Change is in the air and with that, we enter into a season of renewed challenges, skill refinement, and for some, a deep dive into the intricacies of changing disciplines. Whether you're an accomplished runner chasing the elusive BQ or an aspiring marathoner fueled by the desire to conquer your long distance event — the season to start is now.
Coming up in September, we will kick things off next weekend with Grand Rapids' Last Chance BQ. Tris4Health is back again with a two day DirtFest featuring a gravel-focused cycling race on day one and a USAT Gravel Triathlon qualifying event on day two. We will also be out there for the Juvenile Diabetes Ride for a Cure, LCMU's Bridge Run, Ironman Michigan in Frankfort, Michigan, and a brand new race, Crossroads Prison Ministries Inaugural 5K.
As we head into the final stretch of the 2023 race season, be sure to check out our RACE CALENDAR.
If you're a race director and need help getting your event on the radar for 2024, we can help. Get your race in front of the athletes that participate in them. Email us at STELLAFLY and we'll explain how it all works.
See you at the races,
🫶 Laura Caprara, aka Stellafly
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photo: Chris Robotham / stellafly |
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WHAT'S NEXT FOR JOHNNY AGAR?
Last June, CBS lead correspondent David Begnaud and his crew set up recording equipment in the Agar family’s house under the guise of filming a Father’s Day message. To the surprise of Ironman Johnny Agar and his family, David presented a laptop which shortly began to stream a video message from football hall-of-famer Peyton Manning who is one of Johnny’s favorite athletes of all time.
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JDRF RIDE TO CURE DIABETES EXPERIENCE
SEPTEMBER 7-10, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
While charity bike rides are nothing new, the JDRF ride events aren't just a bike ride, but rather, a four-day experience, that, once you reach your fundraising goal, includes your travel, meals, seminars, parties, the ride itself and more.
JDRF chooses locations annually, with a few classic repeats. Each is in a location you’d love to visit anyway. With the Ride, participants not only visit the area, they take on a fun challenge and see the destination via bike – which gives you a slower and more captivating view.
Expect from 200 to 600 riders at most, and be ready for “white ride glove” service: A dedicated team of volunteers and coaches have your back from the day you register (coaching tips, in person training rides where available, fundraising support) to ride day (a bike room team that makes sure your wheels are just right; volunteer-led break points with amazing food and medical folks watching you and coaches who will literally push you up a hill should you feel the need.)
Last year, the JDRF ride line up added our beloved Grand Rapids, which is a huge honor as we already know what an awesome city it is and all it has to offer.
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LAST CHANCE BQ.2 - GRAND RAPIDS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
Last Chance BQ.2-Grand Rapids has become one of the premier and most nationally known, BQ events. The timing is perfect and we provide a venue that has proven to be one of the highest percentage qualifiers in the country, hovering around 60%. This is a race we designed specifically to give you a shot at getting to Boston in 2024. Limited to 330 runners.
Registration for the 128th Boston Marathon opened on Monday, September 12 in 2022. Dates for the 2024 event will be announced by BAA whenever they do it.
This event is brought to you by the same team that puts on the UM Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon. As runners, we know how important Boston is to you, and we know what it takes to get there. We’ve been there ourselves, and we’ve helped THOUSANDS of runners get there in our 19 years with the UM Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon. In 2023 we’re here to help you get there with a race focused completely on getting you to Boston 2024.
The race site is at 1400 Maynard SW. Starting time is at 7am Sunday morning.
Bring your shoes. Recommended. But optional.
The table is below. For more on Boston Qualifying standards and info on their registration dates, CLICK HERE
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IRONMAN MICHIGAN 70.3
SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
FRANKFORT, MICHIGAN
Stellafly photographers Chris Robotham and Laura Caprara are heading Up North to capture triathletes competing at the annual IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon, held in Frankfort, Michigan. Participants will swim 1.2 miles around Frankfort Harbor, bike 56 miles around sections of M-22 and finish the race with a 13.1 mile run through Frankfort and the surrounding areas. Look for them, yell their names and they'll try to catch you. Post race, you can find the album of images here: https://www.flashframe.io/search/2330/
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LMCU BRIDGE RUN
SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
The LMCU Bridge Run has been providing the community with a premier starting line to accomplish goals since 2002 and we invite you to join us in person or virtually to keep the tradition "running" (pun intended)! Whether you pick the 10 Mile Run or 5K Run/Walk, be assured you will have a great race day experience running through downtown Grand Rapids and of course, crossing the many bridges in the city.
The 2023 Bridge Run will be located on the west side of the 6th Street Bridge (use 731 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, 49504 in your GPS for our physical location). The historic 6th Street bridge is an icon and a favorite of our event participants. Both the 5K and 10 Mile routes will still go through downtown Grand Rapids (over a bonus bridge), with the 10 Mile still heading out through Riverside Park. You can view the tentative routes (we are still working with the City of Grand Rapids to finalize the details) by clicking on each distance: 5K | 10 Mile. You will notice that the 5K route is essentially the same for everyone, which will allow us to start BOTH races at 8am this year!
