There’s something for everyone to get involved in on Copperman race day

COPPER HARBOR, Mich. – The Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon in Copper Harbor on Aug. 5 lends itself to many unique and exciting volunteer experiences for all ages. Opportunities range from registering participants for the race and body marking to volunteering at aid stations and kayaking during the swim portion of the race. All volunteers receive a free Copperman t-shirt and complimentary lunch served by the Harbor Haus Restaurant in Copper Harbor.

A list of volunteer opportunities is provided on the Aspirus Copperman website at https://aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com/volunteer/.  There, volunteers can register by completing the online form. Volunteer Coordinator Gwen Grabig will contact each volunteer with additional details prior to race day.

For many residents and out-of-towners alike, volunteering at Copperman is a longtime tradition. Several groups, families and friends make the drive to the northernmost tip of the Keweenaw to take in the sights, sounds and excitement. Several providers and staff from Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital and Clinics volunteer each year, helping out in the medical tents, serving as crossing guards and filling in wherever they’re needed.

“You don’t have to compete to get involved at Copperman. Volunteering is just as fun because you get to go behind the scenes and see how it all comes together,” said Race Director Stacy Bussiere. “There’s something for everyone to help out with. If you’re not sure what you want to do, that’s OK, too. We can always find a spot for you.”

Founded in 1992 with 45 competitors, Copperman has grown into one of the Keweenaw’s premier summer sporting events. Last year’s 25^thanniversary Copperman hosted 263 participants, in addition to hundreds of volunteers and spectators.

Pictured: Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon offers unique and exciting volunteer opportunities from kayaking during the swim portion of the race and body marking to helping out at aid stations and timing competitors. 

Aspirus Copperman: UPHP signs on as Official Volunteer Sponsor

The Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon proudly announces this year’s official volunteer sponsor. Marquette, Mich.-based Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) has signed on as the lead volunteer sponsor of Copperman’s 26^th annual event taking place in Copper Harbor Aug. 5.

“Expanding our community giving outside of Marquette County is a goal of ours and this race is a natural fit,” said Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham, Corporate Marketing Manager with UPHP. “By sponsoring an event like the
Copperman, we’re shedding light on the
importance of an active lifestyle in one’s overall health.”

The Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon lends itself to many unique and exciting volunteer experiences for all ages. Opportunities range from registering participants and body marking to volunteering at aid stations and kayaking during the swim portion of the race. All volunteers receive a free Copperman t-shirt and complimentary lunch served by the Harbor Haus Restaurant. More details and volunteer opportunities are available at https://aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com/

Race Director Stacy Bussiere said volunteers are the key ingredient to Copperman’s success year after year.

“We always appreciate the many dedicated volunteers who donate their time to help make our event as fun and safe as possible,” she said. “It’s a tremendous community effort – one we look forward to every year. “

For their sponsorship, UPHP will have logo placement on the competitors’ and volunteers’ shirts, and banner placement at the event. UPHP is encouraging their employees to participate either as a competitor or a volunteer.

“At UPHP, we are committed to a healthier U.P.,” LaPointe-Dunham said. “We support the dedication of the athletes in training for this event and the event staff who make it all possible.”

The Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon takes place Saturday, Aug. 5, in Copper Harbor. For more information, visit www.aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com.

Aspirus is a non-profit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin. With more than 7,000 employees, Aspirus serves communities throughout the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern and central Wisconsin. The integrated system includes four hospitals in Michigan and four hospitals in Wisconsin, 50 clinics, home health and hospice care, pharmacies, critical care and helicopter transport, medical goods, nursing homes and high-quality affiliated physicians. For more information, visit aspirus.org. 

Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) currently serves over 47,000 members across five product lines (Michigan Medicaid, Healthy Michigan Plan, Children with Special Health Care Services, MI Health Link, and Medicare Advantage) and its network exceeds 900 providers.

###

Discounts still available for early Copperman registration

Those planning to participate in the 26th annual Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon in Copper Harbor Saturday, Aug. 5, still have the chance to register early for a discounted price.

Registration fees through the end of Friday, June 2, are $60 for individuals and $140 for teams. Starting Saturday, June 3, fees will be $70 for individuals and $160 for teams. Starting July 15, registration will be $80 for individuals and $180 for teams. Teams consist of two to three members. Register online at http://www.aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com.

The Aspirus Copperman Triathlon includes a half-mile swim in Lake Fanny Hooe, a 23-mile bike ride along the shores of Lake Superior and a 5-mile run at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Asprius Copperman Duathlon starts with a 6K run instead of the swim and continues with the 23-mile bike and 5-mile swim.

Because people can compete as individuals or as part of a team, Copperman is ideal for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Teams can be all male, all female or coed.

“The past five years have brought us beautiful August weather, which makes it a great day to be outside in the Harbor racing, volunteering, or cheering on a friend or family member,” said Race Director Stacy Bussiere. “So take advantage of the early registration discounts and we hope to see you there.”

Founded in 1992 with 45 competitors, Copperman has grown into one of the Keweenaw’s premier summer sporting events. Last year’s 25thanniversary Copperman hosted 263participants, in addition to hundreds of volunteers and spectators.

For more information about Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon, visit http://www.aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com.

Registration opens for 26th annual Copperman; discounts for early sign up

The 26^th annual Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon returns to Copper Harbor on Saturday, Aug. 5, and registration is now open.

The Copperman Triathlon includes a half-mile swim in Lake Fanny Hooe, a 23-mile bike ride along the shores of Lake Superior and a 5-mile run at the tip of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. The Copperman Duathlon starts with a 6K run instead of the swim and continues with the 23-mile bike and 5-mile swim.

