Participants celebrate finishing last year’s Milford Easter Dash. (Photo: Milford Easter Dash)

Oak Pointe Church, 1250 S. Hill Road, in Milford announced details for its seventh annual Milford Easter Dash – now a virtual run in light of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Milford Easter Dash features three separate races: a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, and a one-mile fun run. Competitors can walk, run or hop any course they like any time April 12-18 by using the apps Strava or Garmin to record and submit results. Please note, although Strava or Garmin is needed to participate in the competitive part of the race, participants do not need these apps to participate in the event overall.

Proceeds from the event will support Grace Centers of Hope, one of the largest faith-based life-skills programs in Michigan for the homeless and addicted.

“We are thrilled to continue offering our support to Grace Centers of Hope through our annual Milford Easter Dash,” Oak Pointe Church Connections Coordinator Debra Muller said. “We know many people have been craving a sense of normalcy right now and running or walking outside can greatly help. I hope in the midst of the difficulties we are facing that our community will come together – virtually – and run or walk in support of Grace Centers of Hope.”

Registration is open now through April 18 and will be capped at 300 participants. Every participant will have the opportunity to safely pick up their commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal from Oak Pointe Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female competitor on each course and will be announced via the event Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/milfordeasterdash.

“If speed’s not your game, we still have a way for our competitors to win through our costume contest,” Muller said. “Simply submit your race selfie to our Facebook page wearing your Easter-y best and you will be entered to win a pair of our fabulous social distancing socks.”

Registration is $30 per person for the 5K, $35 per person for the 10K, and $17 for the one mile run and can be completed at www.milfordeasterdash.com.

For nearly 80 years, GCH has helped men, women and children transition from homelessness and addiction to stable housing, sobriety and employment. The nonprofit organization’s comprehensive programs provide daily meals, clothing, personal hygiene, individual and group therapy, Bible study and church service, mentorship/discipleship, work therapy, and financial planning. In addition, program participants also have access to the Career and Education Center and free childcare at the Hands of Hope Childcare Center.

“We are so very thankful to our wonderful friends at Oak Pointe Church for their love and support of Grace Centers of Hope,” Grace Centers of Hope CEO Pastor Kent W. Clark said. “During these difficult times when we must come together as a community, we are truly humbled by the outpouring of support from the greater Milford community and everyone associated with the Milford Easter Dash.”

For more information about Grace Centers of Hope, call 1-855-HELP-GCH or visit www.gracecentersofhope.org.

Contact reporter Andrew Vailliencourt at availlienc@hometownlife.com or 810-923-0659. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewVcourt. Send game results and stats to Liv-Sports@hometownlife.com.