Download 2010 Race Flyer Download Course Map Road Runner Classic The Road Runner Classic was first conceptualized in the basement of Doug Kurtis’ home in Northville. They wanted to do something to give back to the running community with the first race being in 1983. It was held in Livonia at the YMCA Park until 1994. Highlights from some of the races included square dancing. A caller was hired and some volunteers dressed in a western theme. The race was delayed one year due to a thunderstorm. However, runners loved the rain and it was beautiful afterwards for the post race party. One of the volunteers was hit by lightning while holding an umbrella at the finish line. Nobody got hurt. The first year in Northville was held at Northville Downs. Following we used the Parks & Recreation Department on Main Street. First Finance Mortgage Company was a title sponsor for one year. They pumped a lot of money into the event. We had a famous east coast water colorist design on our shirts, and Karen Newman sang the national anthem. The race course was changed to Hines Drive the next two years and attendance waned. The last year for The Road Runner Classic was in 2000 in downtown Northville. After a 4-year hiatus, it was resurrected as a fundraiser for Maybury State Park in 2005, and has been there ever since.