|
From triathlons to trail time trials, donut-fueled gravel rides to lakeshore runs, this June is absolutely packed with action—and we’re just getting started.
We’ll have photographers at every corner of the state this month, capturing the grit, joy, and finish-line fist pumps at seven incredible events. Whether you're sprinting through Ada, flying past donuts in Martin, or sliding into summer in South Haven, you just might see yourself in next month’s photo galleries (and maybe even our next feature story).
Check out what’s coming up below—and be sure to say hi when you see the camera! See you at the finish!
In racing,
𓆦 stellafly
| |
LOOK FOR OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS AT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS IN JUNE!
Grand Rapids Triathlon
📅 June 7–8, Ada, MI
Flat, fast, and full of tradition—this two-day triathlon favorite welcomes new and veteran multisport athletes with a wide range of race options.
🔗 Register here
Brian Diemer Family of Races
📅 June 14, Wyoming, MI
Fast, fun, and full of heart—join this iconic local 5K with bands, prize money, a steeplechase for kids, and the legendary “Beat Brian” challenge.
🔗 Register here
Luton Park Time Trial
📅 June 15, Rockford, MI
No mass start, no excuses. Race the clock and the trail on this high-speed MTB favorite—all for a great cause.
🔗 Register here
KeyBank Gran Fondo
📅 June 21, Muskegon, MI
A rebranded classic ride with full-on support, a celeb rider, and one epic downtown finish—all for Mary Free Bed.
🔗 Register here
Dirty Donut
📅 June 21, Martin, MI
Gravel, grit, and glazed—this Fly Award winner lets you race fast or race for donuts (with time bonuses!). Fun, inclusive, unforgettable.
🔗 Register here
Trinity Health Seaway Run
📅 June 28, Muskegon, MI
Scenic lakeshore vibes meet serious movement—choose your distance and run (or walk) into summer on Michigan’s west coast.
🔗 Register here
South Haven Triathlon
📅 June 29, South Haven, MI
The only tri in Michigan with a water slide swim start. Seriously. Slide into summer on this sprint course with big personality.
🔗 Register here
| | The Michigan Gravel Race Series is well underway. Next up: Cowpie, Coast to Coast, Cedar Blitz, Crusher and The Divide! | |
| |
A-FIB—PROBLEM FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES?
Wondering how much endurance training is truly healthy for your heart? We hear from Dr. Ed Kornoelje, DO, who breaks down the latest research on atrial fibrillation (AF) and endurance athletes—exploring whether pushing your limits could come with hidden risks.
If you’re passionate about running or intense training but want to understand how it all impacts your heart health, Dr. Kornoelje’s insights offer a clear, balanced perspective that every athlete should know.
Read More Here
| | | | Photographer in the wild at the Bayshore Marathon. May 22, 20225 / Photo: Erik Holladay | | A room with a view. Bayshore vibes. Thursday, May 20, 2025 | | |
Grand Rapids Triathlon
Sat June 7 & Sun June 8, 2025
Ada, MI
VOTED BEST "TRIATHLON" in the 2024 Fly Awards
Your favorite Michigan triathlon tradition is Grand Rapids Triathlon presented by Huntington Bank. GRTri's flat and fast course is ideal for the new and experienced triathlete alike. If you are looking for your first-ever triathlon, this event is perfect for you.
This two-day event will have Sprint and Super Sprint distance events on Saturday and the Olympic and Half distance events on Sunday. Along with triathlon, we offer Aquabike, Duathlon, Relays, Swim Only events.
Enjoy a beautiful swim in the lake-like Thornapple River, ride the flat country-road bike course then run our the scenic, shaded run course with loads of local support. For more information and how to register, please visit grandrapidstri.com.
To Register: grandrapidstri.com
| | |
Brian Diemer Festival of Races
Sat June 14, 2025
Wyoming, MI
One of West Michigan’s most iconic races is back for its 35th year—and we’re cheering them on every step of the way.
The Brian Diemer Family of Races returns on Saturday, June 14 at 8:30 AM, and if you’ve never been part of it, this is the year to change that. Founded by three-time Olympian and bronze medalist Brian Diemer, this event is fast, fun, and full of heart—exactly what we love about the local running scene.
