So Al visited Jerry Preston at the Flint Convention & Visitors Bureau and together they met with the Downtown Small Business Owners to begin the initiative and make Back to the Bricks a reality.
17 years later the idea that was (ahem) hatched in 2004 has evolved into one of the great items on the Michigan Summer Events Schedule.
Executive Director, Amber Taylor and her team did a marvelous job and deserve all the accolades given.
Speaking of legacies… The Crim Road Race was created in 1977 by Former Speaker of the Michigan House, Bobby Crim, to contribute something to the athletes of Michigan Special Olympics. Bobby began organizing this small road race in his hometown to establish three goals. A) to run a world-class road race in the city of Flint. B) to raise charitable dollars for mentally handicapped athletes, and C) to foster community pride and cooperation among the residents of the greater Flint area.
The Crim has become a signature event for elite runners from across the country and the world. It also features locales and local “celebrities” at various locations around the city.
In its 45th year, the event has evolved into the Crim Festival of Races featuring the famous Expo and all the events, which include the signature 10 Mile, Half Crim 5 Mile, 5K, and Teddy Bear Trot.
The weekend kicked off on Friday prior to the main event on Saturday with the Lois Craig Invitational and Michigan Mile.
It is an event not to be missed whether participating or being a spectator urging the athletes of various abilities onward.
