Courtesy Photo Pictured are members of the Szymanski family—Emily, Rodney, Madi and Izzy (front), the 2018 Aliferis Race Honorary Chairs. The race is Saturday, Sept. 1 at MidMichigan Medical Center - Alpena.

ALPENA–The Szymanski family–Rodney, Emily, Madi and Izzy Szymanski–has been named as honorary chairs for the 17th annual Aliferis Race.

The Szymanski family began participating in the race in 2011 with the girls cheering on their dad and it quickly became a family tradition.

All four have participated in a running or biking event every year since 2013 when Madi met her goal of completing the 18-mile bike race. Last year, Izzy conquered her first 18-mile ride. She also took the initiative to raise more than $1,800 in donations on her own for Children’s Hospital of Michigan in conjunction with the race.

 “We have looked forward to the Aliferis Race at the end of each summer and are honored to have our family selected as race chairs,” Emily Szymanski said. “As a physician assistant and physical therapist, parents Rodney and Emily know and respect the importance of healthy, active lifestyles. “We believe it is vital to be role models for our kids, support their interests and activities, and stay active together throughout the year. We enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, biking, swimming, running, hiking, and camping as a family. We love that Aliferis is a family-friendly event we can all participate in.”

 The 17th annual race is hosted by the Business Relations Committee of MidMichigan Health Foundation’s Development Council serving Alpena. It is scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 1. The race will begin on MidMichigan Medical Center – Alpena’s campus.

 A half marathon will be offered in addition to the 18.5 mile bike race, 6.5 mile bike tour, 5K run and 1 mile family run/walk. There will also be a multiple entry/team discount for groups of four or more with each participant receiving a $5 discount. Each group or team member must complete a registration form and must be mailed together to receive the discount.

Fee structures and individual entries forms can be found and submitted online at www.midmichigan.org/race. Race forms are also available in the Medical Center lobby, at Bay Athletic Club, in the Fund Development office and at a variety of locations in and around Alpena including the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Many thanks to the Szymanski family for heading up the event this year,” Ann Diamond, MidMichigan Health Foundation development director, said. “They are a terrific example of what this race has always been about: enjoying the benefits of healthy, active lifestyles as individuals and within the family unit. We look forward to seeing them at the starting line.”

 All proceeds from the race benefit the Peter Aliferis Scholarship Fund, the Cancer Center, patient enhancement projects and new technology in Alpena. Call (989) 356-7351 or email ann.diamond@midmichigan.org with any questions.