Welcome to Spring in Michigan
As Michigan transitions from winter, we're all ready to move our activities back outdoors. Those first warmer days bring new energy to our running routes, bike trails, and parks across the state.
March also marks that turning point when outdoor training becomes tolerable and somewhat enjoyable again - when the extra layers start coming off and the sunshine provides a natural boost to our workouts. After months of indoor routines, there's something special about returning to favorite routes and rediscovering our community spaces.
Our community is ready to reconnect outdoors, share miles together, and build momentum heading into the event-filled months ahead. We're excited to see so many familiar faces at the upcoming races! There's nothing like the energy of race day and catching up with friends we've missed during the winter months!
This month, we hear from Dr. Ed Kornoelje at University of Michigan Health-West with an important blog post about ferritin levels and how they impact your running performance. Check out his article at https://www.stellafly.com/ferritin/
Join us at these upcoming events
Mar 9 - White Pine Thaw Relay (Comstock Park) - Register
Mar 22 - Melting Mann Gravel Race (Jones) - Register
Mar 29 - Meals on Wheels March for Meals (Walker) - Register
Apr 19 - The Shelley Irwin Fun Run (Walker) - Register
Apr 26 - Rivertown Races (Walker) - Promo code: march (10% off) - Register
Apr 26 - Waterloo G+G Gravel Race (Grass Lake) - Register
Our 2025 Event Season Coverage:
https://www.stellafly.com/race-calendar/
In racing, 𓆦 stellafly
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Mark Magyar to Join Elite Global Running Club
We are sending all of our best wishes to FlyGuy Mark Magyar who will be joining the Elite Global Running Club this weekend!
If all goes as planned, on March 2nd, Mark will cross the finish line of the Tokyo Marathon an achievement of well over 10,000 runners have accomplished - completing all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Upon finishing Tokyo, Mark will join thus exclusive group who have earned the coveted Six Star Finisher medal by completing:
Berlin Marathon
Boston Marathon
Chicago Marathon
London Marathon
New York City Marathon
Tokyo Marathon
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In 2024, Mark was invited to participate in the Age Group World Championships at the TCS Sydney Marathon, giving him another. Only 560 people have completed all 7 stars. His remarkable achievement represents years of dedication, thousands of training miles, and an unwavering commitment to the sport of distance running.
Our team family couldn't be more proud of Mark's incredible journey and this extraordinary milestone in his running career! Enjoy every mile, Mark! Send pictures.
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WHAT IS FERRITIN (AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE)?
Ed Kornoelje DO
Sports Medicine|University of Michigan Health-West
I did a presentation at the recent Women’s Sports and Health Expo—if you didn’t go you missed out (on my talk, of course, but really the Expo itself). What was the talk about—Ferritin! If you are well versed in all that is ferritin, then I’ll see you next month. If not (or if you are not sure) please read on. Ferritin is one thing that is easy to test that can make a HUGE difference in your running. If you need to, take this to your doctor to get the correct test done. Or come and see us. Whatever you do, get your ferritin level checked. Why? Read on! https://www.stellafly.com/ferritin/
If you have any questions about ferritin, or other issues, you can find us all over West Michigan. We treat all types of sports injuries, and while we have experience treating professional athletes like the Griffins and Rise, as well as many college and university athletes, we use our expertise to help athletes and active individuals of all ages get going again. You don’t need to be on a team to be an athlete! Call 616-252-7778 or visit www.uofmhealthwest.org and search “sports medicine” for more information. We will also be at Gazelle Sports Grand Rapids 5:45-6:45 PM to chat about this or other activity related issues—stop by if you have any questions!
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The first event of the Michigan Gravel Race Series kicks off on March 22nd with Melting Man, winner of the TOUGHEST RACE category in this year's FLY AWARDS! | |
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The White Pine Thaw Relay
Sun March 9, 2025
Comstock Park, MI 49321 US
Teams divide 26.2 miles on the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, running north to Russel Road and back. Plowed trail with bathrooms/parking every ~4 miles.
Team Registration:
- Captain registers first, creates team name
- Additional members join under team name
- No team size limit
- Must cover entire 26.2-mile course (no partial runs)
Course Details:
- Starts at Vitale's Restaurant (3868 West River Dr)
- Trail crosses public roads - runners responsible for safety
- Key stops: Rogue River Park, Rockford Shoe Depot, Russell Road
Schedule:
- 8:30 AM: Doors open, Captain's meeting at Vitale's
- 9:00 AM: Race start
Maps available on registration page. Course remains open to public during event. FREE photos from Stellafly.
To Register: https://tinyurl.com/4cuayxwr
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Melting Mann Gravel Race
Sat March 22, 2025
Jones, MI 49061

