TRAVERSE CITY — It's the Top 10 story that didn't happen.
The Traverse City Half Marathon was scheduled to take place in October, but lack of support and concerns from the running community halted the race before it even got to the start line.
Florida-based Reinke Sports Group made plans for the inaugural race on Oct. 23 and initially got support from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan in July. Traverse City requires a nonprofit agency be co-applicant for any community event that requires street closures.
But after a breakdown in communication from promoter Dean Reinke, Big Brothers Big Sisters representative Tony Anderson soon pulled the plug on his group's association with the race.
Reinke attached his group to Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan and once again tried to file for paperwork, but this time he was denied by the city commission.
Ron Knoll, a Grand Haven resident, was tabbed as race director, but quickly withdrew after the city denied permits.
The USRA Half Marathon Series — run by Reinke — has drawn criticism in some communities for poorly organized and managed events. These concerns left runners leery about the scheduled event.
Anderson and Big Brothers Big Sisters quickly turned their attention to the Traverse City Turkey Trot — which drew a record field in November.
Interest is still high in Traverse City races — especially the half marathon.
The 30th annual Bayshore Marathon will take place on May 26, 2012. Registration opened on Dec. 1 and the half marathon filled in a matter of hours. The full marathon was closed after a few days.
As for the Traverse City Half Marathon, the Reinke Sports Group lists the event as scheduled for Oct. 21, 2012. Organizers will need to obtain permits once again in order for the event to run.
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