Brooksie Way Training Program Kicks Off Thursday

Is 114 days enough time to get off the couch and train to run a half-marathon?

Sue Barnes thinks so.

Barnes is coordinator for the training program for the planned for Oct. 2 in Rochester.

The program, which trains walkers to compete in either the half-marathon or 5K, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium at .

Barnes said anyone can participate in the training program. It involves weekly group runs on Thursday nights. Trainees will receive a customized training calendar and health screenings.

On Thursday night, participants will hear a pep talk from a motivational speaker, receive some tips on running shoes and get introduced to the program.

The program is $190 and includes entry into the Brooksie Way and The Crim Festival of Races in August. It is designed for runners 18 and older.

Barnes said there are about 130 participants and 30 group leaders ready to take to the streets of Rochester and Rochester Hills to train.

"It is an amazing program," Barnes said. "The program is fun and we are helping people to make a healthy lifestyle choice."

This is the fourth year of the race founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and named after his son, Brooks Stuart Patterson, who died in 2007.

Register online for the training program or download the registration forms and bring them on Thursday night.