M-22 Challenge returns June 14
From staff reports
Imagine 900 kayaks lying side by side in rows on the banks of Little Glen Lake near Glen Arbor. A few yards away, picture 900 bikes hanging in organized racks. Beyond the bikes looms the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where 900 athletes, ranging from 14-71 years old and hailing from 15 states and countries as far away as Switzerland, will run up the famous “Dune Climb”. You are picturing the sixth annual M-22 Challenge, which features athletes competing in the “Most Beautiful Place in America”.
The M-22 Challenge is a multi-discipline event that combines running, cycling and paddling in a 22-mile race. Started six years ago by the founders of the popular “M-22” brand, Matt Sr., Matt and Keegan Myers are amazed at the growth and how quickly the event fills up every year. According to Matt Myers, the growing popularity of the race parallels the growing attraction of Northern Michigan. “People are drawn to the vibe and atmosphere of the event,” he says. The event survey last year revealed that participants were struck overwhelmingly with the high quality organization of the event and camaraderie of participants as well the scenery.
Learn more about the M-22 Challenge at M22challenge.com. For live updates and racer notifications, follow the race on Facebook at Facebook.com/M22online, on Instagram at “M22store” and on Twitter at @m22challenge. Another way to take part in the fun this year is to volunteer. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help with the M-22 Challenge (volunteers get a free shirt, great party and amazing experience at the event). Please use the following link to sign up.
M-22 Challenge causes
From its first day in business, the “M-22” brand and the M-22 Challenge has donated a percentage of its sales to the Leelanau Conservancy.
In 2012, “M-22” co-founder Matt Myers Jr. was diagnosed with Chordoma, a rare form of bone cancer that forms in the skull and spine. He was given a 2-5-year life expectancy on what was deemed an inoperable tumor. Intense research by the Myers family led them to a surgeon who completely removed the tumor. With the high reoccurrence rate of this disease, “M-22” is on a mission to help find a cure. The Chordoma Foundation is led by a Chordoma survivor and is comprised of leading researchers and surgeons in the cancer field. The foundation has made steps to find a cure for Chordoma patients and those struggling with other types of cancers. Visit Chordomafoundation.com for more information.
Here is an excerpt from a letter written by Glen Chown, executive director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy:
Below are a few of the highlighted benefits of the M-22 Challenge:
• Area businesses have embraced the M-22 Challenge, recognizing the economic benefits that event provides the Glen Arbor and Traverse City communities.
• Based on data from a recent study commissioned by the Traverse City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Tourism-Related Benefits in Traverse City’s Economy, a conservative estimate of the economic impact to our region from the M-22 Challenge is over $750,000.
• Of the 900 participants of past year’s M-22 Challenge, 67 percent were not from our region. 6.5 percent were from out-of-state. Race participants are almost always accompanied by friends and/or family. They stay in our hotels and buy gas, meals and souvenirs.
