Press Release

Citizens Bank Becomes Second Major Sponsor for Inaugural "Brooksie Way" Half Marathon

Date: June 13, 2008
Contact:  Steve Huber, Marketing & Communications Supervisor, Oakland County Economic Development & Community Affairs
Office: (248) 858-1848 Cell: (248) 830-9846
Deb Kiertzner, Race Director, Crim Festival of Races (810) 235-3397

Waterford, Michigan June 13, 2008 Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson today welcomed Citizens Bank as the second major sponsor for the inaugural running of the Brooksie Way Half Marathon. Patterson made the announcement Thursday morning during an appearance on the Paul W. Smith Show on News /Talk 760 WJR.

"We're thrilled that Citizens Bank has made a significant financial commitment to help fund the first Brooksie Way Half Marathon," Patterson said. "This promises to be one of the premier running events in the Midwest and Im glad Citizens Bank will be a major part of it."

Tom Shafer, president of the Southeast Michigan region for Citizens Bank, said it made sense for the bank to support the Brooksie Way race because of the banks commitment to healthy lifestyles.

"As the largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan, it is important that we support local initiatives that reflect the enthusiasm and health of our community," Shafer said. "Citizens Bank believes in a healthy Michigan and we look forward to having our team of runners and walkers out with others from our communities to support this exciting event." 

Citizens Bank joins HealthPlus of Michigan as the two presenting sponsors for the Oct. 5 race, which will begin on the grounds of Oakland University in Rochester Hills and finish in the shadows of historic Meadow Brook Hall. The 13.1 mile half marathon will take runners through Rochester and Rochester Hills and parts of the Paint Creek and Clinton River trails. The 5K is contained within the Oakland University grounds.

"We are thrilled to have Citizens Bank join us as a major sponsor of the Brooksie Way," HealthPlus President and CEO David Crosby said. "Our corporate vision is a healthier community and we are excited to collaborate with Citizens to help make the Brooksie Way a success."

HealthPlus is a health management services company serving members in the mid-Michigan area for almost 30 years. HealthPlus offers a complete range of health coverage solutions, including PPOs and HMOs, and recently opened a regional office in Troy.

The Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K race allow participants to run or walk either course. The race is named in memory of Brooks Stuart Patterson, a father, businessman and son of the county executive, who died in 2007 in a snowmobiling accident. The elder Patterson launched the race to improve the quality of life for residents and to promote healthy lifestyles. Proceeds from the race will be used to support future health-related programs in Oakland County.

Those interested in participating in either race can register online or download an application at www.thebrooksieway.com.

Oakland County and the Crim Fitness Foundation, which sponsors the Crim Festival of Races, are joint sponsors of the Brooksie Way.