Black Bear Run Father and daughter Matt & Molly McNamara
By Dan Hardenbrook
An annual 4th of July tradition returned last weekend, as the communities of Engadine and Naubinway launched the weekend Friday with the 43rd Annual Black Bear Run. The event raises funds for the Engadine Sports Boosters and is a highlight of the holiday weekend for many. The Black Bear Run draws competitors from across the state and nation, but this year’s races featured plenty of locals who led the pack in their divisions.
Decorated distance runner Dakota Taylor, graduate from the Engadine Consolidated Schools Class of 2025, has raced in the Black Bear Run for many years. He’ll soon head to college, where he will keep running, and this year’s Black Bear Run likely had extra special meaning.
Taylor was this year’s top overall finisher in the 6K run, finishing the course in a time of 22:06. He was 1 minute, 14 seconds ahead of the next best finisher, McMillan resident Matt McNamara, who was second overall and 1st in the Men’s 40-49 age group.
Rounding out the top five were a couple more familiar faces. Duane Krenek, another recent Engadine graduate and standout runner for the Eagles, finished third. Krenek clocked in at 23:49. Eagles teammate Nate Stielstra, who will assume the leadership role and top spot from Taylor and Krenek, was fifth overall at 25:21. Clinton Township’s Carter French, who also has ties to the local area, was 4th overall. Leading the ladies was young phenom Molly McNamara, who was 9th place overall. McNamara won her age division (female 11-14) and was third female runner overall.
Other top finishers in this year’s Black Bear Run included Alex Pollack of Lake Orion, Mich., who won the 12K, Hannah Kirkum (1st place female, 5th Overall – 12K), Roger Fylstra of Comstock Park, Mich., (6K Walk 1st Overall), and Nancy Brocke (1st place female, 5th overall – 6K walk). Full race results and information is available at Black-Bear-Run.com.
