An Open Invitation to Join Us for the Final Aliferis Memorial Race Celebration
Dr. Peter Aliferis
After 25 years of bringing Northeast Michigan together in support of health, wellness and local cancer care, the Aliferis Memorial Race will cross its final finish line this September.
MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena and the MyMichigan Health Foundation invite community members to join them for the 25th Annual Aliferis Memorial Race. Whether attendees plan to run, walk, bike or simply cheer on the athletes, everyone is encouraged to be part of this milestone celebration.
"This event has always been about much more than competition," said Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. "It has been about community, connection and supporting local health care. We are especially grateful to race directors Barb Fox and Joe Gentry, whose leadership has helped shape the event since the very beginning. As we celebrate the final race, we hope everyone who has participated, volunteered, sponsored or supported the event over the years will join us one more time or for the first time."
Since its inception, the race has raised more than $615,000 for local cancer care initiatives and the Dr. Peter Aliferis Scholarship Fund, helping advance cancer care services at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena while supporting students pursuing careers in medicine and clinical laboratory science.
Established in memory of Dr. Peter Aliferis, who served Alpena as a pathologist and laboratory director for 37 years, the race honors a physician whose dedication helped shape health care in Northeast Michigan. This year's celebration will be especially meaningful as Dr. Aliferis' children, Lisa, Paul, and Scott Aliferis, return to Alpena to mark both the race's 25th anniversary and its final year, as Race Chairs.
Community members are invited join the Aliferis family by attending the closing award ceremony, following the completion of race events at approximately 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature special recognitions, reflections on the race's 25-year legacy and remarks from this year's scholarship recipient, Jack Cook, and past scholarship recipient Eric Hansen, P.A., director of Veterans Affairs for Alpena. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
Adding to the celebration, race participants will be presented their awards and have opportunities to win raffle prizes, including highly sought-after tickets to this year's University of Michigan vs. Michigan State football game. State and local elected officials are also expected to speak, presenting official proclamations recognizing the race's lasting contributions to health care, education and community wellness.
What began as a small memorial organized by laboratory staff has grown into one of Northeast Michigan's most beloved community traditions, bringing together thousands of runners, walkers, cyclists, volunteers and spectators over the years while creating a lasting legacy of generosity and service.
The 25th Annual Aliferis Memorial Race will take place Saturday, Sept. 5, featuring a half marathon, 5K run/walk, 1-mile run/walk, 18.5-mile bike race and 6.5-mile bike tour. Race headquarters and registration will be located under the tent at the corner of Chisholm Street (U.S.-23) and Johnson Street on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Participants can register online until Thursday, Sept. 3. Race day registrations will be available for all events except the half-marathon.
"This race has created memories, friendships and opportunities to make a difference for 25 years," Diamond said. "As we prepare to sunset this event, we hope the community will join us one last time and help us give this remarkable tradition the farewell celebration it deserves."
Those interested in race registration may visit www.mymichigan.org/race. Those with questions may contact Diamond at (989) 356-7738 or ann.diamond@mymichigan.org.
