The Verna Mize triathlon enters 2025, gearing up for the race’s fifth edition. Lead organizer Mary Kaminski started the triathlon in 2021 as a celebration of Lake Superior and the legacy of Verna Mize. She says the first race started small and has quickly built a community of regular participants.
But yes, and we have people coming up from Ohio, a young man who did it last year, he’s coming back. It’s just really fun to see it kind of grow and to have people really get the message of what it’s all about, celebrating Verna Mize and what she’s done to preserve Lake Superior for all of us. – Mary Kaminski, Lead Organizer, Verna Mize Triathlon
This year, the race will introduce the first Maxi-Mize race to the triathlon. Kaminski adds the bike section to the new race opportunity, which starts much closer to Lake Superior. Throughout the course, in the Maxi-Mize, Mini-Mize, and Main–Mize, follow Canal Road into Houghton along the Portage Canal.
They’re just really focused on first of all getting used to the water although this wonderful warm weather is really going to help warm it up a little bit but they’re all in their competitive nature uh… the longer ride out uh… canal road for the maximized there you find yourself right along the water and that’s where they’ll be able to really uh… take it all in – Mary Kaminski, Lead Organizer, Verna Mize Triathlon.
Kaminski says just like how some participants continue to return to the Verna Mize Triathlon, so do some of the race’s volunteers. To help get everyone across the finish line safely, Kaminski adds that the race needs about 20 volunteers.
We’ve got a great core of volunteers that, meaning, are just going above and beyond the call of duty. We’ve added the Maxi-Mize this year. Dave Bach has taken the bike route, and he has just designed it. He’s tweaking it. He’s making the signs for it. He’s doing everything for it. – Mary Kaminski, Lead Organizer, Verna Mize Triathlon
Those interested in registering as a racer or volunteer for the Verna Mize Triathlon should contact Mary Kaminski before July 31st. The race does accept walk-up registration; however, organizers do ask participants to sign up early. Registration for the Verna Mize Triathlon costs five dollars.
Contact Mary Kaminski via email beach@up.net or phone at 906 482 2422.
On Saturday participants should arrive to Kestner Park’s beach before the 8am starting gun for the Maxi-Mize. Races will follow the Maxi-Mize starting time at 8:01 am and 8:02 am.
Learn more here.
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