Runners can take on a flat, lightning-fast 5K, compete for prize money, or jump into the mobility 5K or 1000-meter steeplechase for kids (with actual water jumps—yes, really). And it’s not just a race—it's a full-on celebration with live bands out on the course, the “Beat Brian” challenge, and a post-race gathering that brings the whole community together.
We’ll be there. You should be too.
For more info and to get registered, head to www.diemerrun.com. Let’s support this legendary local race and the incredible team that keeps it going strong.
| | |
Luton Park Time Trial
Sun June 15, 2025
Rockford, MI
A full-gas assault on Luton Park—this one’s all about speed, grit, and finding out who really owns the trail.
The Luton Park Time Trial is back on June 15, 2025, and it’s your chance to chase the KOM or QOM crown on one of West Michigan’s favorite mountain bike loops. No mass start, no pack tactics—just you, the clock, and the dirt.
All proceeds benefit the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation (PHRF), so while you’re racing for glory, you’re also riding for a great cause. Think you’ve got what it takes?
To Register: https://tinyurl.com/b5ap7xxp
| | |
KeyBank Gran Fondo
Sat June 21, 2025
Muskegon, MI
After two amazing years, Fondo is back—with a new name, but the same mission.
Say hello to the KeyBank Gran Fondo (formerly the Grand Rapids Gran Fondo), returning this June with all the signature highlights you know and love: pro timing, top-tier on-course support, police escorts, a celeb rider, and that epic finish line festival right in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
At its core, this ride is about community—and raising serious funds for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation. Theigoal? $125,000 in 2025. Let’s make it happen. Ready to ride?
Get the details and register now at keybankgranfondo.com.
To Register: keybankgranfondo.com
| | |
Dirty Donut
Sat June 21, 2025
Martin, MI
VOTED BEST "BIKE RACE" in the 2024 Fly Awards
The Dirty Donut Race is a unique gravel cycling event that combines competitive racing with a sweet twist. Participants can choose from five distances—10, 22, 42, 62, and 100 miles—and opt for either the "Sprint" division, where the fastest finisher wins, or the "Donut" division, where riders deduct five minutes from their finish time for each donut consumed at designated stops. T
This innovative format has earned the race significant acclaim, including four 2024 Fly Awards: Best Gravel Race, Best Race Director (Dan Frazier), Best Swag/Giveaway, and Best Bling/Awards . All finishers receive a medal, t-shirt, and, for most distances, a BBQ lunch.
Additional awards include custom jerseys and medals for Donut Champions, Sprint Champions, King and Queen of the Donut (most donuts eaten while finishing), and Team Champions in the 42-mile Donut race. Special divisions for Fat Tire, Single Speed, and Tandem bikes offer even more opportunities to win.
Embracing its motto, “A Race for All of Us,” the Dirty Donut Race offers a fun and inclusive experience for cyclists of all levels.
To Register: https://www.bikereg.com/dirty-donut
| | |
Trinity Health Seaway Run
Sat June 28, 2025
Muskegon, MI
Kick off summer where the breeze hits different—Muskegon’s Heritage Landing—for the Trinity Health Seaway Run on the last Saturday in June.
From the 5K and 10K to the half marathon and community walk, this race is all about movement, lakeshore views, and showing up for the good stuff.
Run hard. Cruise easy. Walk it out with your people. However you show up, just don’t miss it.
Cool course. Good vibes. Zero regrets. Let’s make it a Saturday to remember.
To Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Muskegon/MercyHealthSeawayRun
| |
South Haven Triathlon
Sun June 29, 2025
South Haven, MI
Get ready for Michigan’s only triathlon with a water slide start—yeah, you read that right. And honestly? We’re pretty sure it’s the only one like it in the country.
The South Haven Triathlon is coming to Lake Arvesta Farms Sports Complex in South Haven, MI, and it’s almost sold out.
This brand-new sprint-distance race gives athletes two options for the swim start: go the traditional route or launch yourself down one of three 240-foot waterslides into the lake. From there, it’s a fully closed bike course and a flat, scenic run through the grounds of Lake Arvesta Farms.
The water slide start is capped at 200 and spots are nearly gone—so if you’re thinking about it, go now.
Part of the Michigan Triathlon Series, this one’s a must for your summer race calendar.
Don’t just race—slide into it.
