Michigan Townships Reject Road Closures for Ironman 70.3 Event

Crystal Lake, Lake, and Platte townships have all voted to reject road-use agreements for the Ironman 70.3 Michigan, a decision that leaves the future of the annual triathlon in Frankfort uncertain, Benzie Record Patriot reported.

The series of rejections creates a major legal hurdle for race organizers. Under state law, local governments hold the power to block the closure of major thoroughfares used during the event.

“We are elected to represent the best interests of our residents, not those of the chamber of commerce nor of a multinational corporation,” Lake Township Supervisor Mary Pitcher told Benzie Record Patriot.

Pitcher said that the current route denies residents and local businesses access to their own properties, suggesting that organizers could instead utilize roadways with “significantly less residential density.”

Local boards block road closures

The opposition unfolded across three separate meetings throughout the fall. Platte Township first voted against the agreement 4-1 during a quarterly meeting on Oct. 3, according to Benzie Record Patriot.

On Oct. 31, the Crystal Lake Township Board of Trustees rejected a three-year road-use support agreement in a 3-2 vote during a special meeting. The board’s decision was met with significant public interest; while 89 of 96 pieces of correspondence sent to the board supported the event, officials said that some residents were too intimidated to speak against the race publicly.

Lake Township followed suit on Nov. 5, voting 3-0 to reject the agreement after Trustee Kyle Orr was absent from the meeting.

The impact of these votes is not merely symbolic. Because the race requires the closure of M-22, the townships’ refusal carries heavy weight under Michigan’s regulatory framework.

James Lake, a communications specialist for the MDOT North Region, explained that the state does not issue permits for state trunk line closures without the approval of the local unit of government. This requirement is rooted in Act 200 of 1969, which mandates that local agencies must request closures for nonmotorized races passing through their jurisdictions.

“The road commission cannot unilaterally institute road closures for the triathlon upon request by the race organizers,” reads an opinion from Henn Lesperance Attorneys at Law, as cited by Benzie Record Patriot.

The legal opinion, provided to the Benzie County Road Commission, states that the commission is “expressly prohibited” from closing roads without a written resolution from the affected townships.

Economic benefits face community pushback

The debate highlights a growing tension between the tourism economy and local quality of life. Supporters of the Ironman event have pointed to the large donations the Ironman Corporation makes to local schools and nonprofits, as well as the general boost to the area's economy.

However, some officials argue the economic gains are not distributed evenly. Crystal Lake Township Supervisor Amy Ferris expressed concerns about “selling paradise” to a for-profit entity, suggesting the event could diminish the township’s quality of life. She also said that while some businesses thrive, others—such as charter boat captains—suffer from the logistical disruptions.

The 2026 traffic plan for the race included specific lane impacts on M-22 and River Road during morning and afternoon hours. Because M-22 is a primary artery, the closures effectively dictate how traffic moves through the region.

Township	Vote Result	Meeting Date
Platte	4-1 (Reject)	Oct. 3
Crystal Lake	3-2 (Reject)	Oct. 31
Lake	3-0 (Reject)	Nov. 5

While some officials believed the road commission or MDOT might still have the authority to override township decisions, the legal advice provided to the county road commission suggests otherwise. Benzie County Road Commission Manager Troy Hinds said that legal counsel has advised the commission cannot act without township approval.

The city of Frankfort is now tasked with determining how to proceed. The city council is scheduled to hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 to discuss a pending contract for three additional years of the Ironman 70.3 Michigan.

“Our obligation is to the people we serve, and in this situation, first and foremost, to the residents and businesses along the route, who are being denied access to and from their own properties,” Pitcher said.

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