30 Jul 17th Annual Indian River Biathlon Sells Out, a First

For the first time in its 17-year history, the Indian River Kayak-Bike Biathlon, held July 21 at DeVoe Public Beach, filled all of its 100 participation slots. A fundraiser for Top of Michigan Trails Council, the event drew dozens of both long-time and first-time participants.

The biathlon course features 2.24 miles of kayaking on the Inland Waterway, starting from DeVoe Public Beach on Burt Lake, and 11.68 miles of bicycling on the North Central State Trail between Indian River and Topinabee.

All competitors begin the race at the beach with a mass scramble for their kayaks. Once the kayak segment is complete, they mount bicycles and make their way through town to the trail, guided by volunteers and law enforcement.

Jonathan Morgan of Milford led all competitors with his time of 55:17. Anne Melvin of Wellesley Hills, Mass., was the top female competitor at 1:08:48.

Along with Morgan, Clifford Onthank of Traverse City (59:28) and Randal Rusceak of Howell (1:00:27) rounded out the top three male finishers.

Top female finishers, in addition to Melvin, were Mary Kay Aufrance of Marquette (1:09:13) and Holly Willcome of Petoskey (1:14:35).

Race founder and longtime race participant Jess Miller of Indian River congratulated the Trails Council on its first-time sell-out. Miller originally ran the event as a volunteer race director. The biathlon is now organized by the Trails Council as a continued benefit for area trails.

“Although it’s exciting to see our 100 slots fill up, we couldn’t pull off this event without our generous sponsors and experienced volunteers who make everything run smoothly,” Race Director Becca Nelson said. “Of particular importance is volunteer coordinator Susan Dengler, whose assistance with organization and sheer enthusiasm help make this event popular and fun.”

Sponsors for this year’s event included Fernelius Auto Group, Indian River Family Dentistry, Latitude 45 Bicycles & Fitness, Northland Brewing Company, Indian River Golf Club, The Summer Store, Sturgeon River Paddle Sports, Grain Train Natural Foods Market, Center City Gym, Northern Michigan Sports Medicine, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Ken’s Village Market.

The Top of Michigan Trails Council is a Petoskey nonprofit organization that oversees a 325-mile trail network in Northern Michigan. Find out more at www.trailscouncil.org.