Header photo: Courtesy of Jenifer Veloso, C.S. Mott Foundation
The 49th annual Crim Festival or Races returns this weekend, August 21-22, to downtown Flint. Whether you are running, walking, spectating, or just need to know what streets will be closed and when, we’ve got you covered below. More than 11,000 participants alone are expected, and thousands more spectators will be downtown and along the course. And if you’re interested in some pre-race reading, you can check out all of our previous Crim stories online.
Registration and Packet Pickup
Registration is still open for Festival of Races events online, but for those interested in participating it is best to sign up as soon as possible. Not only is it possible for some of the races to fill up and sell out, prices also increase beginning August 21.
For those already registered, packet pickup is available during the Crim Expo at the Riverfront Conference Center (One Riverfront Plaza), across from the University of Michigan Flint pavilion. Hours are 2-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Emergency only packet pickup is available on Saturday, August 22, from 5:30 a.m. until 30 minutes before the start of the race.
Dozens of vendors are exhibiting at the expo.
Race Schedule
Races kickoff on Friday evening with the Michigan Mile, starting at the corner of Kearsley and Harrison streets, at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, runners and walkers line up for the start near the corner of Saginaw and Kearsley streets. Races finish on the Saginaw Street bricks as well. The 10-mile race begins at 7 a.m., the 5-mile starts at 9 a.m., and the 5K starts at 10 a.m.
The Teddy Bear Trot begins at noon in front of City Hall on Saginaw Street.
Courses, Street Closures, and Parking
Maps for each race are available online: 10-mile | 5-mile | 5K | Michigan Mile.
On Friday, roads surrounding the Michigan Mile course close at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, roads close around the course at 6:15 a.m.
Runners and walkers should be lining up by about 30 minutes before their race start time.
A shuttle service is available from Diplomat Pharmacy/McLaren Medical Testing Lab (4000 Saginaw Street), about 2.5 miles from the start and finish line. Parking in that lot is at the southwest corner of Atherton Road and Saginaw Street. Shuttle buses transport runners to Third Street, between Stevens and Wallenberg, a few blocks from the start line. Shuttles begin running at 5:45 a.m. and run on a continuous loop back and forth until 1 p.m.
For those who don’t use a shuttle, there are other parking lots available near the race course that are accessible from I-69 and I-475, including at Powers Catholic High School (off the Hammerberg Road exit on I-69); William White building lot at UM-Flint (at the corner of Saginaw Street and Robert T. Longway Boulevard); and areas around City Hall, just off of the Saginaw Street exit on I-69.
Elite Racers
Last year, according to the Crim’s website, more than 50 elite racers participated in the Crim. Elite racers have to meet specific qualifying times, compete for prize money, and their times are not part of the times considered for age group awards or masters/grandmasters awards that other racers are eligible for.
The Crim announced several elite racers from all over the country and world who will participate on their social media pages (check out athlete bios on the Crim’s Facebook page), including last year’s top two finishers, Nathan Martin and Andrew Bowman. Other participants include: Austin Liepe, Adam Rzentowski, Amanda Krzyzanowski, Brittney Hall, Gavin Ray, Charlie Lawrence, Hidi Gaff, Joe Drabot, Leah Foley, Logan Barrett, John Burchfield, Joanna Stephens, Kennedy Beazley, Nathan Walker, Noah Verlinde, Rob Lohr, Ashleigh Simons, Katie Swor, Oli Raymond, Sarah Kasabian-Larson, Thomas Mueller, William Caldwell, Sanele Masondo, Edward Frey, Cameron Johnson, Brian Langlois, Emily Noone, Luke Koopman, Jozef Meyers, Ryen Fraizer, Gilbert Boit, Ashley Heidenrich, Zach Ornelas, Garrett Eklof, and Andrew Healey.
Post-Race Party
Spectators and entertainment along the course continuously make the Crim a can’t-miss celebration of community in Flint. Once the races conclude, there’s also plenty to do downtown, including:
- Granola bars, fruit, chocolate milk, and water at the finish line.
- Soft drinks and adult beverages.
- Pizza and food trucks.
- Physical therapy and post-race yoga.
- Music from Dr. DeLorean and the Space Invaders and from DJ Peter McFray.
- Photobooths and other activities.
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