News Photo by Darby Hinkley Drs. Brendan and Leah Conboy are the honorary chairs for the 20th Annual Aliferis Memorial Race on Saturday, Sept. 4. The race starts from MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, seen in the background of this photo taken from the bridge at Island Park.

ALPENA — Drs. Brendan and Leah Conboy lead the healthy lifestyle that they encourage their patients to embrace.

As this year’s honorary chairs for the 20th Annual Aliferis Memorial Race, the Conboys are promoting healthy eating and fitness habits, and reminding community members that now is always a great time to make positive changes to improve your quality of life.

The race, slated for Saturday, Sept. 4, will feature multiple events, including an 18.5-mile bike race, 6.5-mile bike tour, half-marathon (13.1-mile run), 5K run and a 1-mile family fun walk/run.

“We just love to see a lot of families getting out there with their kids,” Leah said. “Leading by example. Getting their kids involved in running at an early age, and helping them develop those healthy habits that hopefully continue the rest of their lives.”

The Conboys have always led a very active lifestyle and have participated in the Aliferis Race for many years.

“We started off with the 5K,” Leah explained. “I would run and Brendan would push the kids in a stroller.”

They first participated in 2012. Their daughters Penelope, 9, and Charlotte, 7, are now old enough to run in the 5K or do the bike tour.

“Penny has done one 5K,” Brendan said. “It was the Santa run. The part she loved the best was the cookies and the hot chocolate halfway through. So, she thinks every race is going to have stops for cookies, I think.”

Brendan said Penelope will be doing the 5K and Charlotte will likely do the bike tour with his parents.

Leah will be running the half-marathon this year, as she did in 2019. She has also completed eight full marathons.

“I love to run,” she said. “For me, it’s an emotional release. At the end of the day, when I’m done working, I just love to go out and run and just clear my mind, process the day. I love the quiet. It’s just kind of like my release.”

The Aliferis race was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I feel so much better when I’m done running,” she added.

Brendan also runs. He sees it as a healthy stress reliever as well.

“I’ve done a couple of Ironmans,” he said of the triathlons, which include biking, swimming and running. “For me, it’s a stress release, for sure.”

The Conboys agreed that running and other outdoor activities are a great way to spend time together as a family.

“We’re trying to get our kids into good, healthy habits,” Brendan said. “They see us working out, and they’re more interested in doing more outside activities.”

“Kids talk more, while we’re running or while we’re biking, so it’s a good time to hear about their day, what they’ve been doing,” Leah added. “It’s good bonding.”

Brendan is originally from Cheboygan and Leah is from Flushing. They have lived in Alpena for over 10 years, and they said they love it here.

Brendan is an obstetrician/gynecologist at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena and Leah is a pediatric physician at Alcona Health Center.

“As physicians, but more importantly as parents, we recognize the importance of physical activity and healthy living for our families and our community,” they said in a press release. “We strive to lead by example and hope to instill a tradition of fitness in our children and inspire our patients to make healthy living a priority. Whether we are hiking, biking, running or kayaking, we have found that exercise is a great way to spend quality time as a family.”

Ann Diamond, development director at MidMichigan Health, said MidMichigan Health Foundation is overjoyed that the Conboys are this year’s honorary chairs.

“They are a true example of the objective of this event — enjoying the benefits of healthy, active lifestyles as individuals, as a family and as a community,” Diamond said in the press release. “We certainly look forward to seeing them at the starting line again this year.”

The 20th Annual Aliferis Race is hosted by the Business Relations Committee of MidMichigan Health Foundation’s Alpena Development Council. 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 MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Aliferis Scholarship Fund, the Alpena Cancer Center, patient enhancement projects and new technology in Alpena.

To register, visit www.midmichigan.org/race. All pre-registrants will receive a T-shirt and a chance at several University of Michigan prizes which will be drawn during the awards ceremony. Individuals must be present to win.

“There are door prizes that include U of M football tickets,” Brendan noted. “And there are awards for all age groups.”

The Aliferis Memorial Race was named in memory of longtime Alpena General Hospital Pathologist Peter Aliferis, M.D., in appreciation of his many contributions during his 37 years at the Medical Center and his steadfast dedication to health and wellness. Dr. Aliferis retired in July 2000. All proceeds from this event benefit the Aliferis Scholarship Fund, the Alpena Cancer Center, new technology and patient enhancement projects in Alpena.

“I think the great thing about this race, in particular, is it benefits the hospital, and a great cause in honoring a wonderful physician, continuing his legacy of promoting health in the community,” Leah said.

Brendan added that this event is a great way to start or restart your fitness routine surrounded by community members who just want to have a good time exercising for a good cause.

“Most people come here just for fun,” he said. “Anybody can do it. They don’t need to worry about it being too serious, or be intimidated by it.”

“We are very excited to host this event again this year,” said Diamond. “After having to cancel the race in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, it’s great to be able to offer this family-friendly event once again in 2021. From the half-marathon to the 1-mile walk and including a couple biking options, there is something for all ages and skill levels. I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces as well as meeting some new friends.”

On Sept. 4, packet pickup starts at 6 a.m., the half-marathon starts at 7 a.m., biking events start at 8 a.m., the 1-mile fun run starts at 9 a.m., the 5K run starts at 9:30 a.m., and awards will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Over the years, the event has raised over $495,000, Diamond noted.

For additional race details, call Diamond at 989-356-7738 or email ann.diamond@midmichigan.org.

When it comes to health and fitness, Brendan said, “I think people should be encouraged to start at any time in their life, at any age.”