Ironman pumps Traverse City, Leelanau

From staff reports

The inaugural Ironman race 70.3 comes to northwest Michigan on Sunday, Aug. 25. The extreme event features three stages: a 1.2-mile swim in West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City; followed by a 56-mile bike ride west to M22 south of Empire, north into Empire, and east along M72 returning to Traverse City; concluded by a 13.1-mile run from Traverse City south around the Boardman Lake.

Registration is sold out but spectators and volunteers are welcome. An estimated 2,500 competitors, 1,000 kids’ fun run participants, and 1,500 volunteers are expected to take part in the Ironman event, the Traverse Ticker reported in April. Joel Gaff of Endurance Evolution is the race director.

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