisters! We ran it last year and I’d love to run it again with them! :)
This would be my 4th half, second one this year. I ran the Gazelle Girl in April and had a great time running with just women so I want to do that again. Trying to talk a couple friends to work the 5K.
I run because I can, think of those who can’t. It’s mt therapy.
So excited you are going to be a part of this incredable race. I ran last year – my very first half ever. I finished=winning and will look forward to doing it again in Sept.
I ran in the 5K last year and the atmosphere was amazing. I am running again this year and it will be my first half!
I wanted to run the D last year but health issues made it impossible to train (or get more than 9 miles a week, on a “good” week). This year I’m still struggling but found a way to train for my first half Sept. 6. I would Run the D for my sister who nearly died of heart failure 7 years ago. We Go Red For Women and we both run now.
Last year was my first time EVER running a race and the experience I had was amazing for my self and my family. We are looking forward to another great year.
This is a year of many firsts for me. I turned 50 in October and ran my first half marathon on February. This race I will be doing solo, but I’m ok with that, as I enjoy meeting new people and chatting with people. I met the race director at a race recently and she made me feel good about the race. I would like to run this and say hi to her again!! :)
I’d love to run/ walk/ jog this race for… me. Looks like it may be next year when I finally run a 5k. I’m a work in progress. Money is pretty tight right now and would love to be able to do this race. Had my eyes on it for quite some time. I’d love to be able to do it with my mom. Maybe I can convince her.
I would love to run the Detroit Women’s ½ because it would be with my best friend, my sister. She got me into distance running and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I would love to do this with her.
I would love to run this race (5K) with my 8 year old daughter. I’ve told her many stories of visiting Belle Isle as a child and I would love to share the landscape with her. Not to mention, the medal is AMAZING! :)
I was born and raised in Michigan. I would love to add the Half to by medal rack and experiences. Not to mention it would be a training run for my 1st FULL Marathon in October. It happens to be the Detroit Free Press Marathon.
I would love to run the 1/2 Marathon in the “D!” Why? I have kicked butt this summer and am in the best running shape ever. I would love to run it in Detroit and get that 2 hour goal I set for myself! :)
I want to run the half marathon to get back to being an athlete after having 2 children. I also want to model to my children that even with family and work, it’s important for me to focus on my health and wellness too.
Last year I ran this inaugural race as part of my SoleMates campaign to raise funds on behalf of Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan – it was an awesome experience and I also ended up with a PR for the 5K! :) I would love to run this race again in any capacity as I train towards the Free Press International Half Marathon in October. :)
Love women-only races! And I’ve had this one on my list for quite some time . Would live to add another MI race to my memories!
This was my first half marathon last fall, just 2 months after my mom passed away, so it holds a special place for me. I’d love to return and kill it this year! :)
Would love to have the Women Run the D entry. I have had a summer and spring packed full of events and firsts (2 half marathons, a duathlon and a triathlon) and for the first time since January have nothing to train for. I’m loving running just to run, but sometimes it’s a little harder to get out the for with no goal in mind. LOVE women focused races too and the energy behind them!
I am running my very first 5k to focus on my physical health and well-being!
I would like to go to have the opportunity to run in Detroit which I never have and to possibly set a new 5K PR for the race.
I think this will be my 8th half marathon. I’m never speedy, but I always have 2 goals: 1. Don’t finish last and 2. Don’t die. So far so good! A group of us girls are doing this as our first women’s only half! Some have ran many more half marathons than me and for one, it’s her first. It’s going to be awesome!
Our oldest child is starting her senior year this year so I committed to no full marathons (to keep training time down) and limited racing (to save some extra money) until after she graduates next spring. I’d love to run this half though and have gotten in enough mileage to feel I’d be ready, so a free entry would make that possible.
I would love to do this virtual 5k its such an awesome concept being so far from Detroit area its just not feasable to make it. But I would love to improve on my 5k time and its an awesome chance to do something really different!
I kicked off my 2014 running season by running my first half marathon – Gazelle Girl. I’d love to wrap it up by running my second half – Detroit Women’s. I love the women only races
I would love the chance to run the half marathon of women run the D with all the amazing women who will come together that day to live a healthier lifestyle and celebrate being a woman! Last year I ran my first half marathon at the Detroit Free Press Marathon and have been training very hard since then with 6am runs 4 days a week towards my goal of running a PB 13.1 mile this year with a time of 1:50 and a goal of running/finishing 26.2miles at the Detroit Free Press Marathon this fall. Love to run local races :)
I would love to run this race as my 1/2 marathon for September. I am running a 1/2 each month this year and running in Detroit would be awesome.
I would like to run this race to prove that chronic illness does not have to take over your life. I am fighting back and running again!!!.
I had a great time 3yrs ago running the marathon team relay with friends, 2 that had just started running that year. I would love the opportunity to enjoy every “leg” and mile of the half!
A member of our teacher runner group couldn’t make the half we scheduled to run together in Chicago because her father was hospitalized. The Women’s Half in Detroit is our replacement – AND it’s the day after her 45th birthday! I am running to support my running friend!!!
I love to run! I have a group of running partners called the Swegles Street Sole Sisters who also love to run! We inspire and perspire together. Detroit needs some of our Sole Sister Love!
I have put off signing up to run this race even though I kept saying I need a girls weekend away. Between selling our house and being in temporary housing while we move I have been a slacker in the running department. So now I need something to get my butt in gear for marathon training this winter – what better way to do it than to run this race :)
I suffered with anorexia and bulimia for ten years. My weight fluctuated like crazy. It ended up I had a tapeworm. I was five months from my death bed when I ran the Grand Rapids Marathon. It took everything I had to finish the race. My stomach ballooned from the stress and tapeworm combination. I could barely breathe. I finished in 5:30. If I were to win the entry it would give me a second chance. I have made a partial recovery and am ready to get back out and start tackling marathons again.
I’d love to win the race entry so that I can enjoy a wonderful run with lots of women! I did the run last year and loved seeing so many people come out and support all of the women running! It was even better seeing all of the men that came out to support us, and the ones that were brave enough to run with us!! I’d LOVE to run this again! :)
Would love to run the half and get a PRICE of under 2 hours that I have been dreaming of!
I haven’t run a half this year(yet!). I would love to check out Detroit since I am from the other side of the state.