Flint, MI – Today, August 21, in the annual, joint Race Week Press Conference, HAP CareSource and the Crim Fitness Foundation officially kicked off a weekend full of events related to the 48th edition of the historic Crim Festival of Races. The press conference was hosted in the Crim Fitness Foundation’s new facility in the LiveWell on Harrison project located at 719 Harrison Street where the organization took residence in April 2025.
Brandon Morgan, Crim’s Director of External Relations, noted that participation is up again for 2025 and the event expects approximately 11,000 registered participants from across the country. Additionally, he noted, “The Crim Fitness Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with Title Sponsor, HAP CareSource, to bring the Crim Festival of Races to Flint for the 48th time. Our teams work year-round to make sure that every participant – whether they are in the elite field or walking the Michigan Mile – has a world-class experience in downtown Flint.”
Liz Jones, and Matt Trevithick, Associate Race Directors, also provided important updates on race-week events. Some key takeaways included:
● August 21 and 22, The Crim Expo will continue to serve as packet pickup and will host nearly 50 vendors and retailers. The Expo is held at the UM-Flint Riverfront Conference Center.
● Friday, August 22, the Crim will host the Lois Craig Invitational for Special Olympians at 6PM, followed by the Michigan Mile at 7PM, with an afterparty to follow on the Crim Festival Lot.
● Saturday, August 23 will see the start of the 10-mile, which includes waves for elite athletes, 30-Year Runners, Wheelers and Hand Cyclists, and the general public; the 5-mile, 5K, and Teddy Bear Trot – all followed by a post-race celebration.
● All participants will continue to receive a high-quality ASICS race shirt, as well as a 4-inch custom finisher medal.
● All participants will have access to post-race food including bananas, popsicles, granola bars, chocolate milk, pizza, soft-drinks, and adult beverages (for those 21+).
● Other festivities include music from Black Tie Productions, live band Dr. Delorean and the Space Invaders, vendors, photo booths, food trucks, and much more.
● Late registration, while spots last, is available at crimraces.org or in-person at the Crim Expo.
Lauren Holaly-Zembo, Crim CEO, in her remarks, noted, “I am so proud of Foundation’s significant progress over the last year, including moving operations to a brand-new facility in the downtown Health and Wellness district, starting the Crim’s first endowment, and serving the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of more than 20,000 Flint and Genesee County residents. In many ways, this event allows us to do just that.”
Finally, Crim Board Chair, Diane Lechota, awarded the Crim’s Harry Binder Lionheart Award to Flint resident, Chad Schlosser. Mr. Schlosser is a resident of Mott Park and a father of three. Also, he is the Vice President of the Mott Park Neighborhood Association. A runner himself, Schlosser is a Crim Youth Summer Running Club Coach and has orchestrated numerous recreational activities in Mott Park from disc golf tournaments to Rec-Connect events where youth can move and be fit. Part of the mission Schlosser pursues in his Mott Park board seat is, “maintaining and revitalizing units within its borders; beautifying and maintaining its green areas and park; promoting cohesion and respect among its residents; acting as a liaison between residents and government and private entities; and sponsoring events and projects that advance the arts, culture and recreation within its borders.” Schlosser will compete in the Crim’s Bobby Challenge event during the Festival, completing every event offered, for a total of 19. miles.
This award was created in 2018 to honor longtime Crim runner Harry Binder and his commitment to an active, healthy life, and is given to acknowledge a community member who has their own active and dynamic lifestyle, and also inspires others to do the same.
Registration information and deadlines for the Festival of Races are available at crimraces.org. Registration is open through Friday, August 22 if spaces are still available; there is no race-day registration.
The HAP Crim Festival of Races supports the work of the Crim Fitness Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, whose goal is to improve the health and wellness of the residents of Flint and Genesee County, MI. The organization impacts approximately 20,000 individuals each year through programs including: Crim Youth Sports and Youth Running Clubs; mental wellbeing, mindfulness and yoga; direct nutrition education and food policy; neighborhood impact, policy advocacy, and built environmental change; and more.
For more information on the Foundation and the Festival please visit crim.org and crimraces.org, respectively.