2020 came in like a lion, so quickly that we decided to announce our 2019 Fly Awards AFTER the new year surfaced. As part of the racing community, we know that now is the time to start planning that 2020 race calendar.
Maybe you’re a newbie and are looking for that first triathlon or first 5K. Maybe you’re looking to try out a new distance. From the lake shore to the urban areas of West Michigan, there’s a little something for everyone. Truly, it’s the little things that make for a great race.
That said, 2019 was good to us. We added a couple of new races to our list from both a place of participation and photographing. Two races that don’t make the “Best” lists this year and deserve to be mentioned are the Lakestride Half Marathon, which takes place in June up in Ludington, Michigan. Ironman Traverse City 70.3 also entered the race scene and was a total blast. It’s no surprise that it has already sold out for 2020. Our recommendation is that if you can get up there to volunteer or spectate, take the opportunity. It’s just that fun. Lastly, want to race for a really great cause? Find a homegrown, grass roots race that gives 100% back to a nonprofit. This year we checked out Get Your Rear in Gear 5K (September) started up by its founder, family physician, Dr. Chelsea Boet who battles colon cancer.
This year we added a few categories that were missed last year and polled over 400 people. There were a couple of upsets, and newbies this year. For all that participated, we are grateful for your insight. Here are your favorites of 2019!
Best 5K
Brian Diemer 5K
Runners up:
Grand Rapids Turkey Trot
Brainy Day Trail Run
Best 10K
Amway Riverbank Run 10K
Runners up:
Reeds Lake Run
Gazelle Girl
Brainy Day Trail Run
Best Marathon
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
Runners up:
Traverse City Track Club Bayshore Marathon
Detroit Marathon
North Country
Charlevoix Marathon
Best Half Marathon
Gazelle Girl Half Marathon
Runners up:
Traverse City Track Club Bayshore Marathon
TCTC Bayshore Half Marathon
Toughest Race
Dirty Duel
Runners up:
Amway Riverbank Run 25K
Lake Michigan RTS
Best Triathlon
Tri Del Sol
Runners up:
Grand Rapids Triathlon
Michigan Titanium
Toughest Triathlon
Michigan Titanium
Runners up:
Ironman Traverse City 70.3
Bear Lake Triathlon
Miscellaneous Distance
Lake Michigan Credit Union Bridge Run
Runners up:
Beer Mile at the Burg
Veterans Day 5
Best Trail Race
Brainy Day Trail Run
Runners up:
North Country Half
Hurt the Dirt
Best Bike Race
MSU Gran Fondo
Runners up:
Iceman
Barry Roubaix
Most Scenic
TCTC Bayshore Marathon
Runners up:
Grand Haven Triathlon
Mercy Health Seaway Half Marathon
Best Spectating
Amway Riverbank Run 25K
Runners up:
Grand Rapids Marathon
Grand Rapids Triathlon
Best Swag
North Country Trail Run
Runners up:
Grand Rapids Triathlon
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
Best Race Bling
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
Runners up:
Gazelle Girl/Amway Riverbank Run Double Down
North Country Trail Race
Best Aid Stations
Gazelle Girl Half Races
Runners up:
Grand Rapids Marathon
Amway Riverbank Run
Finish Line Food
Brainy Day Trail Run
Runners up:
Grand Rapids Marathon
Grand Rapids Triathlon
Post Race Party
Gran Fondo, Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon and Gazelle Girl Races
Best Race Director
Ron Knoll
Runners up:
Don Kern
Kyle Cutler
Best Non Profit Multisport
West Michigan myTeam Triumph
Runners up:
Girls on the Run
Sole Sisters
;Still I Run
Best Race Ambassador
Robert the TuTu Man
Best Race Announcer
Larry Crabbe
Runners up:
Mark Grevengoed
Steve Benson