With less than three weeks to race day, organizers of Macomb Township's Run the Plank 5K have registered just over 200 participants for the June 30 event.

Because the event is only in its first year, organizers had set the event's registration cap at 1,500 runners, but are now hoping for 500 by race day.

"We are wanting 500 registrants and we believe we will hit that," said said Greg Griffith, Immanuel Lutheran associate pastor, adding that organizers are expecting a surge in the final weeks. "We have noticed a huge uptick in the last few days!"

Hosted by Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Isidore Catholic Church and St. Peter Lutheran Church, this community-wide run/walk is the first of its kind in Macomb and the first event on which the three parishes have collaborated.

Designed as a 5K run/walk, “Run the Plank” will take participants roughly three miles north along Romeo Plank Road. Starting at Immanuel Lutheran on 21 Mile, participants will have the option to run or walk the east side of Romeo Plank past St. Isidore on 23 Mile Road and ending at St. Peter Lutheran on 24 Mile.

Although the event will be a timed 5K, with awards for the top three finishers in each age category, the event is firstly a charitable fund-raiser, benefiting Soles4Souls and Macomb County’s homeless students.

In the weeks leading up to the race and on race day itself, Soles4Souls collection bins will be available at all three churches as well as the finish line for community members and race participants to donate shoes of all sizes, brands and conditions. This footwear will then be recycled by the organization and distributed to adults and children in need around the world.

Locally, proceeds from the event’s $25 registration fee will benefit the Macomb Intermediate School District’s homeless education project, which liaison Kathy Kropf said uses such donations to purchase gift cards that outfit the county’s more than 1,000 homeless students.

All community members, even those not participating in the race itself, are invited to join post-race festivities at St. Peter, where a family fun fair featuring inflatables, entertainment and food will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Race Details

Registration: There is a $25 registration fee for both runners and walkers. Participants must register online in advance–the last day for registration is June 29. There is no race day registration.

Participants will be able to confirm their registration and pick up their T-shirts and cinch bags at Immanuel Lutheran on Friday, June 29, from noon-8 p.m.

Start time: 8:15 a.m., June 30 at Immanuel Lutheran

Finish time: 9:30 a.m., with the fair running until noon

Age Categories: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and older

Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category. One overall winner will also be recognized.

Volunteers: Email info@runtheplank.com or contact Mike Fontana directly at mfontana31@gmail.com.