To Register: https://tinyurl.com/3e5yxbhr
| | |
LaPorte Triathlon
Sat July 12, 2025
LaPorte, Indiana
The LaPorte triathlon is now part of the Tris4Health events family. We cannot thank the Northwest Indiana Triathletes enough for trusting us to continue this event, hopefully for another 45 years. So, what's going to change now that Tris4Health is involved? Rest assured, not much. You'll see a few small things, like adding an aquabike category and removing the duathlon relays. These changes are designed to enhance the athlete experience and appeal to a broader group of athletes. While they hate to see the duathlon relays go, they have found they appeal to a tiny segment of multisport athletes. In contrast, adding the aquabike category helps bring new people to the sport, and the duathlon relay athletes can still participate by signing up in our triathlon relay category.
If you can't find a swimmer (it's always a swimmer), reach out and they will be happy to play Relay Team Tinder for you! The goal is to take an already outstanding event and elevate it slightly with increased branding and awareness, reaching into nearby states such as Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. *This race will be capped at 300 participants*
To Register: https://www.trisignup.com/Race/IN/LaPorte/LaPorteTri
| | |
Grand Haven Triathlon
Sun July 13, 2025
Grand Haven, MI
The Grand Haven Triathlon, scheduled for Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Grand Haven, Michigan, is a premier multisport event offering a variety of race options to accommodate athletes of all levels. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Michigan, participants can choose from Sprint and Olympic distances across Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, and Relay formats. The event is hosted at Mulligan’s Hollow Recreation Area, adjacent to the YMCA parking lot, providing a scenic and convenient location for athletes and spectators alike.
The race is renowned for its meticulous organization and athlete-focused approach. Participants have praised the exceptional attention to detail, noting the top-notch race organization and the unparalleled dedication of the volunteers.The event is directed by athletes for athletes, ensuring that every aspect of the race is tailored to enhance the participant experience. The swim course in Lake Michigan is supported by ample safety measures, including numerous boats and lifeguards, making it one of the safest swims around. The bike course is celebrated for its smooth and scenic route, while the run course offers breathtaking views along the City Boardwalk and riverfront.
In addition to the race itself, the Grand Haven Triathlon offers a family-friendly atmosphere with excellent finish line food, custom participant shirts, and incredible finisher medals. The event also features a "Secured Start Line Guarantee," allowing athletes to defer their entry to the following year or transfer it to a friend if unforeseen circumstances arise.
For more information and to register for the event, please visit the official Grand Haven Triathlon website: https://www.trisignup.com/Race/MI/GrandHaven/GrandHavenTriathlonDuathlon
| | |
Cross Country Team Challenge
Wed July 16, 2025
Grand Rapids, MI
PART OF THE BRIAN DIEMER FAMILY OF RACES – XC TEAM CHALLENGE 🏃♂️
Running is a team sport—come prove it.
Join us at Richmond Park in Grand Rapids for a throwback-style 5K cross country team race, just like your high school glory days (but with better snacks and more cowbell).
This is a team event with 5–7 runners per team. Don’t have a team? No problem—we’ll help you find one!
🏃♂️ RACE FORMAT:
- 5K Cross Country Team Challenge
- Teams of 5–7 runners (Top 5 score)
- Chip timed
- Grass, dirt, and gravel terrain
🎉 NEW THIS YEAR:
- FREE 1 Mile Community Fun Run (for youth and adults!)
- Well-marked course with lead cyclists
- Course Preview Video + Map:
-
View 2024 course (2025 will be similar)
💻 HOW TO REGISTER
- First person registers and creates a team
- Share your team link with friends
- Need help creating or joining a team? Just ask!
- Youth pricing: $10 entry for runners under 20
-
High School teams: Email lmcubridgerun@gmail.com for a discount code
🏅 AWARDS (Sponsored by Gazelle Sports):
Individual Awards:
- First Overall Female & Male: $20 Gift Card
- First Masters Female & Male (40+): $20 Gift Card
- Middle of the Pack Award: $20 Gift Card
Team Awards (each member receives $15 Gift Card):
- Top Female Team
- Top Male Team
- Top Coed Team
- Top Masters Teams (Female, Male, Coed – all 40+)
- Most Spirited Team (voted on by volunteers)
Fun Run Mile is not timed and does not include awards
WHAT IS CROSS COUNTRY?
