M22 Challenge

Date: Last held Jun 13, 2026, next date to be announced
Location: Empire, Michigan

Registration for the next edition has not opened.

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Water temperature and wetsuits at M22 Challenge

Around June 13, Glen Lake typically runs about 67°F at the surface (61 to 69°F across 2011 to 2020). Wetsuits were legal every year at this date.

A model estimate from the USGS lake temperature model (daily surface temperatures for US lakes), not a measurement. Wetsuit cutoffs are USA Triathlon age-group rules. The race's own water temperature reading on race morning decides.

Start location and course

6900 South Dune Highway, Empire, MI 49630

Directions to the start

The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.

Where M22 Challenge ranks

No. 28 of 50 on Coldest triathlon swims

National lists computed from results, entry fees, course maps and water temperatures; they refresh through the day.

Race details

Where: 6900 South Dune Highway, Empire, MI 49630Map
Course: Road
Distances: Sprint Triathlon
Editions: 2026 (Jun 13, 2026), 2025 (Jun 14, 2025), 2024 (Jun 8, 2024), 2023 (Jun 10, 2023), 2022 (Jun 11, 2022)
Status: The next edition has not been announced yet. Past events: M22 Challenge, M22 Challenge, M22 Challenge, M22 Challenge, M22 Challenge.

Organize this race? Add details or a correction

Quick answers

When is M22 Challenge?: The next date has not been announced.
How much does it cost?: See the registration page for current pricing.
What distances are offered?: Sprint Triathlon.
Where does it start?: 6900 South Dune Highway, Empire, MI 49630.

From the organizers

The M22 Challenge is a unique run-bike-paddle event held in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Recognized as "The Most Beautiful Place in America," the overwhelming beauty of the race course and the camaraderie of fellow racers will make this event one you won’t forget!