1st Annual M-22 Challenge Final Press Release

For Immediate Release

Congratulations, the 1^st Annual M-22 Challenge was a Success!

Top athletes travelled from the midwest to participate in the first ever bike-run-paddle event held in Glen Arbor, MI and hundreds of volunteers and spectators gathered in support.

Glen Arbor, Michigan June 20^th, 2009 – Nineteen year old speed ice skater, Jonathan Kuck, of Champaign, IL took home first place in the 1^st Annual M-22 Challenge with a time of 1:09:32 in the bike-run-paddle event. “The hardest part was running the sand dune!” Kuck remarked after finishing the triathlon race.

Less than a minute behind at 1:10:06, second place finisher Mark Durno from Fariveiw Park, OH said, “I went as hard as I could. The climb on the bike was the hardest event but the sand dune was the most painful. It was worth it coming from Ohio!”

One-hundred and twenty-two athletes participated in today’s exciting and challenging event which was comprised of a 17 mile bike ride around Big and Little Glen Lake, a 2 mile run including dune climb, and 1 mile out and back paddle in Little Glen Lake. In addition, at least three-hundred volunteers and spectators gathered for the event. “When I saw competitors coming through the finish line saying ‘that was so much fun’ – I knew it was a success,” stated Matt Myers Jr., organizer and co-owner of M-22 with his brother Keegan Myers.

“I’m doing it again! I’m coming back next year and bringing friends!” First time tri-athlete Kelly Taylor of Belmont, MI exclaimed as she finished the race. Taylor, a former Traverse City resident, drove up just for the day.

The M-22 Challenge hosted many first time tri-athletes as well seasoned Traverse City racers like Steve Andriese of the Hagerty Cycling Team who placed third at 1:11:09. Andriese was the leader in bike event and held a strong lead through the run. Andriese’s wife, Mary, also competed and took forth in the women’s overall.

Keri Pawielski of St. Joesph, MI was the women’s overall winner with a time of 1:15:48. Stephanie Frye of Traverse City took second coming in at 1:26:42 and Sue Burns of Leland, MI placed third with a time of 1:28:25.

Debra Smith of Traverse City, MI just started running this June for the event and says she’s absolutely coming back next year. “It didn’t matter if you were an uber athlete or just someone trying their best and just finishing it; seeing all of the people and encouragement was the best part.” She admitted after her finish.

“This was my first multi-disciple event and now I can’t wait to do more!” shouted Christine Watts of Interlochen, MI after her finish.

Matt Myers Sr., Event Coordinator, can’t wait to get going on plans for next year. “Were aiming for over 500 participants next summer,” he smiled during the awards ceremony. Thanks to volunteers, and sponsors like Michael Reese, Pangea’s, Signplicity, Sock’s Construction, and many more, the 1^st Annual M-22 Challenge was an incredible event that is sure to continue on for years.

About the M-22 Challenge:

The M-22 Challenge is a multi-discipline event based in beautiful Leelanau County in Northern Michigan designed to challenge athletes against the natural terrain and environmental elements of the area.

Additional information and course maps are available at www.m22challenge.com.

About M-22:

Founded by kiteboarders in search of epic wind and waves, M-22 was created to express the common passion for Northern Michigan. M-22 is not just a road; it’s a way of life. Its bays, beaches and bonfires, dunes and vineyards, cottages, friends and family. It is the feeling you get when you realize there is no other place you would rather be.

Press Contact:

Stephanie Zalucha, Media Director
stephanie.zalucha@gmail.com
M-22 Challenge
www.m22challenge.com