Set for Friday, July 18 in Dowagiac is Southwestern Michigan College’s annual Steve’s Run.
SMC Manager of Development Emily Schrock tells us Steve’s Run is a tradition in the community going back 51 years. It was renamed in honor of SMC graduate Steven Briegel in 1992, two years after his death.
“He had passed away in the 90s at the age of 22 after a five and a half year battle with cancer,” Schrock said. “He was a huge participant in the community and the loss was so great we wanted to honor him.”
All these years later, Schrock says SMC still honors Steve’s memory by raising money for cancer research with the run. Steve was the son of former SMC President David Briegel.
There will be 5K, 10K, and 1K options for those who take part. Schrock says the 5K route goes all over Dowagiac.
“In downtown Dowagiac, we step off Main Street right in front of the City Hall. So, lots of paved roads in Dowagiac. We also go through the Elks Golf Course, the cemetery where both Stephen and David are laid to rest.”
The run then goes through the wooded trails at the SMC campus. Around 350 people typically take part in Steve’s Run, and it’s raised more than $180,000 for cancer research and scholarships over the years.
Schrock says the run will take place on the same day as the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Festival and BBQ Competition, making the evening an even better summer experience.