Event Testimonials

Here is what some of the athletes had to say about the 2010 event:

“As runner and cyclist, the 2010 M-22 was my first multi-discipline event and what a great introduction!  I had such a good time mostly thanks to the fun attitude projected by all the staff and volunteers.  I raced it with 6 friends and they all had nothing but positive experiences this year.  The M-22 Challenge is such a good event in that it’s not too long, but hard enough to challenge both experts and casual racers.  I’ll definitely be back next year and before then I’m buying my own (lighter & faster) kayak!  Thanks to all the staff and volunteers than made it appear to be a seamless event, you guys rock!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“It was a great event.  Fun people, great energy and well organized.  I love the 3 events and to be able to do them all in beautiful Glen Arbor makes it a top notch event.  Can’t wait till next year.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Loved the event.  It was well organized.  Plan to make it any annual event for me and my neighbors.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I will definately be back next year with or without any changes made.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Again, I am in awe of how well you guys organized this race which really was sort of a logistical nightmare. I am the race director and organizer of a 100 person ski race at Black Mountain each year and am well aware of all of the “little things” that must be ironed out for an event to take place. Again, great job!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Thank you so much for putting on the event!  It was great!  Can’t wait until next year!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“The M22 Challenge was the first race I’ve participated in since I had a baby in 2008, and I’ve been looking forward to getting back to racing for a long time!  Needless to say it was a wonderful event for my return to competition since it is not a high-pressure venue.  Still, the competition was definitely there and now I have new goals to set for myself for the race next year.  The M22 crew, Crystal River Outfitters, and everyone involved made everything run like clockwork.  Because of their hard work, I’m sure this event will only get bigger and more popular.  Thanks so much for having this event, especially in such a beautiful place!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Very well run event.  Fantastic location and a awsome course.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Insanely well organized.  Everything went incredibly smooth.  Really good instructions for participants.  Best race packet bags EVER.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Such a fun event in such a beautiful setting!  You couldn’t ask for a better course!  My friends and family couldn’t stop talking about the event for days after.  We can’t wait for the 3rd annual one! Very well organized and so much fun!  The volunteers were great and it was nice to see them throughout the course taking pictures and cheering.  Great sponsors and it was wonderful to be at a “green” event.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I have been to many different types of races all over the world. This is a very unique event in an awesome natural area.. Well run, with lots nice volunteers.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“This is the event in the Glen Lake area.  I have a home in Empire as well as Grand Rapids.  Several participants came from GR.  This should be a Summer staple for many years to come.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“The support of all the volunteers during the race was really great.  hearing people cheer as you run and bike by makes you proud and motivated.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Great event, awesome course, and fun people!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“This was our first!  A group of 9 gals- age range 23-50!  It was a blast!  I need to train better for next year!  One very important thing I noticed when registering is the age bracket was different from what I’m used to.  Usually 20-29,30-39,40-49, etc.  I tried not to give up before it started being 40 competing against 31 y/olds!  Oh well!  I did my best.  It was well organized & a great time!  Thanks for being “out there.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I found the support from the residents along the route to be very cool. I have never been to a tri that has had so many people along the course cheering.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“This triathlon was amazing! I would do it again in a heartbeat. The nicest people were there to cheer me on, even other competitors as they ran by. Overall, I had a lot of fun!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I enjoyed the fact that the M-22 Challenge was as competitive and/or as fun as you make it.  I joked with other bicyclists, was encouraged by other runners on their return loop, and talked to others in the kayak event, and still turned in a great time.  Didn’t bring home any hardware but hey…those guys are animals!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I think the event is small enough for families, young people  and novice participants to enjoy and to get their feet wet in this sort of competition but large enough & well thought out and organized in a way that the more advance competitor found it challenging.  I hope you keep the same route. I am looking forward to 2011.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“You guys did an amazing job and it was a wonderful event.  I’m proud to have taken part and I had a blast!  THANK YOU.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“All of the volunteers were great, the mood was fun and enjoyable.  Music was awesome-thanks!  See ya next year!!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Awesome event!  Great crowds, great course, great time.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“My wife Jill and I celebrated our 33 yr anniversary with this event.  This was Jill’s first ever race/competition as she has always been the support crew and lead photographer for me and our family.  I surprised/coerced her into this event knowing she would kayak instead of the normal tri swim.  She is now hooked and making plans for our entire family to participate in next year’s M22 Challenge.  Thank you for hosting a fantastic event and we look forward to next year’s challenge.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Fantastic event!  Very well organized.  Looking forward to next year!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Your challenge has sparked a passion! Before Saturday I had never competed in any shape or form of a race. The entire experience from the day I registered online, training for months, lining up, sand between the toes, to crossing the finish line, has been a life changing event. Thank you for giving me such a great goal to work toward and accomplish. It has done more than words can describe for me in the last five months.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“This was one of the most fun races I’ve ever been a part of, and can’t wait to do again!  The setup was very professional, the course was beautiful and challenging, and everyone seemed in good spirits.  The music and food at the end were great too! Awesome job.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I loved this event.  As a competitive person who no longer is part of a collegiate team it was great to have something to train for.  The event also combined a full body workout–so great runners would also be challenged by the kayaking.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I thought it was well done and after finishing, I am more likely to continue entering events like this! Ill be back next year!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I really loved the M22 Challenge.  I plan to do it again next year and hope to bring some friends.  It was well organized and the venue is spectacular.  The dune climb and kayaking make this a truly one-of-a-kind experience.  Thanks for making this event so great!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Excellent event!  Great course, great awards, great people!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Despite the weather the night before, the crew for the M-22 outdid themselves.  The course was clean and ready for the participants.  It was a great event.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Great day, great venue, great people, great event!  Well done Team Broneah.  Looking forward to Next year.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Fantastic event.  Very well organized.  Participated with members of my family and we had a great time.  Looking forward to the 2011 event!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“This event is just too much fun. I can’t wait for next year.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“The M22 Challenge was a lot of fun! It’s great how the event is pretty laidback, but you can be competetive and push yourself if you want. Everyone is so friendly and the course is beautiful.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“The sponsers and volunteers are great!  Things were organized…everyone was happy and smiling! A great time!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“This event represents the best of northern michigan, I love the local, green, out door qualities, well done indeed.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!!!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I really am impressed that the organizers were able to work with the local townships, law enforcement and the NPS to make this happen.  Your volunteer were all so kind and encourging to me and my daughter on all three courses.  They all were cheerleaders.  Would love to do it again.  Thank you so much for being so creative and coming up with this wonderful event.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I had a fantastic experience! This M-22 Challenge was my first athletic event ever and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I really did have a lot of fun competing. All of the athletes were positive and supportive, and I can’t wait to do it again next year!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Thanks for the effort in making this happen, we really enjoyed it. The location of the event makes it really special.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“As runner and cyclist, the 2010 M-22 was my first multi-discipline event and what a great introduction!  I had such a good time mostly thanks to the fun attitude projected by all the staff and volunteers.  I raced it with 6 friends and they all had nothing but positive experiences this year.  The M-22 Challenge is such a good event in that it’s not too long, but hard enough to challenge both experts and casual racers.  I’ll definitely be back next year and before then I’m buying my own (lighter & faster) kayak!  Thanks to all the staff and volunteers than made it appear to be a seamless event, you guys rock!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“What a great event.  I have done a few tri’s and 5K’s before, but this by far was the best challenge I have done.  Very well organized and run by a great staff and amazing volunteers. After a few days rest I’m sure I will be able to encourage myself to take a run at it again next years.”
-From Event Exit Survey

