Meet the Team
Playmakers Racing Athletes
Joel Conn
Joel hit his marathon PR (so far) at age 38. He ran cross country and track at Wake Forest University, but we're glad he found his way from North Carolina back to Michigan.
Johnny "Great Oaks" Crain
If you have to ask why he's called the Great Oaks, consider yourself lucky – you've never had to get crushed by those legs in an uphill race.
Kelly Babcock
Kelly adds a giant dose of charisma to Playmakers Elite. She is single-handedly keeping the natural peanut butter industry alive, and her left eye is two different colors (half green, half brown).
Melanie Brender
Melanie competed for Michigan State University for five years before joining the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project
2023 Race Calendar
March 26: Shamrock Shuffle 8k
RACE RESULTS
This road race with an elite team competition is a beloved tradition. The top 4 runners to cross the line for each team score in this incredibly competitive annual event. The team with the lowest combined finishing time wins.
April 15: Izzo Legacy Run 5k
The Izzo family partners with Playmakers to host this race on Michigan State’s campus.
August 6th: Lake Lansing Team Relay
Team comradery and fun by the lake, join us for the Lake Lansing Team Relay.
October 1st: Autumn Classic 8k
The original Playmakers event! Celebrate the changing leaves at the Autumn Classic!
November 23: Lansing Turkey Trot 5k
A staple for Thanksgiving morning. This feels like a reunion every year, with teammates new and old in town for the holidays.
Early December: USATF National Club XC Championships
FRIDAY PUBLIC RUN AT 7:00 AM
Come for the run, and stay for the coffee and donuts from a great local business. We have a 5.5-mile loop through downtown Lansing, followed by 4-8 strides. Feel free to add on mileage as needed!