The official "ready-set-go" is 134 days away.

But the crowd that gathered Friday morning in downtown Rochester helped prove it's never too early to get excited about the Brooksie Way.

The half-marathon and 5K through Rochester and Rochester Hills officially kicked off its fourth year with a breakfast get-together at the Royal Park Hotel. This year's race is Oct. 2.

The highlight of the kickoff included the awarding of six Brooksie Way Minigrants to health and wellness causes in the county.

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson presented the awards, which are funded through proceeds from the race. Since the start of the minigrant program in 2010, more than $57,000 in grants have been awarded to 40 organizations.

"These groups are the ones who are really making a difference to improve the health of the community," said Bruce Hill, president of HealthPlus, a sponsor of this year's race.

Minigrants were awarded to:

• The Polly Ann Trail Management Council of Leonard, to fund the marketing of the 13th annual Rural Pearl of a Ride on the trail July 23.
• Swan for Life Cancer Foundation of Clarkston, for a wellness program that will allow cancer patients access to yoga, massage therapy and nutrition counseling.
• POH Regional Medical Center of Pontiac, for scholarships for 25 middle and high school students to participate in the hospital's Fit for Life 5K Fun Run on June 11.
• Main Street Franklin, to fund children's activities at the village's farmers market this summer.
• The Neighborhood Gardening Club of Ferndale, which will fund a community garden in an abandoned park in Royal Oak Township.
• Troy Community Coalition, for funding bus transportation to swimming field trips for children in a community summer camp in the city.

The Brooksie Way is named for Patterson's son, Brooks Stuart Patterson, who died in 2007.

"My son Brooks would be proud to see his legacy promoting health and fitness activities," Patterson said.

For a look at the 2011 race, see Five Things To Know About This Year's Brooksie Way.