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Michigan Sprint Triathlon Named One Of The Best In America

Many triathlons take place throughout the U.S. every year. These events consist of running, cycling, and swimming. USA Today, 10 Best asked a panel of experts to nominate their top…

Triathlon swim bike run triathlete man for ironman race concept. Three pictures composite athlete running, biking, and swimming in sea
Pavel1964/ Getty Images

Many triathlons take place throughout the U.S. every year. These events consist of running, cycling, and swimming. USA Today, 10 Best asked a panel of experts to nominate their top picks for the best sprint triathlons in the country. Then, readers voted for their favorites to determine the winners. It’s worth noting that "sprint triathlons" are the shortest of all individual triathlon formats, according to Bike Exchange. The shorter distance makes it ideal for beginners.

Michigan takes one of the top spots for best sprint triathlon in America

Michigan's Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon in Grass Lake snagged the number 3 spot. It takes place at Big Portage Lake State Park. "After swimming 750 meters in Portage Lake, you'll head off onto the gravel roads for a 20-kilometer bicycle ride, and then do a wooded trail run for 5 kilometers," as pointed out by the outlet. They also highlighted how the gravel roads make it a "unique" event. And it’s also an event where participants can pick up their race packet at a distillery. The Ugly Dog is a handcrafted spirits distillery where you can sample drinks.

Their spirits were inspired by an "ugly dog" named Ruger, a purebred German Wirehaired Pointer.  Recently, they introduced its S’mores Kentucky Bourbon Cream.

According to the event website, it's scheduled to take place on July 27 this year. The event started in 2018 as a swim, gravel bike, and trail run by EPIC Races. Registration for the Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon is now open. They also added a new super sprint and Olympic distance events.

In response to the list, the triathlon organizers took to Facebook to share their gratitude. "Thank you to everyone who voted, we are beyond stoked to be honored on this list!" they said.

Sprint to success: Top 3

Let's talk about the top 3. The Windy City found itself on the list in spot number one with the Chicago Triathlon. The outlet highlighted the event as being one of the world’s largest as well as most accessible with events for everyone of all ages and abilities. The sprint triathlon features a half-mile swim, 15-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile run, taking in the heart of downtown Chicago, going up and down Lake Shore Drive, and a run through the museum campus to the Grant Park finish line.

This event is scheduled to take place from August 24 through August 25. Registration is open for this event.

Take a look at the complete list here.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.