There’s something about August.

The light shifts. The mornings feel different. You can hear it in the trees, feel it in the breeze, and see it in the way the calendar flips forward faster than you expect.

Over the last few months, we’ve logged a lot of miles—behind the lens, on the road, and alongside you at start lines and finish lines across the state. Triathlons, relays, gravel grinders, and humid long runs—it’s been a full, wild, beautiful stretch.

August is the bookend to summer. A few more summer races on deck—like Michigan Titanium and Millennium Meadows— before things start to slow just a touch before we ramp right back up for running and gravel races again in September.

That’s when the shift happens. Cider mills, bonfires and gravel weekends. The first real chill in the air. Cross country spikes and long run season. From Dirty Mitten to the Bridge Run, from Uncle John’s to Last Chance BQ—autumn is serving up a packed calendar.

So take a breath. Take in these final summer mornings. And take a look at what’s ahead. We’ll see you out there.



𓆦 stellafly

LOOK FOR OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS AT THESE UPCOMING AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER EVENTS!

Michigan Titanium

📅 August 10, Grand Rapids, MI

140.6 miles. That’s the test.

Start with a 2.4-mile swim in Versluis Lake, bike 112 miles through scenic countryside, and finish with a full marathon on a closed course. Not ready for the full distance? MiTi also offers Half, Olympic, and Sprint options across Tri, Du, Aquabike, Relay, and Swim-Only formats.

🔗 REGISTER

Mary Free Bed YMCA Youth Triathlon

📅 August 17, Grand Rapids, MI

A brand-new Tris4Health event just for kids ages 6–15! With a safe pool swim, closed-road bike, and a fully closed run course, this race gives young athletes a real triathlon experience. Includes a free USA Triathlon Youth Membership, shirt, and medal.

🔗 REGISTER

Millennium Meadows Marathon

📅 August 24, Walker, MI

Back for year 8 at Millennium Park! Choose from Full, Half, 10K, or 6-person Relay on a fast, scenic course. New this year: individual relay payments and team tent row. Proceeds support Kent County Parks and Team World Vision – GR.

🔗 REGISTER

LOOKING AHEAD: SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Last Chance BQ Marathon

📅 September 7, Walker, MI

A high-success Boston Qualifier on a shaded, scenic course. Limited to 330 runners.

🔗 REGISTER

Uncle John’s Gravel Weekend

📅 September 6 & 7, St. Johns, MI

A cider-fueled two-day gravel party with camping, a 5K run, group ride, and Sunday race distances of 16, 28, or 57 miles.

🔗 REGISTER

LMCU Bridge Run

📅 September 14, Grand Rapids, MI

A GR classic since 2002. Choose the 10 Mile or 5K. Photos, medals, and downtown views. Use code FLY for 10% off!

🔗 REGISTER

Dirty Mitten Dirt Fest

📅 September 20–21, Middleville, MI

Gravel triathlon, gravel bike, and a rugged 5K trail run — race one or all three. Held at Camp Manitou-Lin and surrounding Yankee Springs trails.

🔗 REGISTER

Next up in the Michigan Gravel Race Series for August & September:

De Ronde Van Grampian, Watermoo, Fast Fitty, Uncle John's,

and Thunder Bay Thriller (NEW)

LaPorte Triathlon. LaPorte, Indiana. July 12, 2025 / Laura Caprara

A rainy swim at Millennium Triathlon. Walker Michigan. July 26, 2025 / Jamie McNinch

Pre-race announcements waterside at the Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon in Grass Lake, Michigan.

July 26, 2025 / Laura Caprara

10

AUG

MICHIGAN TITANIUM

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN



140.6 miles. That’s the test.

Your day begins with a 2.4-mile swim in the clear waters of Versluis Lake. From there, it’s 112 miles on the bike through West Michigan’s scenic countryside. And to finish? A full marathon on a fully closed run course. Cross that finish line, and you’ve earned the title: TITAN.

Not quite ready for the full distance? MiTi also offers Half, Olympic, and Sprint options across Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, Relay, and Swim-Only events. No matter your level, there’s a challenge waiting for you.

At MiTi, “independent” means more—more flexibility, more heart, and more focus on the athlete. Tris4Health is proud to be the largest non-branded 140.6-distance event around—and while other independent races fade, they’re only getting stronger.

🔗 REGISTER

17

AUG

MARY FREE BED YMCA YOUTH TRIATHLON

Grand Rapids, MI



Tris4Health has another brand new event: the Mary Free Bed YMCA Youth Triathlon, created just for kids ages 6–15!

This timed, competitive race features a fun and safe course with a serpentine pool swim, a bike ride on closed roads, and a fully closed run course—all designed to give young athletes a true triathlon experience.

Every participant receives a FREE USA Triathlon Youth Membership, an event t-shirt, and a finisher medal. Proceeds support the Mary Free Bed YMCA’s annual campaign and youth development programs.

“At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, try something new, and build confidence in a supportive environment,” said Ben Green, Vice President of Branch Operations at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. “We’re thrilled to partner with Tris4Health to bring this youth triathlon to life as a celebration of healthy living, community, and belonging for kids across West Michigan.”

