Reading through everyone’s favorite ways to enjoy summer in Michigan got me even more excited for warm breezes, lazy afternoons along the water and BBQs with friends and family. We’re all so lucky to call the Mitten State home, and based on your stories of beach days, family camping adventures, trail running and lots of other outdoor activities, it’s evident we all know how to make the very most of Michigan’s beautiful landscape once summer hits. (Be sure to check out the comments to last week’s giveaway post — you just might get inspired to try something new this summer!)
I asked for these stories as part of the giveaway of four race entries to this month’s inaugural North Mitten Half Marathon & 10K at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. I’m happy to be partnering with this great new race, set for Sunday, May 25, and what a treat to have two half marathon and two 10K entries to hand over to readers.
Here are the winners, chosen randomly, and their favorite ways to celebrate sunshine and warmth in the Great Lakes State.
Half marathon entry winners:
Carrie: My favorite summer tradition is a family trip to Mackinac Island. A day of biking the 8-mile island, a day of running the 8-mile island, and a day of exploring – capping it off with a Labor Day run with 400 runners from every county in the Mitten. Pure Mitten Fun!
Christie O.: My favorite Michigan summer activity involves anything on Lower Herring Lake and Lake Michigan in Benzie County. Especially waterskiing and simply staring at the waves and water. Would love to run the 1/2 Marathon at Crystal!
10K entry winners:
Brian W.: I am a big fan of all the unique running races in Michigan, but specifically in Northern Michigan. From running around Mackinac Island in the 8-mile race to running over the Mackinac Bridge to running around Little Traverse Bay in the new half marathon to competing in Traverse City in the Bayshore Marathon or the Cherry Festival races, they all highlight some of the best running areas in the state. Now we have a new run that will quickly become a classic!
Carrie: Love, love, love running the trails in the summer! Also we have the best road and trail races in West Michigan.
Winners: please contact me at michiganrunnergirl [at] gmail [dot] com to claim your prize.
Thanks to all who entered this giveaway! Here’s to a fantastic Michigan summer ahead …
