The sweat. The time.
The dedication. It pays off.
— Anonymous
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From covering race weekends, a quick trip to DC to see the kid, taking advantage of an opportunity to race some gravel myself, and even a chance at race directing, July did not disappoint. It was packed full with travel, training and working the outdoor athletic events.
As we head into the Sunday of Summer, we have some exciting races to talk about. Before we get into that, it brings me great joy to introduce a special piece written about my good friends, Ron Knoll, Jon Conking and John Mosey, who recently put together a dream deal. To make it even better, my son, Thomas, who lives and works in Washington D.C., wrote the story. Congratulations on this merger, fellas. Looking forward to 2024 already.
Coming up in August, next up is Tris4Health's Michigan Titanium which offers up all of the distances and racing opportunities that a triathlete could ever want — including the only full distance in Michigan. If you're a runner and prefer a beautiful trail run in the woods, Brainy Day Trail Run is back with a 5k, 10k or 10 mile course plus a new half mile fun run, perfect for kids and families. This event benefits those affected by hydrocephalus.
The Sixth Annual Millennium Meadows Marathon, part of the Grand Rapids Marathon Series, kicks off their fall race series featuring a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and the newly added Marathon RELAY. Truly something for everybody!
Looking foward into fall, our RACE CALENDAR is filling up. If you're a race director and need help getting your event on the radar, we can help. We don't just take pictures but we help RDs get their events in front of the athletes that participate in them. The pictures/drone coverage and extra creative is the icing on the cake. Email us at STELLAFLY and we'll help you out!
See you at the races,
🫶 Laura Caprara, aka Stellafly
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RENOWNED WEST MICHIGAN RACE DIRECTOR TURNS THE PAGE
At 65, Ron has directed over 130 races. He has curated the Grand Haven Triathlon, Bear Lake Triathlon, the Armed Services Marathon, and many others on a contractual basis. In 2019 and 2022, he was voted West Michigan’s Best Race Director – an achievement he will always hold to his heart.
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MICHIGAN TITANIUM Presented by Hex Armor
Be a TITAN at Michigan's Only 140.6-mile triathlon on August 13th!
USA TRIATHLON 2023 ULTRA_DISTANCE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PLAINFIELD, MICHIGAN
There is still time to sign-up!
Michigan Titanium, a USAT sanctioned event and 2019, 2022 & 2023 Ultra-Distance (Full) Championship, offers multiple options including our 140.6 mile Ultra-Distance, Half, Olympic and (NEW) Sprint distances are offered for Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, Relay and Swim-Only events. Come experience a world-class event in Plainfield, MI on August 13, 2023.
"BY FAR THE BEST ORGANIZED EVENT I HAVE PARTICIPATED IN. FROM REGISTRATION TO THE FINISH LINE, A FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE."
- 2021 Participant
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BRAINY DAY TRAIL RUN Presented by Sportstats
Join us Saturday, August 19th, 2023 at Mosquito Creek Trails (Twin Lake, MI) Making a difference for those affected by hydrocephalus since 2007.
There is still time to sign-up!
We have distances for all! Enjoy our 5k, 10k or 10 mile courses plus our new half mile fun run, perfect for kids and families.
"A great cause and a fun run through Mosquito Creek trails. I’d ridden mountain bikes there before but it's always good to see things from a different perspective."
- 2022 Participant
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MILLENNIUM MEADOWS
AUGUST 27, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
For 2023, Millennium Meadows Marathon is proud to be hosting its 6th year! The event features a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and the newly added Marathon RELAY. All four events will take place Sunday, August 27th.
Millennium Meadows Marathon events occur at Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park, one of the many Kent County Parks and what we think is the most scenic and beautiful. You will run on a wide and paved path that crosses a footbridge, winds along the Grand River, and cuts through meadows. Most of the course is heavily shaded.
New this year event organizers are offering a referral program! Once you register you'll see a referral link that you can share via social media or email with whoever will signup. Once someone registers using your code, YOU will be refunded $5 per person. It's good for as many times, until your registration is fully refunded. Who doesn't love money back?
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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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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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Join the Van Andel Institute Marathon Team and raise funds for research into diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s, all while training for 26.2 miles! Dip your toes into fundraising and enjoy perks such as a welcome kit with VAI Marathon gear, incentive gifts, free training with RunGR, and much more!
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Let's show the strength of GR's cycling community. On Saturday August 26th, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our passion by lining the Blue Bridge with bikes, and we want everyone to participate. Here's the plan:
4pm: Arrive at the Blue Bridge with your bike. Lead or connect with a local ride or just show up. All types of bikes and riders are welcome. Can we get at least 350 bikes lined up on the Bridge? Let's make it happen!
4:30pm: Picture Time! Line the Bridge with bikes for this historic cycling community photo. Let's show GR our passion for all things cycling!
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GRAND HAVEN TRIATHLON
JULY 9, 2023
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN
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TRI DEL SOL
SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023
MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN
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Team Stellafly's triathlete Kraig Hinken brings viewers along on TRI DEL SOL's race day. |
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UGLY DOG TRIATHLON
JULY 22, 2023
GRASS LAKE, 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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