Here is what some of the athletes had to say about the 2009 event:

“!t was great to meet you guys and the people around your ideas. Yesterday was a wonderful accomplishment, my little boy even had a wonderful time. As for feedback…..I would like to see the run grow to a 10K. give a mountain biker a chance to get back up front!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks guys.”
-Steven Swick

“The event was amazing!!!”
-Sarah Doneth

“Great Job guys! I was most impressed with the level of organization & planning, especially for a first year event. The staff was terrific and I have already circled the date to be back next year, God willing, but w/a real bike……thanks.”
-Charlie

“Congratulations!!!!! What a great day. Looking forward to being a big part of next years event. Please keep us in the loop. After party is a must so that we don’t have to keep hearing Mike talk about it over and over again. He needs a place to be around other Challengers afterwards. Just kidding about Mike, but we do want to host next year. Thanks For Everything.”
-Becky

“Very nice job over the weekend.  The event flowed well and was a lot of fun.  I don’t think there has ever been so many people in that park on little glen before.”
-Brent Wiersema

“You guys really nailed it!”
-Andrew McFarlane

“Thank you Keegan!  You and your brother and volunteers did a great job for your first ever tri!!!  Congrats!  Very well organized and run.  I’m talking to a bunch of my friends to all come up and do it next year!  What charity did the money benefit?  It’s nice to know that some of the entry fee helped someone/group in need.