🔗 REGISTER

24

AUG

MILLENNIUM MEADOWS MARATHON

WALKER, MI



The folks that bring you Grand Rapids Marathon, Groundhog Marathon and Last Chance BQ are excited to bring year 8 back to the scenic Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park!

Choose from many distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, or 6-person Relay — all on a fast, paved course through meadows, shaded paths, and along the Grand River.

🆕 Relay Update:

Team Captains create the team and pay for their own spot.

Each additional team member (up to 5) registers and pays individually. No more chasing people down for money!

🎪 Team Tent Row:

Relay teams can set up along the course — bring your crew and make it a party.

We proudly support Kent County Parks and Team World Vision – GR. Donate during registration to support your cause!

🔗 REGISTER

07

SEP

LAST CHANCE BQ MARATHON

WALKER, MICHIGAN

A premier Boston Marathon qualifying event with a 60% qualification success rate. Limited to 330 runners on a scenic, shaded course along the Grand River.

Key Details:

• 4:30 time limit (exceptions for age-group qualifying times)
• Qualifying standards required for registration before July 15
• No wheelchair/handcycle participants
• Boston 2026 qualifying event (qualifying window opened September 1, 2024)

Packet Pickup:

• Saturday: 4-7 PM at Fulton Street Pub & Grill (801 West Fulton Street)
• Sunday: Starting 6 AM at race site

Course: Paved paths through Millennium Park featuring river views, meadows, and shade coverage.

Contact: Don Kern Email: donkern1@gmail.com Phone: 616-293-3145

Note: This event is separate from the BQ.2 race in Geneva, Illinois, which operates under different management. 🔗 REGISTER

07

SEP

UNCLE JOHNS GRAVEL WEEKEND

ST JOHN'S, MICHIGAN

Two days of cider, gravel, and good company.

🍂 Saturday kicks off with free camping, a fun 5K with Gourdy’s Pumpkin Run, and a chill group ride through the countryside. In the evening, the Hard Cider Taproom comes alive with food trucks, live music, and a laid-back packet pickup party. After dark? Campfires, cider, and conversation under the stars.

🚴 Sunday is race day.

Take on 16, 28, or 57 miles of fast, flat, no-frills Michigan gravel.

Chip-timed. Great food and hard cider at the finish. Vibes all day.

🔗 DETAILS HERE

14

SEP

LMCU BRIDGE RUN

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Since 2002, the LMCU Bridge Run has been a Grand Rapids favorite. This year’s event takes place Sunday, September 14, 2025, starting on the west side of the iconic 6th Street Bridge (731 Front Ave NW). Choose between the 10 Mile Run or 5K Run/Walk — both starting at 8:00 AM and taking you through scenic downtown and across multiple bridges. They are currently trending for record numbers and we'll be out on the course taking pictures!

New This Year:

Unified start time for both 5K and 10 Mile at 8:00 AM

Tentative routes available online (pending city approval)

Kids Dash Returns!

Happening Saturday, September 13 at 11:50 AM at LMCU Ballpark (Comstock Park), featuring 200m and 400m dashes with Crash of the Whitecaps. Bib pickup for the Sunday race will also be held at the ballpark from 10:00 to 11:45 AM.

Participate in person or virtually and keep the tradition running!

USE PROMO: FLY for 10% OFF 🔗 REGISTER

20 & 21

SEP

THE DIRTY MITTEN DIRT FEST

YANKEE SPRINGS RECREATION AREA, MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN

One weekend. Three ways to get dirty.

Whether you run trails, grind gravel, or go all in with a swim-bike-run, The Dirty Mitten Dirtfest is your chance to race hard, get dusty, and have a blast doing it.

🏃‍♂️ Trail Run – Saturday

Kick things off with a fast, fun, and rugged 5K trail race.

🚴 Gravel Bike – Saturday – Race 10, 28, or 50 miles of rolling Michigan gravel.

🏊‍♀️🚴‍♂️🏃 Gravel Triathlon – Sunday Sprint or Olympic distance. Swim in Barlow Lake at Camp Manitou-Lin, bike gravel, run trail.

Join one or do them all — Don’t miss the Dirty Mitten Dirtfest.

🔗 REGISTER

LaPorte Triathlon

📅 July 12, LaPorte, IN

🔗 PHOTOS

FRED Running Relays

📅 July 12, Rockford, MI

🔗 PHOTOS

Grand Haven Triathlon

📅 July 13, Grand Haven, MI

🔗 PHOTOS

Walloon Lake Triathlon (TriWalloon)

📅 July 19, Walloon Lake, MI

🔗 PHOTOS

Tri Del Sol

📅 July 20, Middleville, MI

🔗 PHOTOS

Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon

📅 July 26, Grass Lake, MI

🔗 PHOTOS



TriMillennium Triathlon

📅 July 26, Walker, MI

🔗 PHOTOS

12-year old Captain Luke crosses the finish line with the help of MyTeam Triumph Angels

in Middleville, Michigan. July 20, 2025 / Laura Caprara

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!

www.stellafly.com