47 years of the Crim Festival of Races: What to expect and how to navigate

Flint, MI — The HAP Crim Festival of Races will celebrate its 47th outing in Downtown Flint from Friday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. 

Since 1977, the Crim has been one of Flint’s largest events, drawing tens of thousands of participants worldwide.

This year’s event is the first following the death of Lois Craig, the creator and director of the Crim, who passed away in February at age 95.

The 10-day stretch of programming will include their signature 10-mile race, the Half Crim 5-mile, 5K, One mile, and the Teddy Bear Trot. 

Any runner who can set a record in the men’s or women’s divisions for the 10-mile course will receive $2,500 as an additional incentive.

The Crim Fitness Foundation also offers a virtual Crim for those who want to participate from abroad. Between Aug. 15 and 24, racers can complete their events from any location. 

Event registration is open to the public until Aug. 21 and is available on their website. 

Roads will be closed for residents not participating in the Crim festivities, but the streets will reopen gradually as the final participants clear the area.

Here are the following road closures and estimated time frames for each day:

Friday, Aug. 23

Saginaw Street in Downtown Flint, from Third Street to the bridge, will be closed from 10 a.m. on Aug. 23 until the conclusion of the Crim festival on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m. 

The affected Michigan Mile streets will be closed on Aug. 23 from 6:30 p.m. to Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Saginaw Street will be closed. 

From 6 to 11 a.m., streets affected by the 10-mile race will be closed, except University Avenue, Chevrolet Avenue, Marquette Street, Dougherty Place, Nolen Drive, and sections of Court and Fifth Street, which are also affected by the 5-mile race.

From 8:30 to 11 a.m., streets affected by the 5-mile race will be closed except University Avenue, Fox Street, and sections of Court and Fifth Street, also affected by the 5K race.

From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., streets affected by the 5K race will be closed. 

See maps below for race courses and street closures.