Last-Minute Race Details: NB Romeo Plank Closure, Parking and Donations for Run the Plank

The east lane of Romeo Plank Road between 21 and 24 mile roads will close from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. today for Macomb Township's first Run the Plank 5K.

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office will open Romeo Plank mile by mile as the race moves north, with the entire road expected to re-open by 9:30 a.m.

Hosted by , and , this community-wide run/walk is the first of its kind in Macomb and the first event on which the three parishes have collaborated.

As of Friday, 765 participants had registered for the race and organizers were estimating around 1,200 runners, walkers, volunteers and guests would take part in the post-race Family Fun Fair at St. Peter. This event is open to all community members, whether or not they are planning to take part in the race, and will run until noon. 

Runners and walkers will start at Immanuel Lutheran on 21 Mile at 7:30 a.m. and are expected to finish at St. Peter by 9:30 a.m. All participants will be kept to a 20-minute per mile limit to allow the road to re-open as the race nears completion.

There is no race day registration.

What's the parking situation?

There is no parking at Immanuel Lutheran on race day. All participants have been asked to park at St. Peter where they will then be shuttled to the starting line.

Friends and family are encouraged to cheer on loved ones along the route, but should bear in mind that no northbound traffic will be allowed on Romeo Plank until the race is over.

owner Pam Ferguson said she'll be cheering on race participants from her shop at 23 Mile Road and invites fellow spectators to join her.

"There will be lots of parking here at Macomb Centre Plaza," Ferguson said, adding that she'll be donating a percentage of her sales Saturday morning to the event. Ferguson will be selling Blake's cider and donuts, bottled water, coffee and flip flop-shaped sugar cookies during the race.

Those who park on the east side of Romeo Plank should plan to stay where they are until the race is over.

Can you still donate?

Yes! Monetary donations can be made on the Run the Plank website of all shapes and sizes (even those without their partner) can be deposited in collection bins at the finish line and fun fair.

More than 500 pairs of shoes have already been collected. These will be given to the nonprofit Souls4Soles, which will recycle them and distribute them to children and adults in need around the world. Proceeds from the event will go to the .

Look for Macomb Patch!

I'll have my camera with me and would love to get a few pictures of you and your race buddies for Patch!

I'll be walking near the back – as I am NOT a runner unless the situation absolutely demands it – but you'll be able to pick me out of the crowd as the lone woman swamped in green Patch gear.

I hope to see you there!