DETROIT, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Alliance Plan (HAP) announced it will be the title sponsor of the 2016 Brooksie Way race, which will be held September 25 at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.  The Brooksie Way is one of Oakland County's premier quality-of-life events, encouraging people to become more physically active and supporting programs that foster an active lifestyle.  The sponsorship represents HAP's continued dedication to promoting health and wellness in the communities it serves.

"The Brooksie Way has a tradition of inspiring Oakland County residents and others across Michigan to choose healthy habits through running, walking, jogging or other activities that promote an active lifestyle," said DeAndre Lipscomb, vice president, marketing and community outreach, Health Alliance Plan. "HAP is proud to support this event with its significant impact on improving community wellness, which aligns with HAP's mission to enhance the health and well-being of the lives we touch."

The HAP title sponsorship is a continuation of the partnership the Brooksie Way had with Flint-based HealthPlus of Michigan, which merged with HAP earlier this year.  HealthPlus had served as title sponsor since 2013.

"HAP and HealthPlus have each supported the Brooksie Way in previous years," said Lipscomb.  "So we appreciate the fact that the merging of HealthPlus into HAP has created this opportunity for HAP to serve as the title sponsor of the race that means so much to this community."

The race is named in honor of Brooks Stuart Patterson, who died in 2007 following a snowmobile accident.  His father, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, created the Brooksie Way as a way to promote Oakland County and encourage people to become more physically active.

Since its inception in 2007, the Brooksie Way has had more than 31,000 participants from 15 states nationwide.  Last year's race had 5,500 participants. The race also offers a training program, which is expected to prepare 400 participants to run or walk the race in 2016.

Proceeds from the race are distributed through "Brooksie Way Minigrants" to support non-profit health and fitness programs that encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. By the end of 2016, approximately $175,000 in minigrants will have been awarded to Oakland County organizations.

The HAP Brooksie Way includes 10k, 5k and Fun Run events. For more information, visit thebrooksieway.com.

About Health Alliance Plan
Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is a Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan that provides health coverage to more than 675,000 members and companies of all sizes. For more than 50 years, HAP has partnered with leading doctors and hospitals, employers and community organizations to enhance the health and well-being of the lives we touch. HAP offers a product portfolio with six distinct product lines: Group Insured Commercial, Individual, Medicare, Medicaid, Self-Funded and Network Leasing. HAP excels in delivering award-winning preventive services, disease management and wellness programs, and personalized customer service.

SOURCE Health Alliance Plan (HAP)