Fire up!!

It's a well known mantra to area runners who participate every year in Steve's Run.

The event has become a staple of Dowagiac's annual Summer Fun Fest, and to many it's more than just a race -- it's a way to honor loved ones battling cancer.

Ron Gunn is the extreme sports director at Southwestern Michigan College.

He single handedly started Steve's Run, out of his own pocket book, some 35 years ago.

"Steve's Run is the original road and trail race. We are very proud of that," says Gunn. "It's actually grown to be just more than a road race, it's a happening."

For the past 15 years it has had a deeper meaning to Ron Gunn, and many others.

15 years ago we renamed the race Steve's Run…Steve Briegel was a student at Southwestern Michigan College. A good friend of mine, who's father was the president of the college. He was the voice of the Roadrunners. He kept the pace charts for our championship cross county teams, and tragically he died of cancer at the age of 22," explains Gunn.

"We thought we would rename the race Steve's Run, because it does take a lot of courage and determination to run this race, and Steve fought a very brave battle," he adds.

Ron adds that it is important because most everyone has someone in their life like Steve – who is courageous in the face of adversity.

He says that the best part of the event is the ceremony after the race, when cancer survivors take center stage, and shown they are not alone in their fight.

The race is this Saturday, July 25th in Dowagiac -- and there is still time to sign up.

You can call Ron Gunn at (269) 782-1209, or click on the Big Red Bar.