Aspirus Copperman is ideal for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Participants can register as an individual or team. Teams consist of two to three members, and can be all male, all female or coed. Register online at www.aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com.

Race Directors Crystal Holzberger and Stacy Bussiere encourage participants to sign up early as there are discounts for early registration. Registration fees are as follows:

Individuals
On or before June 2: $60
After June 2: $70
After July 14: $80

Teams
On or before June 2: $140
After June 2: $160
After July 14: $180

Founded in 1992 with 45 competitors, Copperman has grown into one of the Keweenaw’s premier summer sporting events. Last year’s 25^th anniversary Copperman hosted 263 participants, in addition to hundreds of volunteers and spectators.

Why I Copperman – Chris Beddigs

Every year, on the Tuesday after he returns home from race weekend in Copper Harbor, MI, Chris Beddigs starts the countdown for the following year’s Copperman. He competes in other races near his home in Chicago and Milwaukee, but none compare to the stress-free ease of Copperman. The triathlon’s course is unlike any other – he loves swimming in Lake Fanny Hooe, biking the 23-miles along Lake Superior, and rounding the last hard left at the end of the run before the finish line.

Copperman has become an annual tradition for the Beddigs family. Since his mom convinced him to compete in 2007, the event has turned into the highlight of his summer, including a long weekend of camping at Fort Wilkins and riding on the CH Trails. He is introducing more athletes to the Copperman community this year, as he brings up friends and family to compete in the Keweenaw Peninsula’s unique triathlon.

For Chris, the combination of a well-organized competition, beautiful surroundings, family tradition and community atmosphere make Copperman an event unlike any other. Luckily, his countdown for this year’s event is winding down – there are only 25 more days until the 25th annual Copperman!

Why I Copperman – Danise Jarvey

Not many people can say they entered their first triathlon on a whim, but Danise Jarvey did just that. She spent years camping in Copper Harbor, watching the Copperman and talking with friends around the campfire about wanting to compete someday.  “Someday” became a reality on the night before the 2005 triathlon, when Danise and friends Sarah and Jill Steber formed Team “It Sounded like a Good Idea at the Time” and registered to compete. Danise completed the 5-mile run and never looked back. Since that fateful campfire in 2005, Danise has competed in every Copperman Triathlon.

Danise loved running as a part of a team, yet dreamed of completing the course alone…but she couldn’t swim. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Danise took swimming lessons at Michigan Tech and became strong enough to compete as an individual.  She continues to compete individually, save for the year she broke her arm and competed anyway with teammates Liz Siivola and Bruce Harvey on Team “Broken Wing.”

Danise loves the feeling of crossing the finish line, but her favorite part of Copperman is getting to be a part of the community of athletes. To her, Copperman is more than just a race – it’s a day of celebration with family and friends, a beautiful venue, and a well-deserved jump in the lake after a hard day’s work. What began as a spur of the moment decision has become a part of Danise’s life, and she’s excited to compete in the 25^th anniversary event!

 

Why We Copperman – Race Directors Crystal Holzberger and Stacy Bussiere

You may not see Crystal Holzberger or Stacy Bussiere in the spotlight on race day, but they have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the 25^th Copperman the best one yet.

Both Crystal and Stacy have been involved with Copperman for many years.  Thirteen years ago, Crystal jumped into Copperman headfirst on her second day at Aspirus.  She began as a volunteer, then worked as Chief of Registration, and is currently serving in her fifth year as Race Director.  She has a hard time choosing her favorite part of Copperman.  “There are just too many things that make Copperman amazing!” she says.

Stacy has also participated in Copperman in many ways, from working as a volunteer and competing on a team, to serving as Race Director for the past three years.  She loves that Copperman is the “Tri in the Wilderness.”  “Being around these athletes in beautiful Copper Harbor makes for a great weekend,” she says.  “It never gets old – I get goosebumps every year!”

25th Copperman to be most memorable competition yet; register online today!

Photos courtesy of Brockit Inc.
Swimmers, bikers and runners compete in the Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon in Copper Harbor Aug. 1, 2015. This year marks the event’s 25th anniversary.

COPPER HARBOR – Join us in Copper Harbor for the 25^th annual Aspirus Copperman Triathlon & Duathlon, on Saturday, Aug. 6.

The triathlon includes a half-mile swim in Lake Fanny Hooe, a 23-mile bike ride along the shores of Lake Superior and a 5-mile run at the tip of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. The Duathlon starts with a 6K run instead of the swim.

Aspirus Copperman is ideal for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Participants can register as an individual or team. Teams consist of two to three members, and can be all male, female or coed. Register at www.aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com. Online registration closes on Aug. 2. Participants can still register on Aug. 5, at the Copper Harbor Community Center.

Founded in 1992 with 45 competitors, Copperman has grown into one of the Keweenaw’s premier summer sporting events. Last year, Copperman hosted 230 competitors, in addition to hundreds of volunteers and spectators. Organizers are in the planning stages and expect this year’s contest to be one of the most memorable in the history of Copperman.

“We’re excited to carry on the tradition and celebrate the 25^th anniversary. Plans are underway for making this year’s event better than ever,” said Race Director Crystal Holzberger. “We encourage everyone to register as soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly. You’re not going to want to miss it!”

For more information about registration and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com. Check out Copperman Triathlon on Facebook for more event news, including weekly spotlights on past competitors.

Share this: