Photo Essay: The Dirty Donut
Photos and words by Bridgette Bol for The Michigan Daily
42-mile racers set off from the starting line. Bridgette Bol/The Michigan Daily
The Dirty Donut Race takes over Martin, Mich. every year in June as bikers of all ages on bikes of all shapes and sizes take to the roads offering 10-mile, 22-mile, 42-mile, 62-mile and 100-mile race distances. The Dirty Donut is an interesting race not only for its unique timing system and gravel roads, but also for its ability to attract riders of all levels, from novice to professional.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Dan “Donut Dan” Frazier, director of the Dirty Donut Race explains that the event is about so much more than racing.
Frazier emphasized the goal of the event is not to just appeal to beginner cyclists, but to build community among all levels of cyclists. Participants have the opportunity to race in two divisions, but unlike other races which are usually split into beginner and elite divisions, this race divides people up based on donuts.
Donut Dan stands under a tent next to the awards stage. Bridgette Bol/The Michigan Daily
While racing in the donut division, riders can take five minutes off of their final race time for every donut they eat. However, in the sprint division, end race times are traditionally calculated.
After seeing more and more donut races popping up around the country following the success of the Tour de Donut, founded in Illinois in 1989, Frazier wanted to find a way to welcome newer cyclists to the race scene while also adding a distinct Michigan element: racing on gravel.
The Dirty Donut creates a safe and fun environment for cyclists from all different backgrounds to race and connect with each other.
Kalamazoo residents Daryl Horton and Jacquiline Killmer pose while riding in the 42-mile tandem division. Bridgette Bol/The Michigan Daily
More than just time bonuses are on offer for donut eaters. Riders who eat 12 or more donuts are awarded a spot in the Dirty Dozen Club, commemorated by the race donating $100 to Make-A-Wish Michigan. Additionally, a portion of each registration fee is donated to Martin High School, where the event is held.
Though eating a dozen donuts is a challenging feat, donut-eating record holder Albert Banner almost doubled that number by eating 21 donuts in 2022.
Top left: Grayling resident Anthony Pringle’s bib records him eating his 17th and 18th donuts smashed together. Bottom left: Fort Wayne resident Howard Klinger ices a donut with GU gel at a donut stop. Right: Dayton resident Rex Harris poses while on his bike. Bridgette Bol/The Michigan Daily.
After racers finish, they are treated to a barbecue lunch where they have the opportunity to build community with other riders and watch the 435 awards be presented to riders from various divisions and age groups.
Nikki Thellman braids her daughter Josephine Thellman’s hair before the 10 mile race. Bridgette Bol/The Michigan Daily
The race makes room for all riders whether they have been racing for years or this is their first race. The top three riders in each age group are called up to the stage to be recognized. However, even if you don’t make the top three, everyone still gets a medal.
“I think it’s really important that you get something to remember it by, so we give everybody a finisher’s medal,” Frazier said.