Welcome to 2025, Race Family!

We crossed the finish line of 2024 and now we're kicking off the new year with exciting developments in our racing community. The 7th Annual FLY Awards are making history with our first-ever live ceremony at City Built Brewing on Tuesday, January 7th. After tallying an impressive 700+ votes, we're ready to celebrate our community's achievements together. With less than 50 seats remaining, secure your spot to witness the winner announcements in person and gather intel for your 2025 race calendar.

Speaking of keeping our community moving, we're proud to share insights from Ed Kornoelje DO at University of Michigan Health-West Sports Medicine. Their dedicated team supports athletes at every level, from the Grand Rapids Griffins to weekend warriors, embodying their mission to keep people active. Whether you're training for your next race or recovering from an injury, their expertise spans three decades of keeping our community in motion.

Find out more about:

• FLY Awards tickets: https://tinyurl.com/244w6waa
• UMHWest Sports Medicine: https://uofmhealthwest.org/services/sports-medicine/

Don't miss upcoming winter races we'll be photographing and the Reeds Lake Resolution Run's race recap!

In racing, 𓆦 stellafly

The 7th Annual 2024 FLY AWARDS 🏆

The 2024 FLY Awards are making history! After tallying over 700 votes, we're thrilled to announce our first-ever live ceremony at City Built Brewing Company on January 7, 2025.

This 7th annual celebration brings our racing community together under one roof to honor the year's standout moments and achievements. With less than 50 seats remaining, grab your tickets now to witness the winner announcements in person.

For tickets and details: https://tinyurl.com/244w6waa

Awards by Oscar Sky & Company

Nothin’ Humble About This!

Ed Kornoelje DO

Sports Medicine|University of Michigan Health-West

First off, Happy New Year to all of you! 2024 is done—on to 2025!

I was having a conversation with a friend recently when she noticed a jacket I was wearing with a hockey logo on it. “Are you a team doc for the Griffins,” she asked? “One of them” was my reply—lots of fun for sure! And that got me thinking—I wonder if everyone knows who we work with at UMHWest Sports Medicine. While I feel it’s good to be humble it’s also OK to be proud. There’s a reason we work with who we do: we want to keep people moving! 

Whether you are a pro or a weekend warrior, the last thing you want to do is sit around. Injuries happen for sure, but there are activities that can be done while recovering, and there are ways to recover more quickly—that’s what we help people do.

Over the past 30 years we have become the team that works with the teams (and individuals as well). What teams—well let me brag a little: Griffins, Rise, GVSU, Cornerstone U, Aquinas College, and GRCC to name a few. Throw in fifteen or so high schools and almost 30 community events, and you can see why I’m proud of our team—we are entrusted with the care of a whole lot of athletes. And (if injured) we would like to care for you as well. 

By far the largest (and most important) “team” we take care of is made up of you. Runners, cyclists, swimmers (OK triathletes), soccer players, walkers, gardeners…. You get the point—we ALL need to keep moving. And when we get to add someone back to this team—well that IS something to brag about!

Be active!

Learn more about UMHWest Sports Medicine: https://uofmhealthwest.org/services/sports-medicine/

The Groundhog Day Marathon

Fri February 7 - Sat February 8, 2025

Walker, MI 49534 US

We're the official photographer for Groundhog Day Marathon - where winter running meets Groundhog Day movie magic!

February 7-8, 2025 Events:

• Marathon (12 loops, 2.2-mile certified course) - Saturday 8 AM
• Half Marathon (6 loops) - Saturday 8 AM
• Moonlight 1/6 Marathon (2 loops) - Friday 6:30 PM

Early start available at 7 AM for 6+ hour runners. Course is paved but expect snow!

Each participant receives:

• Custom hoodie
• Finisher medal
• Stocking cap (Marathon/Half only)

Training partner: RunGR club offers specialized programs through their FAST membership.

Registration limits: 500 for full/half combined, 300 for 1/6 marathon.

FREE photos from Stellafly.

To Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Walker/GroundhogsDay

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

Meals on Wheels Michigan March for Meals

Sat March 9, 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

42nd Annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Over 800 runners registered to brave he winter chill for the 42nd Annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run, continuing a cherished New Year's Eve tradition that has marked the calendar since 1982.

The USATF certified 4-mile course, which winds around scenic Reeds Lake, saw participants starting from East Grand Rapids Middle School and crossing the finish line at Collins Park. This year's event introduced a kids' division, with young runners 12 and under taking on their own course at 1:30 PM, ahead of the main race at 2:00 PM.

As runners gathered at Big Bob'sPIzza at the enhanced post-race celebration, many shared their resolutions for the coming year. The afternoon proved once again why this event has become more than just a race – it's a celebration of community, perseverance, and new beginnings.

MEDIA (Fox 17 News/Sam Landstra): https://www.fox17online.com/fox-17-runs-the-reeds-lake-resolution-run

PHOTOS (Thomas Caprara/Chris Robotham): https://www.flashframe.io/search/2623/

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