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- 2.5 miRun
- 17 miBike
- 2.5 miPaddle
- 900Athletes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The most beautiful race in America.
Run up a sand dune, ride the hills around Glen Lake, and paddle home across Little Glen. 22 miles, one morning.
Race morning, from above
The course
Three legs. One morning. 22 miles.
Select a leg to see it from the course.
Beginning with a shotgun start in the south-bound lane of M-109, athletes pass through the starting line and continue into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Competitors then face a 100 yard climb up the infamous sand dune, bank left around a marker, run a short sprint along the top of the dune, and then make another left for a run down the dune face. Once off the dune, a short groomed trail leads runners back onto M-109 and concludes with a sprint back to the main event site and into the transition area.
Described as one of Northern Michigan's most scenic bike routes, the 17-mile course will leave you breathless in more than one way. Leaving the transition area, (helmet mandatory) athletes dive right into a climb leading the way into downtown Glen Arbor and along the Crystal River. Be sure not to miss the right hand turn onto 675 that guides athletes along the eastern edge of Big Glen Lake up to Inspiration Point. The route then follows along the southern edge of Big and Little Glen Lake taking athletes through a tunnel of trees and into the transition area. No crossing of the center line and a no drafting rule will be enforced.
The paddle course sets off across the aqua blue waters of Little Glen Lake. Athletes often underestimate the importance of the paddle portion, but past years have shown that more then often the race is won or lost on the water. Athletes are able to choose from a surfski, kayak or SUP, however everyone must either wear or have a PFD on their craft. Just before shore, athletes dismount in the water and sprint for the finish line. This completes the M22 Challenge, the most beautiful race in America.
Race day
Start to finish.
After the finish
Medals, podiums and a party on the river.
Awards
The top three finishers in both the Male & Female Overall Divisions & the Top Three Place Finishers of each age group will receive trophies.
See 2026 results →Post party
In celebration of your accomplishment, our presenting sponsor River Club Glen Arbor is hosting a post party for all race participants. Athletes will receive a complimentary meal ticket.
River Club →Photos
View the M22 Challenge race photos. See the event through the eyes of our photographers and relive the event from start to finish.
View 2026 photos →Need to know
Vital race details.
Includes entry for one athlete, event shirt, event bag, and use of timing chip.
Every year we reach our limit of 900 registrants instantly.
No entry fee for spectators (other than National Park requirements). Bring friends and family to cheer you on.
3–7 pm the day before the race, at the M22 shop in Glen Arbor (6298 W. Western Ave). Photo ID required.
Racer meeting at the start line at 7:50 am, just before the 8:00 am start.
Registrations can be transferred to another racer from May 1 to May 15 only. No team options. No ear buds during the race.
Get race updates.
Registration reminders and race-week details, sent only to the M22 Challenge list.