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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Mud, Fire and Barbed Wire: The Ultimate 5K Race and Festival to Hit Michigan

 Warrior Dash is a fierce 5K event that challenges and welcomes all athletic abilities. On Saturday, September 15, adventure-seeking athletes will head to 1400 Maynard Avenue to conquer 12 bigger and badder obstacles over more than three miles of extreme terrain. After completing the intense physical challenge, participants will celebrate their accomplishments alongside friends and family with live music, food, beer and front row seats to some of the most grueling obstacles. 


In 2012, the revamped and recharged course will have participants bounding over fire, trudging through mud and scaling new obstacles and new heights. 600 Warriors will take off for the Battleground every half hour starting at 9 am. 

"Warrior Dash provides an incomparable experience for participants and spectators," said Race Director Alex Yount. "The unique combination of athleticism, live music, turkey legs and beer keeps Warriors coming back for more."


Warrior Dash is excited to partner with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 2012. The St. Jude Warriors program encourages Warrior Dash racers to fundraise for St. Jude. At each domestic Warrior Dash there will be a VIP area on site complete with private showers, catering and a lounge area for those Warriors who raise more than $250 for St. Jude. Warrior Dash hopes to raise more than $3 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with the help of the 2012 participants.

Warrior Dash is also aligned with GreenSneakers, and organization with a unique environmentally friendly fundraising opportunity. With the help of Warriors, 500,000 pounds of tennis shoes were donated and given a second chance at life in 2011.

In 2011, more than half a million athletes selected Warrior Dash as an alternative to the classic 5K race. Participants can expect new extremes for 2012 as Warrior Dash returns with a vengeance, debuting more innovative and exciting obstacles than ever before. The festival area will be the scene of the events greater celebration with more food, drinks and post-race activities. 


To see footage and learn more about the Dash, check out WarriorDash.com, Red Frog Events Youtube Channel or contact Kendra Alley at (515) 321-4847 or media@redfrongevents.com

Friday, July 13, 2012

Pet Friendly Beaches in West Michigan


Woof woof woof! That is dog speak for “take me to the beach”! Luckily for your dog, and you, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in West Michigan! Whether you are traveling North, South, East or West in the Region, your dog will be able to take a quick dip no matter where you are!
 
North
Aloha State Park Beach
4347 Third Street

Cheboygan, MI 49721

Directions 
This is not a Great Lakes beach, but is conveniently located off of I-75. The park has a special pet swimming area which is located by the playground. Pets need to be leashed and cleaned up after. The park is located seven miles south of Cheboygan and 25 miles from the Mackinac Bridge.
 
Burt Lake State Park Beach
6635 State Park Dr.

Indian River, MI 49749

Directions
This is not a Great Lakes beach, but is conveniently located off of I-75. While dogs are not allowed on the swimming beach, there is a special designated spot where dogs can go into the water. It is near campsite lot number 42, off Road 1, at the west end of the park. The road leads to the beach and dog run. Pets must be on a six foot or less leash and attended at all times.
 
Cheboygan State Park
4490 Beach Rd

Cheboygan, MI 49721

Directions
A variety of year round recreational activities, beautiful beaches and trails greet visitors at this park. Well behaved dogs are allowed at no additional fee. Dogs may not be left unattended, and they must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dogs are not allowed in public swim areas or in buildings. Dogs are allowed on the trails. This campground is closed during the off-season. The camping and tent areas also allow dogs. There is a dog walk area at the campground. There are no water hookups at the campground.
 
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street

Empire, MI 49630

Directions
While pets are not allowed in certain areas of the park like the islands, Dune Climb, backcountry campsites or inside buildings, they are allowed on some trails, campgrounds and on the following beaches. Pets are welcome on the the south side of the beach at Esch Road (south of Empire), on the south side of Peterson Beach and on Empire Beach. Dogs must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after. To get there from Traverse City, take M-72 west to Empire.
 
Tannery Beach
862 Front Street

Boyne City, MI 49712

Directions 
A popular place for dog lovers, this beach is frequently used for taking the family pet swimming on those hot summer days. (Doggie bags and scoopers are available for owners to clean up after their dogs.) Although not the typical white, sandy beach, this is a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy a great view of Lake Charlevoix!
 
