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Alpena kicks off holiday off with Dork Brothers 5K Run

ALPENA, Mich. – People from around town began Saturday walking or running into the holiday weekend.

The 44th Annual Dork Brother 5k returned to Alpena early Saturday.

Participants were out at the Aplex preparing for the 5k.

The annual race was cancelled last summer due to the pandemic.

One runner said as soon as he heard the race was back on for 2021 he immediately registered.

He said it’s a great way to kick off the holiday and celebrate the races return.

“Perfect really, a little bit of freedom, you get to go out and see other people again,” said 5K runner Eric Cost. “virtual runs are ok, but running with people that’s where it’s really fun. Seeing everyone else running with you, having fun smiling, get some friends to come along, it’s always a good time.”

Organizers said the run did have a virtual option this year, but the consensus showed the community wanted to return to normal.

“It feels great, we did an online survey and asked people would you prefer virtual and the overwhelming response was everyone said we really want to do it live in person event so, we’re trying to maintain some social distancing requirements,” said Dork Brother Run organizer Joe Gentry.

Runners and walkers of all ages participated.

The weather was a perfect 67 degrees, allowing people to watch and wait for runners comfortably.