Courtesy Photo Cathy, Tom, Taylor, and Michael Thornton hike the Great Smoky Mountains during a 2022 family vacation.

ALPENA — MyMichigan Health Foundation has announced that Tom Thornton, M.D., his wife, Cathy, and their family will be the honorary race chairs for the Alpena Development Council’s 21st Annual Aliferis Memorial Race.

Dr. Thornton and Cathy Thornton are passionate about a healthy lifestyle and are raising their family with the same enthusiasm for outdoor activities.

“As parents, we recognize the importance of physical activity and healthy living for our family and our community,” said Dr. Thornton. “We strive to lead by example and hope to instill a tradition of fitness in our children and inspire our neighbors and community members to make healthy living a priority.”

“No matter the season, as a family, we enjoy hiking, biking, running, kayaking, water skiing, downhill skiing and ice skating,” said Cathy Thornton. “Exercise is a great way to spend quality time as a family.”

The 21st Annual Aliferis Race, hosted by the Business Relations Committee of MyMichigan Health Foundation’s Alpena Development Council, is scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 3. Race headquarters and registration will be located under the tent on the corner of Chisholm Street (U.S.-23) and Johnson Street, on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

Events this year include a half-marathon, an 18.5-mile bike race, a 6.5-mile bike tour, a 5K run/walk and the family-friendly 1-mile run/walk. Event registration fees range from $20 – $35 per person, per event.

“Our sincere thanks to the Thornton family for accepting the invitation of honorary chairs for the Aliferis Race this year,” said Ann Diamond, MyMichigan Health Foundation fund development director. “They are a perfect example of the purpose of this event — enjoying the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle as an individual, as a family and as a community. We certainly look forward to seeing them at the starting line again this year.”

Race information and prices can be found online at www.mymichigan.org/race. Those who register will receive a T-shirt and a chance to win several prizes, which will be drawn during the awards ceremony after the race. Individuals must be present to win.

All proceeds from the race, which has exceeded $523,000 over the last 20 years, will continue to benefit the Aliferis Scholarship Fund, the Alpena Cancer Center, patient enhancement projects and new technology at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

If you have questions or are looking for race details, call Diamond at 989-356-7738 or email ann.diamond@mymichigan.org.