Hello, Spring?
Was this email forwarded to you?
With warmer weather approaching, we are beginning to gear up for the race season. We reached out to sports medicine specialist, Dr. Edwin Kornelji, University of Michigan Sports Medicine, about the physical changes the body undergoes during the transition from indoor to outdoor and best tips on how to best prepare for it.
We'll also do a deep dive into the importance of volunteerism, getting involved, giving back to your community and helping out. In doing so you directly support local businesses, learn new skills, set good examples for your friends and family, and get involved in a super fun community. Look for volunteer links in the featured race events.

Also, don't miss last month's RACE RECAP of the Groundhog Marathon, catch the low down on all of the upcoming races that we're working with this spring and snag those PROMO CODES for discounts! We're glad you're here.
Why Volunteer?
With race season upon us, your favorite summer race crews are busy planning your upcoming race day. Part of that planning is finding volunteers. We caught up with Tris4Health's Volunteer Coordinator, Jill Beckwith, who has been working with their race series for the past two years.

"Get creative with who you reach out to. Churches, school groups, sports teams, etc. I also try to tap into the resources around me. I try really hard to reply to texts and emails in a short timeframe. It's important from the beginning to make the volunteer feel important and not just another body. We can't do it without them and I want them to know that and how grateful we are."
FEBRUARY RACE RECAP
If you know, you know. This race's level of difficulty raises significantly if it snows. While this year had it's share of snow, it wasn't snowing on race day but it was bitter cold.

Each Groundhog has been memorable, such as back in 2014, when it dumped at 8 inches of snow the night before. It felt like running in a sand dune, doubling even the best runners times. That’s how much difficulty the snow added. The other challenge is the mental game that goes with running loops in unfavorable conditions (a la the film Groundhog Day), but the post-race spread featured great craft brews, badass winter runners and homemade chili that made all the effort worthwhile. Great volunteers and organization!
NUMBER ONE GROUNDHOG
MADDOG RUN CLUB
FLYGIRLS TIED FOR FIRST
1/2 Marathon WINNERS (Mens)
1st Nathan Klaassen
2nd Christopher Gregory
3rd Will Vanden Bos

Women
1st Best Neustifter
2nd Amber Powell
3rd Noelle Nienhuis
FULL Marathon WINNERS (Mens)
1st Mark Jedel
2nd Kyle Verrett Kiel
3rd Henrik Mattfolk

Women
1st Ashley Wroblews
2nd Jennifer Savage
3rd Sarah Solomon
HART HILLS GRAVEL RACE
SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
HART, MICHIGAN
Year after year, the reviews are solid. When it comes to gravel racing, word of mouth is key. Give this one a try!

"Three hours and 39 minutes of hills, wind and sand! Hart Hills The Classic Gravel Road Race 2021 was the most challenging course I have raced yet. It was also the course that made me laugh the most. Raymond and all the volunteers did a fantastic job. I know what to expect from this race next year!" — Christina Vipond, Athletic Mentors

"Beautiful course with a mix of road surfaces. I'd recommend riding a wide tire, with the close proximity to Lake Michigan it can get pretty sandy. Finish the race and grab some pizza from Hart Pizza." - Steve Knust

"Hell yeah! This course keeps you on your toes, and hopefully on two wheels! Lots of sand, seasonal roads and some great punchy hills! Can’t wait to ride this again next year!" - Emily Mileski

To Register: bikereg.com/harthills
RIVERTOWN RACES
FRIDAY, APRIL 21 and SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
MILLENNIUM PARK, WALKER, MICHIGAN

Kids 1-mile Fun Run: Friday, April 23, 2023
Half Marathon, 10, & 5k: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Race Start Times:

  • Friday Kid’s Fun Run
  • 6:00 pm – 1 mile

  • Saturday
  • 7:30 am – Half Marathon
  • 8:00 am – 10K
  • 8:10am – 5K

All races start behind the Pavilion at the Meadows of Millennium Park.

USE PROMO CODE FOR 10% OFF: Stellafly_2023
Registration: runsignup.com/Rivertown
WATERLOO G+G
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2024
GRASS LAKE, MICHIGAN

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 Recreational Area’s glacial history, the bike courses 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!

Distances:
100K: 2 loops that wind through Waterloo’s more than 20,000 acres.
50K: Condenses the best that the 100K offers into half the distance (one loop)
10-mile non-competitive, untimed: a little bit of everything!
All courses run counterclockwise, turning left onto Seymour Road from Portage Lake, then right on List.
SHE RUNS GRAND RAPIDS
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

We are thrilled to be invited back to photograph SHE RUNS Grand Rapids again this year. We started working with the race when it was known as Gazelle Girl back in 2013. Over the past 10 years, thousands of women from 30 states and abroad have joined in to run and walk in downtown Grand Rapids. SHE RUNS GR continues to connect women through movement and a vision to inspire healthier living in West Michigan. Learn more about their mission by visiting their website. 

ARMED SERVICES MARATHON/HALF MARATHON/5K
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN

The Armed Services Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K is back for its 15th year! The new venue, Grand Haven High School Football Stadium, proved to be a popular move so it's back for it's second year with all of the event distances starting and finishing on the track inside the football stadium.

This year, alongside Folds of Honor, the race is expanding its mission to include First Responders. Race Director Ron Knoll is offering a 20% discount to First Responders and Armed Service members. If you have a First Responder in your life and are able to spread the word, please share this information! Let's celebrate those that SERVE and PROTECT.

PROMO: FIRST2023ALLEVENTS *
*must be able to provide proof of employment.

Participants will receive a long sleeve tech shirt, event bag, custom finisher medal, and a participant photo. There are also fantastic overall and age group awards. Last but not least, very popular is the post-race food from Subway and chocolate milk provided by Country Dairy.


Check out I don't Know Running's interview with Race Director, Ron Knoll. Be sure to subscribe while you're there!
LIGHTPOINT 5K
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

The Lightpoint 5K is a celebration centered around one of New Holland Brewing's beers: Lightpoint. Lightpoint is a Functional White Ale that offers a low-calorie option without compromising full craft flavor. Brewed with Coconut Water, Raw Honey, and Orange Peel, this refreshing brew is best enjoyed with friends after a day of hard work and exercise. Toe the line on June 17th! Participants of this race are for those 21 and older.

USE PROMO CODE FOR 15% OFF: Stellafly_2023
Registration: runsignup.com/lightpoint
Heroes of Hope 5K & Kids Run on May 7th in Downtown Grand Rapids Registration: runsignup.com/Heroes of Hope 5K

One in Five Team Marathon Relay & 5K on June 2nd at Millenium Park
Registration: runsignup.com/ONEINFIVE

USE CODE: SF2023 | 15% off race registration
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