Visit their “Cross Country 101” section or reply to this email—we’ll be happy to explain. Ready to race like a team? Register or forward this to your crew. https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/xc
| | |
Walloon Lake Triathlon
Sat July 19, 2025
Walloon Lake, MI
The TriWalloon Triathlon, held annually in the picturesque Walloon Village of Michigan, offers a unique and memorable racing experience for athletes of all levels. Scheduled for July 19, 2025, this event has grown significantly since its inception in 2017, now attracting over 350 participants each year.
TriWalloon is renowned for its exceptional organization and community involvement. The event is designed to be welcoming for beginners while still providing a challenge for seasoned athletes. The support from volunteers and the local community enhances the overall experience, making participants feel valued and encouraged.
The post-race atmosphere is equally commendable, with the Barrel Back Restaurant offering food and a place to relax, allowing athletes to celebrate their achievements in a beautiful lakeside setting.
To Register: https://triwalloon.com
| | |
Tri Del Sol Triathlon
Sun July 20, 2025
Middleville, MI
The Tri del Sol Triathlon and Duathlon is a popular summer race held annually at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville, Michigan. This race is known for its scenic course, inclusive atmosphere, and variety of race formats catering to athletes of all levels. Proceeds go directly to MyTeam Triumph of West Michigan.
The event takes place at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, located at 1095 N. Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333. The course features a sandy beach start at Barlow Lake, a bike ride through rolling countryside, and a lakeside run, offering a picturesque and enjoyable experience for participants.
Tri del Sol is often described as a “fantastic and fun event,” appreciated for its well-organized logistics and welcoming environment. The venue's natural beauty and supportive community contribute to a memorable race experience.
To Register: https://www.tridelsol.com
| | |
Ugly Dog Triathlon
Sat July 26, 2025
Grass Lake, MI
The Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon is a distinctive multisport event held annually in Grass Lake, Michigan, with the upcoming race scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025. Established in 2018, this triathlon is renowned for its unique combination of swimming, gravel biking, and trail running, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional road triathlons.
Location: Big Portage Lake State Park, within the Waterloo Recreation Area in Grass Lake, MI
Event Options:
- Triathlon: Super Sprint, Sprint, and Olympic distances
- Duathlon & Aquabike: Available in Sprint and Super Sprint formats
- Relays: 2- and 3-person teams
- Virtual Race: Complete your race remotely during July
Course Highlights:
- Swim: Begins with a serene swim in Big Portage Lake
- Bike: Navigate scenic gravel roads—ideal for gravel, mountain, or fat-tire bikes; traditional triathlon bikes are discouraged due to terrain
- Run: Concludes with a wooded trail run through the Waterloo Recreation Area
This event is particularly welcoming to beginners, emphasizing a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Notably, the Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon was ranked the #3 sprint triathlon in the U.S. by Detroit Praise Network, highlighting its unique gravel course and participant-friendly environment .
To Register: https://uglydoggraveltri.com
| | |
TriMillenium Triathlon
Sat July 26, 2025
Walker, MI
The TriMillennium is a premier multi-sport event in West Michigan, scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Millennium Park in Walker, MI. This event offers a variety of race options suitable for athletes of all levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors.
All proceeds from the TriMillennium support Bridge Street Ministries, an urban youth ministry dedicated to empowering under-resourced youth in West Grand Rapids.
Whether you're aiming for a personal best or participating in your first triathlon, the TriMillennium offers a supportive and scenic environment to challenge yourself and contribute to a meaningful cause.
To Register: https://www.trisignup.com/Race/MI/Walker/MilleniumTri
| | |
Hart Hills Gravel Race
Sat May 10, 2025
Hart, MI
A quick look back at Hart Hills! a quick look back at Saturday’s Hart Hills Gravel Race —what a day. Cool temps, blue skies, and just enough spring in the air to remind us winter’s finally behind us. The course delivered big time: rolling gravel, cherry blossoms in bloom, and stretches of green that made the climbs almost worth it. Riders showed up ready to rip, and the crowds got a bonus show when a few wild turkeys decided to join the action out on the backroads. After the final riders rolled in, it was all about cold local brews, Hart’s legendary pizza, and swapping stories in the sun. Great people, great vibes, and some seriously good racing. Already counting down to next year. Check out our full album over on Flashframe: https://www.flashframe.io/search/2694/
| | |
Girls on the Run Kent County
Girls on the Run Michiana
Sat May 17, 2025
Grand Rapids, MI / South Bend, IL
West Michigan showed up big on a chilly spring morning to move, smile, and support the power of public media. Together, we raised over $40,000 for WGVU Public Radio. That’s right—forty. thousand. dollars. All to keep local stories, voices, and community connection strong.