Wilderness State Park Beach
903 Wilderness Park Drive

Carp Lake, MI 49718

Directions 
Dogs are not allowed at the beach but they can swim in the water on the other side of the boat launch. Pets must be a on a six foot or less leash and cleaned up after. The park is located 11 miles west of Mackinaw City.
 
Young State Park Beach
02280 Boyne City Road

Boyne City, MI 49712

Directions
While dogs are not allowed on the beach, they can go into the water past the boat launch. There is a sandy and rocky area that leads to the water. Pets must be leashed and attended at all times and cleaned up after.
 
Zoll Street Beach
Zoll Street

Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Directions 
Zoll Street beach is a real gem. This dog-friendly beach is great for swimming and kayaking. Located at the western edge of Wequetonsing, this beach has a long, shallow area that is great for kids (and dogs!) to splash and play in the water. There are sandy and grassy areas and picnic tables.
 
Central
Grand Haven City Beach
1299 S. Harbor Drive

Grand Haven, MI 49417

Directions
Sandy swimming beach located on Lake Michigan. The city beach is nestled between The Bil-Mar, a beachfront restaurant, and Grand Haven State Park beach on Harbor Drive. Limited free parking is available. No fees or passes required.

Dogs are welcome on City Beach except when swim buoys are in place. During this time, dogs are permitted to swim on the designated beach just south of the swim area.
 
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
Manistee National Forest

Manistee, MI 49660

Directions 
Nordhouse Dunes is located within the Manistee National Forest. While dogs are not allowed on the swimming beach, they are allowed on the rest of the beach in designated areas.
 
Norman F. Kruse Park
Norman F. Kruse Park

Muskegon, MI 49441

Directions
Norman F. Kruse Park has about one mile of Lake Michigan Beach, with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. This is the major picnic area with 4 picnic shelters and an accessible ramp to the beach and into the dunes.
The park has about one mile of Lake Michigan Beach. The dog beach is located on the beach along the northern part of the park. Location is Sherman at Beach in Muskegon.
 
South
Grand Mere State Park - Rosemary Beach
Thornton Drive

Stevensville, MI 49127

Phone: (269) 426-4013

Directions
With over one mile of shoreline, Grand Mere has plenty of space and beauty for swimmers and sunbathers alike.
Dogs on leash are allowed at the beach and on the hiking trails. The one mile beach is located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Remember to clean up after your pet.

To get there, take I-94 south of St. Joseph and take Exit 22. Go west .25 miles to Thornton Drive and head south on Thornton for .5 miles.
 
Grand Mere State Park - Shoreline Beach
Thornton Drive

Stevensville, MI 49127

Phone: (269) 426-4013

Directions
State Park permit required.
Dogs on leash are allowed at the beach and on the hiking trails. The one mile beach is located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Remember to clean up after your pet.

To get there, take I-94 south of St. Joseph and take Exit 22. Go west .25 miles to Thornton Drive and head south on Thornton for .5 miles
 
Grand Mere State Park - Waverland Beach
Thornton Drive

Stevensville, MI 49127

Phone: (269) 426-4013

Directions
Grand Mere State Park has three beaches for visitors to enjoy. Located on Lake Michigan, this beach requires a State Park permit.

Dogs on leash are allowed at the beach and on the hiking trails. The one mile beach is located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Remember to clean up after your pet.
To get there, take I-94 south of St. Joseph and take Exit 22. Go west .25 miles to Thornton Drive and head south on Thornton for .5 miles.
 
Grand Mere State Park - Waverland Beach
Thornton Drive

Stevensville, MI 49127

Phone: (269) 426-4013

Directions
Grand Mere State Park has three beaches for visitors to enjoy. Located on Lake Michigan, this beach requires a State Park permit.

Dogs on leash are allowed at the beach and on the hiking trails. The one mile beach is located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Remember to clean up after your pet.
To get there, take I-94 south of St. Joseph and take Exit 22. Go west .25 miles to Thornton Drive and head south on Thornton for .5 miles.
 
Warren Dunes State Park
12032 Red Arrow Highway

Sawyer, MI 49125

Phone: (269) 426-4013

Website Directions
Located on Lake Michigan, this State Park offers views that will take your breath away. With a beautiful coastline and magnificent dune formations that are great for hang gliding. With over 1900 acres, this park offers activities year round. State Park permit or visitor pass required.

Dogs allowed on two-mile non-swimming beach and on trails.