Spectrum Health Danish Dash set for August 21

Danish Festival run/walk features in-person and virtual options.

GREENVILLE, Mich., June 15, 2021 – Runners and walkers will again enjoy the natural beauty of Baldwin Lake in Greenville as the Spectrum Health Danish Dash returns to an in-person race format August 21 at 8 a.m.

The fan-favorite Dress Like a Dane contest also returns as participants deck themselves out in Danish attire to embrace Danish Festival weekend.

“Last year was all virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions, so this year we can’t wait to celebrate fitness wins with our walkers and runners in person.” said Danish Festival board member and race coordinator Danielle Wells. “We’re offering a virtual format too, but we’re very excited to welcome serious and casual runners back to our picturesque 5K course around Baldwin Lake.”

To allow for distancing, the 5K run/walk will have a 30 minute open start for all participants with staggered starts. Timed runners will compete for medals in age and gender categories. Results will be posted online and medals will be mailed to winners. There will be no awards ceremony.

The USA Track & Field certified 5K course begins and ends on Faber Street near Baldwin Heights Elementary School in Greenville. It travels through Tower Park, past historic Manoka Lake, around Baldwin Lake, past scenic views of Taylor Hops, and concludes with a gradual climb up Marvel Drive.

“The course is absolutely beautiful and the finish up Marvel Drive is challenging,” Wells said. “The early start also allows families time get to their favorite spot to watch the Grand Dansk Parade.”

For those wishing to participate virtually, runners and walkers are asked to finish a 5K course of their choosing the weekend of August 20 through August 22. Virtual participants will not have an official time and will not be eligible for medal prizes.

All participants will receive a commemorative 2021 Danish Dash race shirt. Race shirts are guaranteed for those who register by July 25. Extra shirts will be available for late registration, but sizes will be limited. Early shirt pick-up is Friday, August 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Spectrum Health United Lifestyles Building at 701 S Greenville W Dr. Suite #1 (near B.C. Pizza and True Value Hardware in Greenville.)

Cost to enter the in-person 5K run is $20, while the 5K fitness walk and virtual run/walk registration costs $15. Registration is open at: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Greenville/DanishFestivalRoadRun.

There will not be a kids run this year; however children can participate with a registered adult. Kids shirts are available for $10 each.

Virtual Danish Dashers are asked to send in photos of themselves, friends, kids or furry race partners to danielle.wells@spectrumhealth.org or text to 517.420.2404 so race organizers can share the fun via social media.

About Spectrum Health

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan.

People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.

Contact:
John Norton
Corporate Communications Manager
Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: john.norton@corewellhealth.org