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What a start to 2025! The FLY Awards at City Built brought our community together in a whole new way. Thanks to everyone who made our first live ceremony unforgettable – seeing all of you in one room reminded us why we do what we do. Congratulations to this year's 2024 FLY AWARD RECIPIENTS.
We're proud to introduce our 2025 non-profit partner, Upcycle Bikes. Their work transforming bikes and lives in our community aligns perfectly with our mission. Watch for ways to support their initiatives throughout the year.
The team at University of Michigan Health West continues to be a cornerstone for our athletes. Their sports medicine expertise spans from everyday runners to the Rise and Griffins, and they're sharing winter training insights to keep you moving strong through the cold months.
Coming Up Through April:
- Moonlight 1/6th Marathon/Groundhog Half/Full Marathon (Feb 7&8)
- White Pine Thaw Relay (March 9)
- Melting Mann Gravel Race (March 22)
- Meals on Wheels March for Meals (March 29)
- The Shelley Irwin Fun Run (April 19)
- Rivertown Races (April 26)
- Waterloo G&G Gravel Race (April 26)
February Highlights:
We're loading our schedule up with a ton of events, check it out! https://www.stellafly.com/race-calendar/
In racing, 𓆦 stellafly
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But I Don't Want To...
Ed Kornoelje DO
Sports Medicine|University of Michigan Health-West
There are a lot of ways to end that sentence—go to bed, go out for a run, eat my
vegetables…. I want to focus on two ways NOT to end that sentence: know why this hurts and go see a doctor.
Let me be clear—I don’t want any of you to have to see a doctor either. But do you know what’s worse than seeing a doctor—not seeing one when you need to and the thing that hurts gets worse.
So, when you do have something that’s not getting better the key is to find a doctor that gets that you don’t want to see a doctor—and that’s where we come in. This is the time of year to figure out what’s going on (whether it be an injury or check ferritin) so that the rest of the year goes as smoothly as possible. If you think you may need a little help, go to UMHWest Sports Medicine: https://uofmhealthwest.org/services/sports-medicine/
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The Michigan Gravel Race Series features 16 diverse gravel events with four distinct series categories: Mini Course, Short Course, Long Course, and Ultra Course, each offering Open and Women's divisions. Mini, Short, and Long Course distances include additional categories for Fat Bike, Tandem, Single Speed, Clydesdale (220+ lbs), and Athena (165+ lbs) riders, alongside expanded age groups, while the Ultra Course offers Open, Women, Clydesdale, and Athena divisions. To qualify for series awards, riders must complete at least four events (two for Ultra) throughout the season, with top finishers in Open/Women categories receiving unique trophies and swag, while age-group competitors can earn medals for top-three placements, and specialty category riders completing the minimum event requirement receive custom medals and swag. There's still time to sign up! | |
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The Groundhog Day Marathon/Half
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
- c (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
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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.
FOR A DISCOUNT, USE STELLAFLY25MM when you register. Good until FEBRUARY 5, 2025 : https://www.bikereg.com/melting-mann
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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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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.
To Register: https://rivertownraces.com
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Waterloo G+G
Sat April 26, 2025
Grass Lake, MI 49240

Experience the untamed beauty of Michigan's largest state park in an unforgettable gravel cycling challenge. Waterloo Recreation Area's 20,000 acres of pristine wilderness sets the stage for an extraordinary riding experience, where ancient glacial terrain creates a dynamic and thrilling course.
The route carries riders through a diverse landscape shaped by ice age forces, featuring everything from challenging hill climbs to exhilarating descents. The mixed-terrain course combines paved sections with rugged dirt and gravel paths, testing both skill and endurance as cyclists navigate winding curves and occasional straightaways through dense forests and past sparkling lakes.
Three distance options cater to different experience levels. The signature 100K route offers a complete tour of the park's stunning wilderness in a single loop. For those seeking a shorter challenge, the 50K course distills the most exciting elements of the longer route. An 11-mile option provides a perfect introduction to gravel riding while still delivering the full flavor of this unique terrain.
Riders should come prepared for an authentic off-road experience – expect to encounter dust, grit, and the raw beauty of Michigan's wild spaces. This isn't just a race; it's an adventure that promises to challenge, inspire, and deliver an unforgettable day of cycling through one of Michigan's most spectacular natural settings. FREE photos from Stellafly.
To Register: https://waterloogravel.com/register/
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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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