Smoke wins his fifth M22 Challenge
Photo by Roger Hagerman
Olympian a perennial champion in triathlon’s eighth year
From staff reports
“This was the hardest year yet,” Jeff Smoke declared as he crossed the finish line to win the 2016 M22 Challenge, which was held on Saturday, June 11 — his fifth time earning that title. “The competition keeps getting harder.” Smoke, 38, of Niles, Mich., kayaked on the 2004 U.S. Olympic team. Smoke won this year’s race with an overall time of 1:11:29, and most impressive was his paddle time — just 14 minutes and 44 seconds.
Kyle Siemer, 27, a decorated triathlete from Traverse City, finished a close second. He humbly credited a portion of his success to third-place winner Jorden Wakeley. “He was pretty far ahead of us all until he went underwater. The hardest part of the race is the cat and mouse game; it’s important to try and stay in the moment and race my own race. But, Jorden is a good mouse to chase.”
Coming in third, Wakely 26, of Traverse City, felt great despite his bad luck. “I chose to not wear shoes, and tipped when my foot slipped off the foot brace while turning. Once my boat was full of water, it was hard to get it out.” Wakeley chose a canoe this year, a non-traditional vessel. Another hurdle was the road. “I’m a pro mountain biker, but yesterday was the first time on a road bike.”
Jamie Endicott, 23, of Traverse City, went home with her hands full. Endicott finished first place in women’s and also best times in her category for each portion — run, bike, and paddle. Overall, she finished in ninth place, beating out most male competitors. Endicott has been participating in the M22 Challenge along with her father for three years. “Inspiration Point is beautiful, I love biking up it and picking up speed on the way down. The whole course is beautiful. This is my favorite race.”
With 900 registered participants this year from across the United States, the event welcomes participants ranging from beginner to elite. One thing racers, spectators and organizers have in common is a sense of community and a love for the natural beauty of the area. “The best part is the beautiful views, and the people,” says fourth SUP finisher, Kwin Morris. “They care about the land and the lake.” Participant Ryan Tiderington agrees. “This race sheds light on that aspect of our community. We can’t take fresh water for granted.”
Parker Young, age 11, competed in the event for his second year alongside all eight members of his family. “We just love doing this together.” Patrick Tedham says “I’m from England, and I had no idea Michigan was so beautiful!” Desiree Morgan shares her positive experience with the volunteers. “This year, my bike chain fell off and 2 volunteers immediately came to help me. The people here are amazing.” Michelle Hemeyer celebrated her 40th birthday by participating with three of her friends. Rob Meyer finished the event with a smile despite recovering from pneumonia only a week prior. Molly Grosvenor finished the race to help raise community funds for her son, who has Type 1 diabetes.
New to the participant side of the event this year was M22 Challenge co-founder Matt Myers. After eight years of putting the event on, Matt finally decided to race himself. “I didn’t realize how beautiful it was as a participant. When you complete that first climb and look around, it is unreal. And, it’s harder than I imagined. I have a new respect for the competitors.” He says the volunteers are what makes this event so special. “They make everyone feel welcome. The entire race is about feeling like you are a part of something big.”
His brother and co-founder Keegan Myers was happy the night’s previous storm passed through. “We were a bit worried, especially with what happened in Glen Arbor last year. But it cleared by morning and even gave us a cool breeze.” Keegan is also proud of the people that this event brings together. “It has motivated a lot of people to embrace an active lifestyle.”
