THE FLY AWARDS

Michigan’s People’s Choice Awards for Endurance Sports

Celebrating the people, races, teams, and organizations that make Michigan’s endurance community what it is.

NINE YEARS OF THE FLY AWARDS

It started with a simple idea back in 2018.

Because we photograph so many races and work alongside so many event organizers throughout the year, we thought it would be fun to ask our audience what they liked best.

Their favorite races. Their favorite teams. The people and organizations making a difference in the sports we love.

And that’s how The FLY Awards came to be.

What began as a year-end poll in West Michigan has grown into a statewide tradition, celebrating the best of Michigan’s running, cycling, triathlon, and endurance communities.

Now in our ninth year, The FLY Awards continue to grow. In 2025, 1,032 unique voters participated across 24 categories, recognizing everything from grassroots races to established events and the people who make them happen.

We’ve added new categories for 2026, giving our community even more opportunities to recognize their favorites.

And the best part? We don’t choose the nominees or the winners. You do.

HOW THE FLY AWARDS WORK

The FLY Awards are entirely community-driven. There is no judging panel, no selection committee, and no behind-the-scenes curation of nominees.

The community determines who makes the ballot and, ultimately, who wins.

Nominations | November 1–30, 2026

During November, the public is invited to nominate their favorite Michigan athletes, races, teams, businesses, volunteers, and organizations across the award categories.

Every eligible nomination submitted during this period helps shape the official ballot.
Nominations are open: https://tinyurl.com/2uxhb5ec

Once nominations close on November 30, the ballot is final. No additional nominees are accepted after the deadline.

Voting | December 1–31, 2026

Voting opens December 1 and continues through December 31 at 11:59 PM Eastern.

The public votes for its favorites from the nominated candidates in each category.

The results reflect the choices of the community, not the opinions of Stellafly or a panel of judges.

Results | January 2027

Following the close of voting, results will be compiled and the community’s favorites announced.

Additional details about the announcement of the top three in each category and a possible live celebration will be shared as plans are finalized.

2026 FLY AWARDS TIMELINE

November 1–30: Public nominations

December 1–31: Community voting

January 2027: Results and award announcements

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can participate?

Anyone who is part of or follows Michigan’s endurance sports community is welcome to participate. Whether you’re an athlete, race director, volunteer, spectator, or supporter, we want to hear from you.

Who decides the nominees?

You do! All nominees come from public submissions during the November nomination period.

Stellafly does not handpick the ballot or add preferred candidates.

Can someone be added after nominations close?

No. Nominations close November 30, and no additional candidates are added after that date.

Keeping a defined nomination period helps make the process consistent and fair for everyone.

How are winners selected?

Through public voting. There is no judging panel, and the final results are determined by the votes submitted during December.

Is this just for West Michigan?

Not anymore! Although The FLY Awards began in West Michigan, they’ve grown to recognize athletes, races, teams, and organizations throughout Michigan.

What’s new for 2026?

We’ve expanded the awards with several new categories to better reflect the people, events, and organizations that make up Michigan’s growing endurance community.

THE FLY ENDURANCE AWARDS

Recognizing the athletes who keep going the distance.

Alongside our People’s Choice categories, The FLY Endurance Awards recognize athletes who take on multiple long-distance challenges within a single calendar year.

To qualify, athletes must complete at least three qualifying endurance events during the year.

Qualifying events include:

Full Iron Distance Triathlons
Half Iron Distance Triathlons
Marathons
Long and Ultra-Distance Cycling Races
Open-Water Swims of 5 Miles or More

The FLY Endurance Awards are a little different from our traditional People’s Choice categories. They’re about recognizing the commitment, consistency, and determination it takes to tackle multiple long-distance events in a single season.

It’s not necessarily about winning races. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and seeing what you’re capable of.

A LOOK BACK AT THE FLY AWARDS

Over the years, The FLY Awards have recognized hundreds of Michigan athletes, events, teams, and community leaders.

From neighborhood 5Ks and local gravel races to major marathons, triathlons, and the volunteers who make race day possible, the awards offer a snapshot of what our community values each year.

We love looking back at the results, not just to see who won, but to remember the races, people, and moments that helped shape another season.

Explore past FLY Awards:

WHY WE KEEP DOING THIS

We spend a lot of time at races. We see the early mornings, the hard work, the finish-line celebrations, and all the people behind the scenes who make these events possible.

And after nine years of The FLY Awards, one thing hasn’t changed: we still think it’s pretty cool to give this community a chance to recognize its own.

Not every great race is the biggest. Not every deserving athlete stands on a podium. And some of the most important people in our sport never wear a race bib.

The FLY Awards are a chance to recognize all of them.

Your nominations. Your votes. Your favorites.

That’s what The FLY Awards have always been about.

THE 2026 FLY AWARDS

Nominations: November 1–30

Voting: December 1–31

Celebrating Michigan’s endurance community since 2018.