Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell took a group of bicyclists out for a spin the week after the Kalamazoo Marathon.

His Mayorathon started — where else? — at Mayors’ Riverfront Park, which is about the 18-mile mark on the course, and the group, at times as large as 50 people, toured the entire 26.2 mile course.

It was a 90-degreee afternoon, so everyone took along a lot of hydration.

Community support was the theme of the day as thousands of volunteers, fans, and supporters came out to help make the Borgess Run for the Health of It a truly special event.

Along the course, business lots were filled with crowds rattling cowbells and noisemakers, lawn chairs lined the yards of homes, almost two dozen bands and DJs plugged in to keep the race rocking.   Marathon winner Justin Gillette said after the race that there were so many bands he felt like he needed a concert ticket there was so much entertainment on the course.

Some 1,300 volunteers came out to work the water stations, monitor the course, and assemble Tent City at the finish line.   All water stations were comprised of groups and individuals volunteering their time for benefit of the event and the runners.

Says race director Blaine Lam, “It this community support and engagement that sets this race event apart.  It’s our focus, and our signature.”

After the races, runners, spectators, and volunteers packed the grounds on Borgess’ Nazareth campus to celebrate the annual health event at Tent City.  Food was served, Arcadia’s Big Finish Ale was tapped, and reggae music from Zion Lion filled the air.

“Just as important as the support from individuals was the support from our sponsors,” says Lam.  “An event of this size is impossible without our community partners backing this event.”   Almost 100 sponsors contribute to the success of the Borgess Run for the Health of It.  For a full list of sponsors, click here.