It's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of race season. As a handful of bike races, 5Ks and West Michigan's largest marathon approach, it is time to celebrate. You have hit your goals and now have time to prepare to set some more.
Though this time of year hits differently for each of us, it is a great time to focus on recovery, improve skills, and start putting together plans for 2024. That's not just for athletes, it's a good approach for life in general.
We are grateful you are here and support our local race community. Look forward to the off season. It's when Michigan athletes find their strength!
𓆦 Stellafly
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Last week, qualifiers that registered were notified about acceptance. Our October story features athlete Amber Powell. She talks about her personal running journey, what inspires her and recent qualification to The Boston Marathon.
The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious and historic long-distance running events in the world. The quest to participate is a goal for many dedicated runners.
The race has a rich history, dating back to 1897. It is the world's oldest annual marathon, and its tradition includes awarding medals and jackets to finishers. It typically takes place on the third Monday in April, known as Patriots' Day in Massachusetts. The course runs from the town of Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston, covering a distance of 26.2 miles. The course is known for its famous "Heartbreak Hill" around the 20-mile mark.
The quest for the Boston Marathon can be a long and challenging journey, but for many runners, it is a dream come true to compete in this iconic race. Achieving a Boston qualifying (BQ) time and having the opportunity to participate is a significant accomplishment in the world of long-distance running.
Getting into Boston is highly competitive, as the number of entries is limited, and the qualifying standards are quite stringent. They also use a rolling registration process where runners with faster qualifying times have priority in registration. The registration window is typically open for several weeks, and the fastest qualifiers get to register first. The demand for entries can be exceptionally high and when this happens, the BAA may establish cutoff times that are faster than the standard qualifying times. Runners who meet the standard qualifying times but not the cutoff times may not be accepted.
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2ND ANNUAL TAPS AND TRAILS 5K
OCTOBER 5, 2023
IKUS LIFE ENRICHMENT SERVICES
INDIAN TRAILS CAMP
The 2nd annual Taps and Trails 5K and Community Mile is happening on Thursday, October 5, 2023. All ages can join in the 5K or Community Mile.
If you are 21 or older, you may purchase a ticket to Taps + Trails an annual fall fundraiser for Indian Trails Camp. At Taps + Trails, you’ll sample a wide variety of beers, hard ciders and seltzers, and fantastic food prepared by IKUS's own Chef Scott. Beverage partners include Lost Art Brewhouse, Trail Point Brewing, Sierra Rose, Long Drink and more. Spend the evening strolling through the beautiful grounds of Indian Trails Camp, learning about the programs and services offered there while enjoying food, beverages and even some live music!
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RODE TO HELL
OCTOBER 7, 2023
GRASS LAKE, MICHIGAN
Rode To HELL is a gravel bike event is happening next weekend! It 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. Beer tent by Saugatuck Brewing, catered bbq, live music by Global Village. Awards by Ugly Dog Distillery. Another fantastic Tris4Health event.
USE CODE: STELLAFLY for 10% OFF!
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NORTH SHORE TRAIL RUN
OCTOBER 7, 2023
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN
We'll be at the fifth annual North Shore Trail Run in beautiful Spring Lake on October 7th photographing runners in the beautiful trails at Coast Guard Park in North Ottawa Dunes in Ferrysburg, MI.
This year, proceeds will go to a great local Grand Haven nonprofit, Love in Action (LIA) as well as Chariots of Fire Youth Running Club, and to Ferrysburg Fire Barn Renovations.
There are three featured races:
1) 10K Run - 8:15a Start
2) 2K Kids Fun Run - 9:25a Start (Free for Kids!!)
3) 5K Run/Hike/Walk - 10:00a Start
Run one or try the 10K/5K Combo. If you think you can finish the 10K in one hour and 45 minutes, then you will get back in line for the 5K at 10 AM. Race Start will be at the tennis courts in the park.
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5TH ANNUAL HEART & SOLE 5K
OCTOBER 14, 2023
FRUITPORT, MICHIGAN
The 5th annual Heart & Sole 5K, in honor of Courtney Frazine will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 8:30AM. It is always a privilege to photograph this run/walk event to remember and honor the loving heart and kind, generous soul of Courtney Frazine. Fruitport Congregational Church is the site for this scenic and enjoyable 5K run and walk. All of the participants will receive a quality “Dri-Fit” tech shirt for this event.