The Melting Mann is a challenging early spring gravel race set in Jones, Michigan, offering up 58, 38 and 23 mile courses. Named after Mann Road, this event tests riders with a diverse mix of gravel, dirt roads, and pavement sections, often in unpredictable March weather conditions that can range from freezing to thawing, creating potentially muddy or partially frozen surfaces.
Participants should come prepared with wider tires (35mm or greater), weather, fenders, and layered clothing to handle the variable conditions. The race provides support stations along the route, though riders are encouraged to be mechanically self-sufficient. Its early season timing makes it a popular opener for Midwest gravel racing, drawing cyclists ready to tackle the unique challenges of spring riding in Michigan. It's badassery to sign up for a gravel race this early, which is one of the many reasons it snagged Toughest Race for in the 2024 Fly Awards.
STILL TIME TO GET REGISTERED: https://www.bikereg.com/melting-mann
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Merrell Trail Improvement Day
Wynalda Trail
Sat March 15 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3300 10 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Join West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance (WMMBA) for trail improvements and signage upgrades at Wynalda Trail. Meet at the Shed by the BMX Track (Premier Park Parking Lot). Tools will be provided. Bring friends and help enhance our local trails!
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Meals on Wheels Michigan March for Meals
Sat March 29, 2025
Walker, MI 49534 US

Join Meals on Wheels Western Michigan for their 4th Annual March for Meals event! Choose between a 2-mile community walk or 5k run through scenic park trails. Dog-friendly and perfect for participants of all ages and abilities. By participating, you'll help support independence and nutrition for local seniors. FREE photos from Stellafly.
To Register: https://tinyurl.com/ycy7s8km
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The Shelley Irwin Fun Run
Sat April 19, 2025
Walker, MI 49534 US

Join Shelley and the community for this fundraising event supporting WGVU Public Media. Shelley shares, "MY passion IS movement and having this opportunity to set goals and 'chase' them when it comes to fitness. Blessed with 'energizing bunny energy' for both my work at WGVU and for my fitness, I am thrilled to invite YOU to get involved through a sponsorship or attendance!"
About WGVU Public Media:
WGVU strengthens West Michigan by providing:
- In-depth, trusted local news coverage
- Educational programming for children
- Cultural programs celebrating our diverse community
- Commercial-free programming accessible to everyone
Your support helps fund local journalism, educational resources, and arts programming that showcases our region.

All are welcome to run, walk, skip, stroll or hop to the finish line. Strollers welcome!
To Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TheShelleyIrwinFunRun
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Rivertown Races
Sat April 26, 2025
Walker, MI 49534 US

Rivertown Races is a premier spring racing event in West Michigan that combines athletic challenge with community impact. Set against the scenic backdrop of Millennium Park, this event offers an ideal racing experience for participants of all skill levels, from elite athletes to first-time runners.
The course showcases the natural beauty of the area, winding through a diverse landscape of rolling terrain, wetlands, and lakes. Runners traverse a mix of roads, paved trails, and bridges, creating an engaging and varied route. The race's timing makes it perfect for athletes seeking an early-season benchmark or those training for the Amway River Bank Run, as it aligns well with typical training schedules.
Beyond the race itself, the event features a festive atmosphere with food, beverages, music, and family activities. Its location at Millennium Park provides easy access without the hassles of big-city traffic and congestion, making it especially appealing for families.
This professionally organized and timed event serves a greater purpose: all proceeds support Bridge Street Ministries' urban youth programs, allowing participants to contribute to local youth development while pursuing their athletic goals. FREE photos from Stellafly.
PROMO: march | 10% off for the month of March
To Register: https://rivertownraces.com
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Waterloo G+G
Sat April 26, 2025
Grass Lake, MI 49240

It's time to start planning your spring gravel race schedule, make sure to add Waterloo G+G to the calendar!
Ride through the wilds of Lower Michigan’s largest park, where pristine forests, rolling glacial terrain, and sparkling lakes provide a breathtaking backdrop for the gravel cycling experience of a lifetime.Given Waterloo RecreationalArea’s glacial history, the bike courses will vary from rolling hill climbs and swift descents to winding curves and rare straightaways. Some roads will be paved. Others may be patched. Most will be dirt and rock. Expect to get dusty. Expect to get grimy. Expect to have the time of your life!
100K: Now one loop that winds through Waterloo’s more than 20,000 acres.
50K: Condenses the best that the 100K offers into half the distance
11-mile: a little bit of everything!
Plus, don't forget to stick around for the after party! We will have Smokehouse 52 BBQ and complimentary beer to help you re-fuel after your ride.
And Waterloo G+G is part of the I Love Gravel Racing Series.
Spots are limited. This race will sell out. Don't miss out on what will be one of your favorite race days of the year!
To Register: https://waterloogravel.com/register/
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The 13th Annual Groundhog Day Marathon/Half
We kicked off our 2025 photography season yesterday with frozen fingers and toes at the annual Groundhog Marathon and Half Marathon. While Phil may have seen his shadow this year, these runners were too busy crushing miles (and loops) to think about six more weeks of winter.
The morning started brisk and stayed that way, with temperatures refusing to climb to 30°. But that didn't stop the hundreds of runners from tackling the looped course through Millennium Park.
About that golden groundhog trophy... all of the marathon and half marathon winners earned what might be running's most peculiar prize. The vintage trophy, in its 13th year, has become something of a local legend.
The real MVPs might have been the post-race spread organizers. Nothing beats hypothermia like chili and enough soup to fill a small pool. The brewery showed up with their winter ales, proving that "carb loading" doesn't have to stop at the finish line.
For our full album of photos from today's frozen adventure: https://www.flashframe.io/search/2635/
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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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