One of the best things about publishing Michigan Runner Girl is the chance to see, and really get to know, different cities throughout the state. While I’d traveled to parts of Michigan throughout my childhood and during my college years at Michigan State University, it wasn’t until I realized a love of running and racing in my mid-30s that I really found myself exploring so many of the wonderful regions and communities that make up our part of the world. Thanks to running, I’ve discovered: the history of Detroit’s Belle Isle; the awesome vibe in downtown Grand Rapids; the natural beauty that is Munising’s Grand Island; the Black Rocks (and stellar craft brew) of Marquette; and what it’s really like to share 200ish miles on country and small-town roads along Lake Michigan with friends, among countless other cool things and experiences involving my beloved home state.
Next month: my running journey takes me to Muskegon in west Michigan, an area that’s relatively new to me. It was during my adventure with friends running last fall’s Ragnar Michigan that I got to know this city a little; we stayed in a downtown hotel the night before the race, enjoyed a great dinner at Pigeon Hill Brewing that evening, and fueled up with a delicious cup of joe on race morning at Drip Drop Drink Coffee Bar.I can’t wait to discover more cool things about Muskegon when I’m there for the Mercy Health Seaway Run and Lake Michigan Half Marathon 
on Saturday, June 24. I’ll be be there for the Healthy Lifestyle Expo on Friday, June 23 and will run the half marathon on race day. This longtime Muskegon running weekend also includes the Seaway Run, a 15K and 5K run and community walk. Some 3,300 runners participate in race weekend. All new this year: a post-race street party in downtown and new expo location.
on Saturday, June 24. I’ll be be there for the Healthy Lifestyle Expo on Friday, June 23 and will run the half marathon on race day. This longtime Muskegon running weekend also includes the Seaway Run, a 15K and 5K run and community walk. Some 3,300 runners participate in race weekend. All new this year: a post-race street party in downtown and new expo location.I hope to see many of you there! It’s always so much fun meeting up with fellow Michigan Runner Girls and Guys, in real life, at race expos. And if you haven’t yet signed up for this race, here’s your chance for a free entry: I’ve got two (2) race entries to give away, thanks to race organizers. {You can learn all about this year’s race weekend by listening to my recent conversation with race director, runner and pacer Andrew Buikema. Listen here » }
OK, so giveaway details: to enter to win one of the free entries to this year’s Mercy Health Seaway Run and Lake Michigan Half Marathon (this entry will be good for any of the distance), please leave a comment below. Please share why you’d like to run this race and what you’re looking forward to discovering (or re-discovering) about the Muskegon area. Two winners will be selected at random and announced here on the blog next week. The giveaway starts today, May 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 29.
Good luck, everyone!