This event raises funds to support the mission of READ Muskegon, a non-profit that focuses on removing barriers to literacy for community members of Muskegon County.
Last year’s 2022 event, $15,500 was raised and handed to READ Muskegon to assist their mission of enhancing literacy in Muskegon County.
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GRAND RAPIDS KIDS MARATHON
OCTOBER 14, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
It’s not just the “Big Kids.” The little ones are on the road too! Along with their presenting Sponsor, Family Capital Management, the goal of the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon is to encourage healthy lifestyles for children and their families, and to help kids become physically active for a lifetime.
Kids between the ages of 2 and 12 are invited to participate.
On Saturday, October 14, the kids will run the last 1.2 miles of their marathon on the official race course of the Grand Rapids Marathon at the David D. Hunting YMCA. Registered runners receive an official race bib and T-shirt. All finishers receive a medal and certificate.

- Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
- Race Time: 1:30
- Packet Pick-Up: 12 pm – 1:00 pm
- Location: David D. Hunting YMCA (OUTDOORS in the tent in the northwest corner of the parking lot) @ 475 Lake Michigan Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49504
- Distance: The course is 1.2 miles, starting and finishing at the actual Start/Finish line of the UM Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon

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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN - WEST GRAND RAPIDS MARATHON
OCTOBER 15, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
Founded in 2004, the Grand Rapids Marathon delivers a fun, highly personal, authentic race experience, particularly for runners who value a well-organized, personal experience over the chaotic, crowded fields of “big city” races through "concrete canyons.”
This is a race that is put on by runners that supports every participant leaving no strangers on their course. In fact, Race Director Don Kern stands at the finish line for handshakes and hugs, a tradition that started organically In 2005 when the race moved to its downtown location. A perfect race day experience that celebrates individual accomplishment, pickle juice, a fantastic after party and the spirit of friendship and community that is so unique to running.
USE PROMO CODE: Take10 for 10% OFF!
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BEAT THE TRAIN
NOVEMBER 4, 2023
COOPERSVILLE, MICHIGAN
Ever dream of going toe to toe with a TRAIN?
Make your dreams a reality and register to race the Coopersville/Marne Locomotive on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Organizers are back to boarding the train in Coopersville this year!
Train speed is based on the average estimated finish time of ALL registrants. All runners are asked for their estimated finish time when they register. With 300 estimated finish times, divide by 300, and the average is 25 minutes, then it will take the train about 25 minutes from start to finish. Regardless of your pace, get ready for your best 5K time ever, we can almost guarantee it! All finishers receive a finisher medal. After the race, enjoy the quaint city of Coopersville. The city is holding another fantastic event, the 5th Annual Deer Widow Day, featuring a brunched-themed food truck, a band, shopping, and prizes kicking off at 11am! Biggby is providing free hot chocolate. Sign up. Bring the family and make a fun day of it!
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GRAND RAPIDS TURKEY TROT
NOVEMBER, 2023 - THANKSGIVING DAY
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
We're heading into our 10th year of photographing Grand Rapids largest 5K — the 31st Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot! Proceeds from the race help to offset the cost of Grand Rapids Public Schools athletics giving all students the opportunity to participate in school sports. This is one a hometown favorite!
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REEDS LAKE RESOLUTION RUN
DECEMBER 31, 2023 - NEW YEARS EVE
EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
The Resolution Run is back for its 41st year. Flys for Good is at the helm for 2023 and have big plans to scale up this New Year's Eve race experience. The four mile course, the time, the after-party traditions will all remain the same! More details coming soon but for now, SAVE the DATE!
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LAST CHANCE BQ.3 - GRAND RAPIDS EDITION
SEPTEMBER 10, 2023
WALKER, MICHIGAN
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IRONMAN MICHIGAN 70.3
SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
FRANKFORT, MICHIGAN
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LMCU BRIDGE RUN
SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
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DIRTY MITTEN DIRT FEST
SEPTEMBER 23-24, 2023
MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN
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CROSSROADS RUN: HOPE IN MOTION
SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
RIDGE POINT COMMUNITY CHURCH
HOLLAND, MICHIGAN
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And don't worry, we plan on keeping this a monthly newsletter as an attempt to keep you around. If you decide to unsubscribe, no worries, we'll see you at the races!
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