Crim reaches more than runners, walkers


Newcomers who travel through Flint's downtown must wonder at times just what that long, thin blue line that edges so many roads is all about. It's the outline of the 10-Mile Crim Road Race.

The marking that lasts long past the race is done is just one of the many effects of the Crim on the community.

At the core of the Crim is a compassionate heart, The race has generated more than $2 million for multiple charities from 1977 to 2005.

The nonprofit Crim Fitness Foundation that organizes the race now also runs year-round fitness programs that prepare people for the race

Giving goes both ways.

On "Crim day,' many line the route to cheer on the participants. Just as many are there handing out water, donuts, even beer, to encourage one and all

Flint Journal Photographer Bruce Edwards highlights the spirit of the Crim in a slide show about a choir that encourages runners.

The Crim 'drubbler' hopes to have company in the race this year. Read about that effort and look at him in action.

Many find that the race is an opportunity to reach new goals. A mother runs to keep a promise to her son. Others use the race to overcome challenges, some stories told in a Journal article, others in Your Tales. Or the race helps people to remember others.

City of Flint employees work hard to make the race a success.

Businesses also prosper. Some supply T-shirts and other needed items. Some benefit as participants and volunteers eat out, sleep at area hotels, and visit other attractions.

Families find reasons to run together, to be together.

Charity is key.

On Dec. 15, 1978, race founder Bobby Crim and other dignitaries presented a check $70,000 for Michigan Special Olympics, the race’s primary charity for many years.

The goal for the first year was to raise $10,000. Instead, the records show the race raised $30,400.

From 1977 to 1984, the main purpose of the race was to generate money for Special Olympics. What was left at the end of each year went to Special Olympics. That left an empty bank account, sometimes meaning people had to make personal loans to start kick the next race,

In 1985, a non-profit organization was started to run the Crim. Its profits were used to run the race, to do good in the community, and to promote Flint and its assets. Runners were encouraged to collect pledges for Michigan Special Olympics.

In 1992, the Crim developed the Heart 'N Sole team program to focus attention on raising funds for Michigan Special Olympics.

In 1994, Heart ’N Sole program added charities.

In 1996, the Heart ’N Sole program expanded again.

In 1998, there were six charities involved: Michigan Special Olympics, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Greater Flint, Fair Winds Girl Scout Council, Shelter of Flint, Genesee County Literacy Coalition and the Crim Youth Development Program.

In 2000, the Crim has contributed $50,000 to begin an endowment fund for Area XIII Special Olympics administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

``What it will do is provide an annual payout to Area XIII Special Olympics based on the interest,' the Crim director said in 2000. `It'll be something in perpetuity that will always benefit them. It's kind of a lasting tribute to them.''

The race also has generated early $9 million for the local economy each year, supporting an estimated 184 full- and part-time jobs as of 2003., according to an University of Michigan-Flint study.

Sense of Community
Flint Journal chief photographer shares his Sense of Community every week with a photo package in the newspapers. Sometimes, the focus just happens to be someone connected with the Crim:

Brian M. Barkey gets excited about the changes the Crim can inspire for individuals.

The Crim is just one more event for Mike Bowen, who is running 58,226 miles, one mile for each American killed in the Vietnam War.

Crim volunteer Pat Fizell finds only good in the Crim - good for downtown Flint, good for kids, good for Special Olympics and good for her.

Recognizing the best of Flint is just one goal of the Flint Club. In 2006, it is the Crim's turn for recognition.

Runners of two races finish one race hand in hand.

Read their stories here.