Du Nain Rouge 5K Runners Protect Detroit From A Mythical Red Imp

By Carissa Hutchinson
@cnhutch1991

This event was named one of the 100 things you must do in Detroit by "HOUR Detroit" in 2013. Do you know what it is?

The Marche du Nain Rouge is a parade that celebrates whatever is good and working in Detroit due to the absence of the evil Nain Rouge. Nain Rouge is an evil red imp who creates havoc whenever he is around. He has been haunting Detroit since 1701 but with your help the city can be protected for another year. Dress up in costume and join the parade held the Sunday after the vernal equinox (March 23) to chase this red imp away. This free event begins at 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Traffic Jam & Snug.

But before you join the march be sure to sign up for Run du Nain Rouge 5k run. Race participants can help run the evil Nain Rouge out of town during this 5K, which starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of Cass and Canfield (501 W. Canfield Street). Adding to the Marche de Nain Rouge tradition, the Run du Nain Rough brought 500 runners to the race last year.

Runners can register for the 5K at active.com. Online registration is $35 through Thursday, March 20 but will rise to $40 on race day. Registration includes a t-shirt, and the top 15 finishers will be rewarded with Nain Rouge-themed prizes. The slowest 10 will be punished with gifts selected by the red imp himself. Run times will be posted at runmichigan.org.

Become a reveler this March 23 and help banish the Nain Rouge and rid Detroit of its woes. For more information visit marchedunainrouge.com.

Carissa Hutchinson is a senior at Ferris State University studying television and digital media production. She's currently on two internships with CBS 62/CW50 Detroit and M-1 Studios in Ferndale. While attending college she was a very active member of Delta Zeta and the Media Communications Association. Take a look at Carissa's work at carissanhutchinson.wordpress.com.