M22 Challenge
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M22 Challenge
The M22 Challenge is a multi-sport race held in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in mid-June. The event combines a run, a bike and a paddle leg, with event staging on the Friday before the race and race activities on the Saturday. Entry cost is $195 and includes one athlete entry, an event shirt, an event bag and use of a timing chip. National Park entrance passes are required for participants and spectators. The event uses a packet-less pickup process and provides a reusable event bag at check-in. No refunds and no team entries are allowed.
Courses, equipment and rules
- Run: 2.5 mi
- Bike: 17 mi
- Paddle: 2.5 mi
The run begins on M-109 and includes a climb up a sand dune, a short ridge sprint, then a descent back to a groomed trail and transition area. The bike course is a 17-mile route that passes through Glen Arbor and along the Crystal River and Big Glen Lake, with a climb to Inspiration Point; helmets are mandatory, no crossing the center line and a no-drafting rule is enforced. The paddle crosses Little Glen Lake; athletes may use surfski, kayak or SUP and must have a PFD on their craft. Athletes must provide their own bikes, helmets and watercraft or arrange rentals. Kayaks and SUPs must be washed, power washed with hot water, or certified as not used in another body of water for 10 or more days and receive a tag before entering the event site. Timing chips record at start, transition and finish. Awards include trophies for top three overall male and female and top three in each age group. Parking is restricted - attendees are directed to park downtown Glen Arbor and use provided shuttle service. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.