This unique multi-sport event is challenging, but not impossible. Appropriate for any person of average physical capabilities from first time racers, to high school athletes and professional triathlon competitors, anyone looking for a healthy challenge will find this event of interest. Best of all, there’s no swimming required! The challenge is there for the competitive athlete, however, if you can walk, run, paddle, and bike, the overwhelming beauty of the area and the camaraderie of those attending will make this event worthy of your participation. Make the M-22 Challenge your goal for this summer.
WHEN
8am Saturday June 8, 2013
WHERE
For directions to the event site (Little Glen Lake Picnic Area), please use the following address:
6900 South Dune Highway, Empire, MI 49630-9447
HOW MUCH
Registration for the 2013 M22 Challenge is $110 which includes entry for one athlete, event shirt, event bag, and use of timing chip. There is no entry fee for spectators, we encourage you to bring friends and family to cheer you on!
THE COURSE: RUN – BIKE – PADDLE
The 22 mile-long course is designed to take the average athlete approximately two hours to complete. The M-22 Challenge will begin at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park (aka Little Glen Lake Picnic Area) located on the northwest corner of Little Glen Lake at 8:00am.
RUN: The event starts with the running portion where athletes will run south down M-109 and into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore “Dune Climb” park to face a steep and sandy climb up the dune. The reward at the top is the view! Competitors will then catch their breath in a fun run down the dune and along a groomed trail to M-109. On the road, runners will sprint back to the event site and transition area to complete the 2.5 mile run. Approximately half of the run will take place on pavement.
BIKE: The second portion requires athletes to bike 17 miles around Big and Little Glen Lake. Bike highlights include a pedal through downtown Glen Arbor, cycling along sections of the Crystal River and the famous M22, and of course, Inspiration Point. The Leelanau County Sheriffs Department will be leading the first few bikers around the course, but the rest of the pack is on their own. There will be volunteers at all major intersections, but keep in mind you must follow traffic laws and be aware of cars pulling in and out of driveways.
PADDLE: Transitioning from a bike to the water, the third and final portion of the event has participants paddling out and back into Little Glen Lake for 2.5 miles. Athletes are only allowed to use one (1) paddle to hand power their chosen craft (kayak, standup paddle board, anything else you can dream up! etc.) A two blade paddle is allowed, but in no way can the paddle be fixed to the craft. At the end of the paddle portion, athletes will jump out of their boats and run through the water to the finish line. (Participants need to wear or have a PFD on their craft).
START LINE
Run staging will open at 7:50 am in the closed-off portion of M-109. To eliminate potential accidents at the start of the race we ask that all “expert” athletes line-up at the front of the start line with less experienced and beginner athletes lining up towards the back.
For 2013 there will be wave starts spaced 1 minute apart:
WAVE 1: Expert & Arms
WAVE 2: 29 & Under
WAVE 3: 30-39
WAVE 4: 40-49
WAVE 5: 50 & Over
FINISH LINE
Athletes will paddle into a kayak/SUP dismount area where competitors will jump out of their boats, run out of the water and sprint a short distance through the finish line. This part of the race is sure to be very entertaining to watch!
COMPETITOR’S MEETING
All competitors are asked to gather at the announcers podium for a riders meeting at 7:30am.
TIMING
The event will be chip timed with mats in three locations: the start line, entrance or exit of the transition area, and the finish line.
CHECK-IN DATES
All participants must check-in to receive Race Packet & Race Bib. Check-In times are June 7 from 3-8 p.m. at the M22 shop in Glen Arbor (6298 W. Western Ave, M22), and June 8 from 6:30-7 a.m. at the Event Site (please check-in on the 7th if at all possible).
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