Laker Loop Half Marathon

Background
In 2008 we began a free, after school, winter fitness club in hopes of introducing students to the sport of running. The goal was simple; get kids off the couch, get kids running, get kids to challenge themselves into believing they can do something they didn’t think was possible. It was great seeing its growth but we felt something was missing from the club, a finishing goal. With all their hard work, students needed something to "close" a successful winter season. This is where the Laker Loop Challenge was born. The challenge, a 13.1 mile run circling Spring Lake, was not so much about a race of time but a run to finish.  The event turned out to be a bigger event emotionally than we ever imagined. We soon opened the event to the public, gaining an unforeseen popularity within the community. Fast-forward to 2021. We realized the challenges of holding a successful race in the middle of winter was difficult. More importantly we realized that it was creating safety issues with our runners and ultimately needed to reinvent the Laker Loop Half Marathon. So in our 10th year we moved the race to its new summer location. 2023 brings in our 12th Laker Loop and we couldn't be happier to continue this little race into a yearly tradition.  We are so excited in your interest and hope to see you out on the loop! As always, this event is a fundraiser with all proceeds go directly to Spring Lake cross country/track programs.

Packet Pick-Up
All participants may pick up their packets at Central Park Friday July 21, 6-8pm or Saturday morning starting at 6am. Pick up will be in the park's western pavilion located off the Ace Hardware entrance.

Restrooms
We will have porta-potties available near the start/finish area. Central Park has bathrooms which will be open for use as well as a porta-pottie near the dog park. There will be a a porta-pottie at mile two aid station and again at mile four in Pomona Park (Fruitport). 

Finisher Shirts
Our shirts our on order and will be available for you on the day of packet pick up day. Due to the nature of this fundraising event, we will go directly off your sign-up size and will not be able to substitute sizes as we have limited extra shirts available. If needed we will order more shirts and send them to you if we max out our current supply.

Overall Winners/Age Group Awards
There will be an overall male and female winner. Age Group Awards: 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+. The top 3 finishers in each male and female division receive awards. Every race finisher receives a commemorative race medal and finisher shirt. Runners will receive their finisher medals at the finish area. The overall male and female winner will receive an individual award while each age division top 3 finishers will receive also receive an award. There will be an awards celebration once winners can be announced. 

Let's Go Race!
Again, our goal is to have a safe and fun event for our participants, we thank you all who have signed up for this amazing fundraiser for Spring Lake XC and Track. We will do our best to make this our best race yet! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me, Aaron Andres, at [email protected].

Spring Lake Student Sponsorship Program
We will still provide a free event for any Spring Lake student who runs the Laker Loop Half Marathon. This was the original intent of the event, so we are going to continue that. SLPS students may choose to pay the event fee as this program is not required. If SLPS students do wish to use this Sponsorship Program (I mean why wouldn't you?!?) you will need to pick up or download our pledge sheet and follow it before the event. If you are a current Spring Lake student and are interested in the sponsorship program please contact coach Andres at [email protected] BEFORE signing up!