By Susan Bromley

Staff Writer

Brandon Twp.– Rose Partin won a medal for the speed in which she completed her first 5K, but she was a little slow in picking it up— almost a year late.

The 64-year-old recently registered to participate in the 6th Annual Bookin’ It For Your Library 5K, set for May 13 in Ortonville. While registering, she noticed that medals will be awarded for the top three finishers in each age group and decided to see what her time had been in last year’s event, the first race in which she had ever participated.

“I just didn’t think I did that good,” said Partin. “I wondered how close I was and I checked the times from last year and I was in third place for my age group! I was so surprised, pretty tickled, because I had no idea. When I walk, I’m in my own little world, doing my own thing, I’m not trying to be competitive, I just enjoy it.”

The township resident who lives near Bald Eagle Lake walks three or four miles a few times a week to keep in shape, often driving into Ortonville and then walking around the downtown.

“It’s just relaxing, you can collect your thoughts and enjoy our beautiful surroundings in Michigan,” said Partin.

She didn’t know until last year that walkers, as well as runners, are encouraged to participate in 5Ks. The Bookin’ It for Your Library is a 5K Run/Walk (and also offers a Dewey Decimal Dash one-mile race for 12 and under, although children can also participate in the full 5K), and when Partin learned she was welcome as a walker, she was excited. The event didn’t disappoint.

“It was a hoot— I had the best time and met so many cool people along the way and I am just excited to do it again this year to help the library,” said Partin. “So many people participate in our little town, it was amazing.”

As many as 400 people of all ages have participated in the event in previous years, with the course covering 3.1 paved miles in the village and chip-timed. This year, the event will also have a DJ— BFIS 5th grade teacher Larry Pete.

“I love seeing families being active and participating together and it’s a really fun atmosphere and flat course for people who are participating in their first 5K or their 50th,” said Robin Loughlin, event organizer. “Probably half the people run and half the people walk and some do a combination of both. Many people push strollers or bring friendly, well-behaved dogs along with them.”

Early registration for the 6th Annual Bookin’ It For Your Library 5K Run/Walk ends May 6, with a cost of $20 with shirt, or $15 without shirt; $10 for the Dewey Decimal Dash with shirt, or $8 without. After May 6, 5K cost is $25 and Dewey Decimal is $15.

To register, visit www.brandonlibrary.org and select the online signup link or download a paper form or get one at the Brandon Library, 304 South St. or any of the Brandon schools.

For more information, call Robin Loughlin at 248-892-2762.