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HAMTRAMCK — The 5K Paczki Run is back again to lead runners on a race through Hamtramck on Saturday, Feb. 10.
Organized by Tour De Troit, the race winds through the city, just in time for Paczki Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, on Tue, Feb. 13.
Organizers say the event celebrates Hamtramck’s rich immigrant tradition and significant Polish heritage. After the race, a paczek and a beer are served to each finisher. This year, organizers are also providing a small shot of Detroit City Distillery’s Paczki Vodka to those 21 and older near the running tent after the race, where polka music will fill the air..
The run begins at 10 a.m. on the corner of Joseph Campau Avenue and Hanley Street. Prizes will be awarded by age categories. Packet pick-up will begin at 7 a.m.
Online registration is $55. Early packet pickup is at the New Dodge Lounge, 8850 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck. Registration is available at www.tour-de-troit.org/paczkirun.
“We are so excited to be back for the Paczki Run this year. We always love the camaraderie that comes from running a race with friends and getting a paczek and a beer as a reward,” Vittoria Katanski, director, Tour de Troit, said in a press release. “We know that it can be cold here in Michigan in February but that won’t stop us from running first, and then polkaing all day long!”
Funds raised from the 5K go to renovating Hamtramck parks and supports the Hamtramck community by assisting the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority with its non-motorized transportation plans. The runs so far have raised nearly $45,000 for the Hamtramck DDA.
Additionally, dozens of Hamtramck’s independent businesses will offer runners a “bib discount,” which includes food, beverages, and shopping specials at selected retailers after the run. The Tour de Troit developed the concept of bib discounts in 2009 as a way to get event participants into the many stores and restaurants in the communities where their events are held.