From dog walkers to Grimace to the East Bunny (yes, really), this crew brought the sparkle to Millennium Park. And Shelley? She was everywhere—hugging, cheering, laughing, and making sure every single person felt the love.
Huge shoutout to every runner, walker, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who made this day happen. Also big love to Nathan Horton —our newest Stellafly shooter—for braving the cold and donating his time to capture the magic.
| | |
Shi-Triathlon
Sun, May 18, 2025
Owosso, MI
This past weekend marked our inaugural experience with the Shi~Tri, a one-of-a-kind Run/Paddle/Bike Triathlon that begins and ends in beautiful Downtown Owosso, MI, alongside the Shiawassee River.
Participants took on a ~3.5-mile run/walk to McCurdy Park in Corunna, paddled 3.5 miles back on the Shiawassee River, and wrapped it up with a scenic ~9-mile bike ride through Owosso and surrounding countryside.
This event is all about community fitness and supporting a cause—with proceeds going to The Friends of the Shiawassee River to help improve access, health, and enjoyment of their beloved river.
We were thrilled to be asked to be a part of it —and we’re already counting down to next year! You can find all of our photos over on Flashframe: https://www.flashframe.io/search/2700/
| | |
Armed Services Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sun May 18, 2025
Grand Haven, MI
While half the team covered Shi-Tri, Chris Robotham covered in Grand Haven at the Armed Services Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K. It was a perfect day for the runners and spectators alike. Participants had the choice of a marathon, half marathon or 5k. The Armed Services Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is an annual event, honoring all branches of the U.S. military and first responders. It starts and finishing at the Grand Haven High School Football Stadium.
You can find the entire album over at our Flashframe site: https://www.flashframe.io/search/2701/
| | |
Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k
Sat May 24, 2025
Traverse City, MI
Traverse City delivered big on race day. The 2025 Bayshore Marathon was everything we hoped for—and more. Cool morning temps in the upper 40s, a light breeze off the bay, and a flat, fast course that hugged the shoreline like an old friend.
From sunrise pacing to that final glorious lap on the Central High School track, this race had soul. And scenery. And did we mention Moomer’s ice cream waiting at the finish line?
This race isn’t loud or flashy. It’s serene. Intentional. Runners cruised past sparkling blue waters, cheering neighbors, and enough good energy to carry you all 26.2 miles.
And Stellafly was there for every step. We brought six photographers to the course—capturing sunrise starts, gritty mid-race miles, family hugs at the finish, and everything in between.
Some numbers? 19.2% of finishers earned Boston qualifying times. The rest just soaked in the moment—and that’s a win too.
📺 WATCH: Thousands race in 2025 Bayshore Marathon (YouTube)
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.
See you in Traverse City next year.
You can find the entire album over on the race's runsignup: https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/TraverseCity/Bayshore
| | |
Bear Lake Triathlon
Sun May 25, 2025
Muskegon, MI
The triathlon season kicked off with a brisk beginning at the Bear Lake Triathlon in North Muskegon on May 25, 2025. With water temperatures plunging to 55°F, race organizers prioritized athlete safety by converting the event into a duathlon. Participants tackled a run-bike-run format, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected conditions.
Despite the chilly start, the event maintained its reputation as a scenic and well-organized race. Athletes appreciated the flat, fast course and the supportive community atmosphere. One participant noted, "Awesome race. Good weather, water cold at beach, but warm once you got away from the beach. Perfect weather and good support all the way through.
Looking ahead, we're excited for the Grand Rapids Triathlon this weekend. Warmer waters and sunny skies await—see you there!
You can find the entire album over at our Flashframe site: https://www.flashframe.io/search/2704/
| | |
You'll keep receiving our news until you tell us otherwise.
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!
| | | | |