It’s official. The heat has hit and with sunshine comes swimsuit season. So get your bod ready for short skirts and tight shirts with this list of local foot races. Perfect for beginners and old pros alike, these races are just the motivation you need to stay in shape all summer long.

Healthy Paws, Healthy Cause Fun Run/Walk
Grand Rapids
Saturday, June 14

Calling all pet lovers! This race gives pets and their owners an opportunity to hit the road in a fun run/walk that is less like a race and more like one giant neighborhood stroll. Amateur runners will fare just fine alongside eager walkers.

Registration: $25
http://www.chfa.net/HPHC_Main.aspx

XTERRA Torn Shirt Trail
Brighton
Sunday, June 22

Two serious races for serious athletes. Get your feet wet with the triathlon or go for dry land in the duathlon challenge. A hefty registration fee includes a T-shirt, goodie bag, door prizes, post-race fruit and drinks, chip timed results and an awards lunch.

Registration: $85
http://www.eliteendeavors.com/race_tornShirt.htm

Livonia Spree Freedom Run
Livonia
Sunday, June 29

Take your pick of distances and support the Livonia Save Our Youth Task Force in this race. Featuring a post-race all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast complimented by elephant ears and corn dogs, the Freedom Run is perfect for the not-so-die-hard pedestrians.

Registration: $20
http://justsayrun.com

Tortoise and Hare 4th of July 5k
Ann Arbor
Friday, July 4

Start your Independence Day celebrations off bright and early with a jaunt through the streets of downtown Ann Arbor. Stick around after the race for the Ann Arbor Jaycees' Parade.

Registration: $25 single, $90 team
http://www.tortoiseandhare.com

National Cherry Festival - Meijer Festival of Races
Traverse City
Saturday, July 12

A Michigan favorite, this race fits nicely into anyone's Cherry Festival schedule. Choose from 5k or 15k runs or a 5k walk and enjoy some of the best views this side of Mackinac. T-shirt and goodie bag included in registration fee, which jumps $5 with each passing deadline.

Registration: $25 through June 20, $30 June 21-July 11, $35 race day
http://www.cherryfestival.org/festivalofraces/info.php

 
Catch Your Breath Run & Walk
Flint
Saturday, July 12

Sponsored by the Flint Journal newspaper, this race is an official Crim training run. Check your pace while supporting a cause. The Flint Journal Newspaper In Education program will thank you, and so will your quads.

Registration: Varies, $11-$34
http://flintjournal.com/race/index.html

Mount Olivet Cemetery 4 Mile Sunrise Run/1.5 Mile Walk/Pancake Breakfast
Detroit
Sunday, July 13

Guaranteed to be a unique race experience, this foot race routes runners through the Mount Olivet Cemetery, start to finish. Work up an appetite in the 4- or 1.5-mile legs and enjoy a pancake breakfast afterward.

Registration: $18/1.5 mile, $23/4 mile
http://www.mtelliott.com/eventpdfs/MtOlivet_RunApplication.pdf

Heart of the Hills
Bloomfield Hills
Saturday, July 26

Voted one of Michigan's top 50 races by Michigan Runner, this race starts at Andover High School and treks through Bloomfield Hills. Offering 5k and 10k distances, the Heart of the Hills races are perfect for nearly every skill level.

Registration: $30
http://www.heartofthehillsrace.com/home.html

Portland Riverfest Run
Portland
Saturday, August 23

Squeeze in a run while celebrating Portland's annual Riverfest. Incorporating historic bridges, Portland's Riverwalk and two rivers, the races are perfect for athletes with a weakness for scenery. Check out the hot air balloons afterward and fest it up.

Registration: $10-$15
http://portlandrunningclub.homestead.com/06TrailsforTales.html

 
Somerset Stampede
Somerset
Saturday, August 23

One of the few beach races out there, the Somerset Stampede promises picture-perfect views for all 13.2 miles of the race. Not up to half-marathon mileage? No problem. Register for the 5k and score the shore without the sore.

Registration: $15
http://www.somerset-run.com/

 
Mackinac Island Eight Mile & Kid's Run
Mackinac Island, MI Sat 09/06/2008

This is your chance to garner some bragging rights for running around an island. The paved eight-mile course winds around the perimeter of Mackinac Island, shading runners most of the way. Show up on Friday for the pasta dinner and carb-load like never before.

Registration: $25
http://www.runmackinac.com/

2008 Gazelle Sports Bridge Run
Grand Rapids
Saturday, September 20

Head to downtown Grand Rapids for a positively organic race experience. Registration fees guarantee organic snacks at the finish line and long-sleeved race shirts for all 5k and 10k participants.

Registration: $25-$35
http://www.rungazelle.com/thebridgerun/

Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon
Detroit,
Sunday, October 19

This is where it all pays off. Put your summer of sprinting to use at Detroit's very own marathon. Relay, half and full marathon events ensure that every competitor, pro or amateur, can participate. Plus, this race boasts the only underwater international mile in the world.

Registration: $70-$125 full marathon, $50-$100 half marathon
http://www.detroitmarathon.com