The M-22 Challenge : bike – run – paddle : Are you up to the Challenge?
Cheboygan, Michigan Man Takes Top Honors Away from Olympic Speed Skater & Silver Medalist Jonathan Kuck
Glen Arbor, Mich. Saturday, June 12, 2010 – Biking, paddling, and running enthusiasts converged on Northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula for the second annual M-22 Challenge Triathlon today Saturday, June 12. First time event participant, Dennis Paull of Cheboygan, Michigan completed the unique feat in just 1:20:25; taking the overall championship title away from Olympic Speed Skater Jonathan Kuck. Kuck did place first in his age division of ‘Under 20 Years of Age’ with a time of 1:26:34. Kuck from Champaign, Illinois also took ‘King of the Dune Climb’, breaking a 1:00 climb. The Olympic silver medalist finished the climb in just :56. Following Paull in the Men’s Overall Division were two Traverse City area athletes: Donald Fedrigon, Jr. who finished in 1:24:26; and Steve Andriese who finished just seven seconds behind at 1:24:33.
The second year event was filled to capacity just 60 days of opening registration. “The anticipation for this year’s event was exceptional, from the athletes, spectators, volunteers, and sponsors,” commented race organizer Matt Myers, Sr., and father of Matt Myers, Jr. and Keegan Myers, who both are professional Kiteboarders, and brought their own spirit for the outdoors and competition to the event.
Keri Pawielski of St. Joseph, Michigan was the women’s overall winner with a time of 1:30:06. Christine Watts of Interlochen, Michigan took second coming in at 1:39:19 and Laura Portis of Nashville, Tennessee placed third with a time of 1:41:49.
The County’s unparalleled scenery offers triathlon participants an opportunity to compete in a challenging and breathtakingly beautiful event.
Starting in Leelanau County’s Glen Arbor, the M-22 Challenge is designed to test athletes against Lake Michigan’s coastal terrain and the area’s environmental elements.
“The course promised an unforgettable experience. It wowed locals and those from far way with a bike race around Big and Little Glen Lakes; an exciting two mile paddle through crystal clear Little Glen Lake; and a challenge of a three mile run which included a dune climb in the heart of the Sleeping Bear National Park overlooking Lake Michigan. The promise was fulfilled,” said Myers.