Kettering University and the HAP Crim Festival of Races have partnered to present the 2018 Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium Races on July 21.

In addition to runners finishing the 5K and 10K races on the field of historic Atwood Stadium, this year’s course will also have a new and unique addition – a lap around Kettering University’s GM Mobility Research Center track. The course will give participants an up-close look at the unique autonomous vehicle outdoor lab and testing facility as it nears completion. 

This year’s medals will also have a Kettering twist – they will be created by Kettering University students from recycled materials in our Polymer Processing Lab.

“We are excited to bring thousands of participants and spectators to our campus in the heart of Flint for Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium Races,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, Kettering University President. “The race will give the community an up-close look at some of the exciting changes happening on our campus and in the surrounding area in the University Avenue Corridor. These races have a long, proud history in Flint, and we are excited to continue building on that legacy.”

Kettering has partnered with the HAP Crim Festival of Races to manage race logistics and ensure participants have a good experience.

“The Atwood Stadium Races provide great preparation for runners participating in the Crim Festival of Races in August,” said Andrew Younger, Race Director for the HAP Crim Festival of Races. “This is a great race course with unique elements, and we are excited to partner with Kettering to bring this to the community.”

The Atwood Stadium Races have a long history in Flint. Previously, the races were known as the Tuuri, named after Flint pediatrician Arthur L. Tuuri. The Tuuri races began in 1979 and served as a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. In 2011, the Tuuri became the Atwood Stadium Races, which kept many of the beloved elements of the Tuuri course and the fact that runners could do the “duo” – run both the 5K and 10K.

Beginning in 2011, the Atwood Stadium Races were managed by Brian and Dorie Barkey and a team of volunteers. The races served as fundraisers for various local charities, including Carriage Town Ministries. Now, the race will serve as a yearly fundraiser for Atwood Stadium.

“We would like to thank the Barkeys and the many volunteers who kept this race going for their passion and stewardship, and we look forward to Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium Races growing and building on the long community legacy of this great race,” McMahan said.

For information or to register for Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium Races, visit kettering.edu/atwoodraces