THE FLY AWARDS
How long has the Fly Awards been around?
This is our eighth year. The awards have continued to grow, and in 2024 we saw an increase in our participation and public involvement. This year is trending higher than last year.
When is voting open?
Voting runs December 1 through December 31 at 11:59 p.m. All votes are public and completely community-driven.
How is voting conducted?
It’s purely people’s choice. Every nomination and every vote comes from the community. There is no curation behind the scenes on who gets in, and who doesn’t.
Why isn’t my team/coach/event on the ballot?
All Fly Awards nominations are made by the public from November 1–30. Only submissions received during that window appear on the ballot. Once nominations close, the ballot is set for the year.
Can you add someone after nominations close?
No. To keep the process transparent and fair, nothing is added to the ballot after November 30. Voting reflects only the community nominations collected during the designated period.
I just found the voting link. Can I still nominate someone?
Not this year. Nominations open again on November 1 next year. Joining our mailing list ensures you’ll receive the reminder.
PAST HIGHLIGHTS
Over the years, the FLY Awards have honored hundreds of Michigan athletes, races, and community leaders who represent the heart of endurance sport. From iconic gravel races and neighborhood 5Ks to triathlon legends and first-time volunteers, these favorites remind us what makes this community special.
Explore the stories, photos, and moments from previous years:
📸 See Past FLY AWARDS → 2019 2022 2023 2024
Michigan’s People’s Choice Awards for Endurance Sports — Celebrating Your Favorites Across Running, Cycling & Triathlon
Since 2018, The FLY Awards have celebrated Michigan’s endurance community — the athletes, race directors, and events that make this scene so strong.
What began in West Michigan as a year-end audience poll has grown into a statewide tradition, honoring the community’s favorites across every discipline — from small-town 5Ks and grassroots gravel grinders to marathons, triathlons, and everything in between. Each fall, athletes and fans across Michigan nominate their favorites, shaping the ballot that defines the year in racing. The results aren’t decided by a panel — they’re decided by you.
The FLY Awards shine a light on the people and events that go beyond finish times — the ones that build community, push limits, and remind us why we love endurance sports.
THE FLY ENDURANCE AWARDS
The Fly Endurance Awards celebrate athletes who take their passion for sport to the next level. This category recognizes endurance excellence — challenging athletes to complete at least three (3) long-distance events within a single year, choosing from:
- Full Iron Distance Triathlons
- Marathons
- Cycling races (Long + Ultra Course Distances)
- Half Iron Distance events
- Long-distance open-water swims (5+ miles)
It’s a nod to the athletes who embrace grit, resilience, and the pursuit of something bigger — the ones who remind us what true endurance looks like.
2025 TIMELINE
🗳️ November 1–15 — Nominations Opened
🗳️ December 1–31 — Voting Period
🗳️ January 2 — Finalists announced
🥂 January 13, 2026 — Top 3 to be announced online and a Celebration at City Built Brewing (Grand Rapids, MI) from 5 pm – 9 pm. Free to attend!
WHY IT MATTERS
The FLY Awards were created to celebrate the endurance community — not just the podium finishers, but everyone who shows up, gives back, and keeps the sport growing. Each nomination and vote tells part of Michigan’s story — a community that trains together, races together, and celebrates together.