Runners Raise Thousands For Homeless In S3 Event

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Dodging raindrops and amid the occasional ominous rumble of thunder, around 300 runners took to the Detroit Grand Prix race course Tuesday evening in the 20th annual Grand Prix Shakedown, a five-kilometer run sponsored by the Detroit tech staffing firm Strategic Staffing Solutions.

As they have every year, they raced to raise money for charity -- in this case, 2-1-1 On The Go, a mobile outreach program for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Detroit.

The race has always been on Belle Isle, and it's been held every year even when the Grand Prix itself wasn't, S3 CEO Cindy Pasky said.

"We were here before the Grand Prix and we've been here without the Grand Prix, but it's much more fun with the Grand Prix," she said.

She said the race averages raising around $30,000 a year for charity.

Why run this race?

"We believe in being good corporate citizens," Pasky said. "It's also an opportunity to spotlight Belle Isle and an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives."

Winning the men's race was Brendon Blacklaws of Ann Arbor in a time of 16 minutes, 28 seconds. Winning the women's race was Chelsie Noble of Saline, with a time of 20 minutes, 10 seconds.