WHAT ARE THESE EVENTS? What is listed on this webpage is not-township sponsored. They are posted because what is listed on this page does effect the township as activities are conducted, with permission granted, within our boundaries.
- IRONMAN 2025 & 2026: Hugely popular, Ironman is popular as a for-profit athletic competition of cycling, running and swimming. This year, it takes place September 14. Click here for their website (which has advertised Frankfort as either an "untapped" or "uncharted" resort town.) Click here for a 2025 course route. Not only do many volunteer in a myriad of capacities to make this event the success that it is, many of our local residents are participants.
- Is there a rub? Some people object and some people are ardent supporters of this event. Some object to the fact that Frankfort City Council recently voted to sponsor another two years of the Ironman Event, thus indirectly committing CLT to participate, as well. Once again, no direct or dedicated communication was received from the City to Crystal Lake Township to discuss or request cooperation. In order to hold the Ironman in much the same fashion as it was held its first four years, Crystal Lake must sign off with the proper authorities (Benzie County Road Commission) in order for Ironman to block regular public traffic/reserve for use solely by racers some of the roadways located within our township. We have receive many complaints regarding the disruption to everyday life as well to services, especially emergency services such as ambulances or law enforcement. The township has also gotten feedback that praises the event and urges the Board to cooperate in keeping the Ironman an annual event. Therefore, we have been asking our constituents: Should the CLT Board agree to give permission for yet another two years? Very few responded to our official query before the 12.18.24 Board Meeting, but it seems even the low response gives the impression that residents are split evenly. The result was the Board voted 3-2 to give permission for Ironman to use our CLT roads for 2025 and 2026. However, it was also decided that at the end of 2026, CLT will re-evaluate, ask for assurances that racers will not obstruct rescue efforts as they have in the past, and require that CLT have a "seat at the table" if Frankfort decides to sign any more contracts. These conditions must be met, the majority of the board said, or CLT's response for future permission to use/restrict traffic will be an automatic decline.
RAGNAR: September 19-20, 2025 This annual event passes through our township and hardly anybody knows about it, probably because there is little hype, and hardly a residential soul is disturbed by it. It's a quiet race traversing our land mostly along River Road as participants travel from Traverse City to Muskegon. The CLT Board OK's this "trespass" every year (thus far) and is pleased with our constituents' compliments. They say what they like about it is the lack of intrusion on our lives while at the same time sharing our corner of paradise with other people. Folks run, eat, and explore via this popular and long standing event that celebrates team work. It is an event that blends the thrill of long distance running with the beauty of Michigan’s landscapes. The course takes runners along sandy beaches, past lighthouses, and through apple orchards and rolling hills. With Lake Michigan as the backdrop, the contestants see scenic views of Michigan as summer ends and autumn falls. Want to know more? Click here for website.