Thanks again for the personal email….. I could’ve checked it online today! Have a great week!”
-Lisa Mize

“You guys did an *amazing* job and this event is such a wonderful thing for our community.  THANK YOU for everything – for your support, for including the Conservancy, having big dreams, for making them happen (and for finding a way to include me!!).

On a personal note, Saturday was the first time I felt like an athlete again in a long time…  Motherhood can really take it out of you – but it was great fun to train again and to show my girls something about who I was before they arrived!    I’m already looking for tri #2… looks like Dan Brady and I might tackle the Bowers Harbor one in August (in your neighborhood!).”
-Anne Shoup

“Congratulations on organizing such a well-run race. Everyone sure seemed to have a great time, & I heard many comments about competing again next year!!! We certainly enjoyed being a part of your race as “traffic controllers.”
We patronized Pangea’s Pizza on Front St. today when we were in TC, & I thanked the owner/manager for all the pizzas she donated. Told her we wanted to patronize some of the M22 sponsors since it’s such a great thing to do for the community.
Good luck on next year’s event………………hopefully you’ll reach the 500 mark I heard everyone mention.”
-Stan & Lorraine Kuk

“I had such a blast! I was so happy, thrilled and proud to finish only 15min longer than my 2hr goal. And even though I came in last place, I received a trophy — to say the least, it was very humbling and inspiring to stand on the podium with The Best Athletes. Overall, it was a truly wonderful event: the people (from organizers to volunteers, athletes to spectators) were friendly, encouraging and supportive with dynamic energy and impressive and excellent organization! I can hardly to do it again next year!!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“It was a very very very very well thaught out event and i loved all the nice volunteers.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“I would never have known this was a first-time event as it was VERY well run and organized. The volunteers/supporters were AMAZING and much appreciated!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“The M22 Challenge was a BLAST!! Really great to have this type of event in the TC area!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“A festive atmosphere! Challenging, yet not impossible for most athletes. The location is one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Thanks a million guys, I’ll be back!!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“The M-22 Challenge was a blast to participate in, all of the volunteers and athletes were very friendly and supportive!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Great event, great group of people, great venue.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Great, fun race! Can’t wait until next year!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“First class event! For me ranked up there with the Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon and the San Jose Muddy Buddy!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“This event rocked, it was challenging yet doable and the course was beautiful. Best race I’ve ever done!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Awesome! A++++++++++++++ I’ll be back in 2010, with friends!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“The course was very easy to navigate and well manned (or womanned). The location is great and I loved the paddle portion of the race.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“It was great to see all different kinds of people there, from all ages groups and from all over the country, it shows how much of an impact northern Michigan really has on the world”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Great volunteers, beautiful and challenging course…loved it!”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Most importantly, it was a lot of fun! For a first time multi-discipline event that I accomplished, I appreciated the encouragement and smiles. Just being “up north” brings outs the best in people! Reaching the top of the dune climb and looking over Glen Lake w/ the fog was BEAUTIFUL! That gave me a boost like, Ok…I can finish this! ”
-From Event Exit Survey

“It was a wonderful experience and I have already circled next years date. I am hoping to put a team of participants together to run the challege in memory of my neice, Julie Janis Finsch, who died of breast cancer this past January at the age of 37. We hope to raise domations that can be donated to the cancer foundation.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Spectacular venue, great people, well organized event. Bound to become a classic.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“If you are getting tired of the same old workout and you are looking for something new to challenge and test yourself, this is the event for you. It’s gonna push you and make you work but the feeling of accomplishment is so worth it. Come join us. You’ll be glad you did. Also I liked how you guys included the kids in the after race celebration. It made a huge impact on my kid. He can’t stop talking about it. Thanks guys.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“The enthusiasm of the volunteers, coordinators and spectators matched the excitement of all the athletes. The event was organized great and was a highlight of the summer. It is definitely a challenge that I look forward to making a tradition.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“My husband and I did it together and we had a blast, thanks so much! We’re definitely coming back next year.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“Thanks for your inspiration and sense of enjoyment. Then Challenge was a huge success all because of the hard work and dedication that was so passionatly put into it. Best of luck in the future.”
-From Event Exit Survey

“This event was a great experience, local involvement and support made this event a great success and a lot of fun. thanks Myer brothers and M-22!! You guys rock! Lets do an event in the fall, that would be sweeeeeet.”
-From Event Exit Survey