Our volunteer race committee is excited to put on this event for YOU! If you have any questions, please let us know by emailing lmcubridgerun@gmail.com.
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DIRTY MITTEN DIRT FEST
SEPTEMBER 23-24, 2023
MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN
THE DIRTY MITTEN GRAVEL BIKE RACE IS MICHIGAN’S NEWEST GRAVEL EVENT AND A GREAT EARLY FALL RACE.
The race starts and ends at the YMCA’s Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville, MI. Situated halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, it’s a convenient venue for just about all of West Michigan so you have no excuse not to come out!
DISTANCES
The event offers 10, 28 and 50 mile courses for riders of all levels. Both the longer routes go west of the camp and are completely different than the Sunday gravel triathlon bike courses. The 10 mile route goes east of the camp.
THE DIRTY MITTEN IS MICHIGAN’S LARGEST GRAVEL TRIATHLON AND THE PERFECT ENDING TO YOUR TRIATHLON SEASON!
Also at YMCA’s Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville, MI this triathlon features Sprint(ish), Olympic(ish) and Half(ish) distance triathlons along with duathlons and aquabikes for those of you who might not want to swim or run.
Your day will start on the shores of Lake Barlow with a one, two or three loop swim. Transition is a short run away before heading out onto the beautiful gravel roads of Barry County. The sprint course will feature an out and back on Bowens Mill Road while the Olympic course will work its way south and east, exploring some of the best gravel roads Michigan has to offer. Once you’re back at camp, a quick change of your shoes and you’ll be off onto the trails of Camp Manitou-Lin for the trail/cross country run portion.
Be sure to stick around for the post-race party once you’ve finished. Traditional awards will be handed out to the fastest among us, but there will have some surprises as well, celebrating the spirit of The Dirty Mitten and the end of yet another great triathlon season in West Michigan.
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CROSSROADS RUN: HOPE IN MOTION
SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
RIDGE POINT COMMUNITY CHURCH
HOLLAND, MICHIGAN
Join the inaugural Crossroads Run and put Hope in Motion!
Embark on your adventure along the breathtaking recreational trail nestled within the enchanting Ridge Point Community Church property in Holland, MI. This trail is like no other, offering a wide, grassy path that stretches as far as the eye can see, promising unforgettable views at every turn. And that’s not all! The journey reaches its crescendo at Jesus Hill, a local legendary spot that will leave you awe-inspired.
Choose your own path and conquer the course with our diverse range of options. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or have the heart of a fierce competitor, they’ve got you covered! Take on the 2.5K run/walk for a delightful taste of adventure, or challenge yourself further with the exhilarating 5K, which entails completing the loop twice. For those seeking the ultimate test of endurance, brace yourself for the 10K, where you’ll conquer not just one, not two, but a whopping four loops! If teamwork is more your style, grab three of your fearless friends and tackle the 10K relay. Each member will complete one loop, making it a memorable bonding experience like no other.
Your participation in the Crossroads Run will have a meaningful impact. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Crossroads Prison Ministries. For nearly 40 years, Crossroads has been pouring hope into prisons worldwide through their correspondence Bible studies and the dedicated efforts of volunteer mentors. By joining us, you’re not only embarking on an unforgettable journey but also contributing to a cause that transforms lives and brings light to some of the loneliest places on earth.
Contact them if you would like more information about becoming a corporate sponsor or ministry partner! events@cpministries.org
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RODE TO HELL
OCTOBER 7, 2023
GRASS LAKE, MICHIGAN
Rode To HELL is a gravel bike event consisting of four distances: 100 Mile, 71 Mile, 41 Mile and 24 Mile. The event encompasses Jackson, Washtenaw, Livingston and Ingham Counties. A majority of the roads traveled will be gravel with smaller segments of paved portions, making for a memorable and unique challenge at the longer distances. Another fantastic Tris4Health event.
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Team Stellafly's Chris Gates battles rain, mud, elevation and many- miles at last month's Gravel Worlds in Lincoln, Nebraska. "It was the toughest race I've ever done and I can't wait to sign up again for next year."
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MICHIGAN TITANIUM Presented by Hex Armor
August 13, 2023
USA TRIATHLON 2023 ULTRA_DISTANCE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PLAINFIELD, MICHIGAN
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BRAINY DAY TRAIL RUN Presented by Sportstats
August 19th, 2023 at Mosquito Creek Trails (Twin Lake, MI)
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MILLENNIUM MEADOWS MARATHON, HALF MARATHON AND 10K
AUGUST 27, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
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