Registration for the 2017 M22 Challenge will open on Wednesday, March 1 at 8 a.m. to the first 900 participants. Last year, online registration reached its capacity in 7 minutes. Check out these guidelines to help you get a spot.

Registration is $140 which includes the entry for one athlete, an event shirt and bag, and use of a timing chip. There is no entry fee for spectators other than National Park requirements.

The M22 Challenge is known for its grueling, but stunning, course in Leelanau County. The run-bike-paddle race is hosted in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, named the “most beautiful place in America” by Good Morning America.

We talked with Matt and Keegan Myers, the co-founders of M22, about what first-time participants should expect from the race, Saturday, June 10.

Photo courtesy of M22 Challenge

M22 Challenge

This event is a true test of endurance. What advice do you have for first timers?
If this is your first attempt at the M22 Challenge just focus on finishing. Do not go out and use all your energy on the run. Save some energy for the longer bike portion of the event and plan to spend the last of your energy on the paddle. The most important thing is to get out and train. Run, bike and paddle as much as you can before the event to make sure your body and equipment are ready. The more time and effort you put into preparing for the event, the better you will perform on race day.

Mentally, what does it take to complete this event?
To complete the M22 Challenge you just need a good attitude and the confidence to know you can finish. You will gain that confidence by training and proper preparation for the race. If you get to a point in the race where you feel like giving up, just take a minute to relax and take in the amazing views around you, then keep pushing!

What does this event offer that people won’t find anywhere else?
The M22 Challenge is the largest paddle triathlon event in the Midwest. Unfortunately, there are not many triathlon style events in this area so this is a rare opportunity for all those multi-sport athletes.

Is there anything you’d like to add?
Follow M22 on Facebook and Instagram for updates and live race day info.

Interview from February 2016

Registration: https://register.newtontiming.com/Register/?event=36161


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Photo(s) by M22 Challenge