The Faces Behind The Races

Level 1 USAT Certified Race Director

Jon’s two passions are design and triathlon. By combining these together, he is excited to be transitioning from triathlete to race director. As an active member of the West Michigan triathlon community for a number of years, including through his endurance apparel company, Drivn Threads, Jon is focused on ensuring that all participants and spectators have a great race experience, be it their first or tenth. Since starting out with sprints and Olympics in 2012, he has since moved up to full distance triathlons, in addition to numerable running races and marathons.

Phone: 616-920-9345 | Email: jconkling@tris4health.com

2019 marks my seventh year as a triathlete and my sixth year on staff of the Michigan Titanium and the Grand Rapids Tri. It wouldn’t be an over exaggeration to say that triathlon is my life. I work on both triathlons all year long, volunteer for several other races throughout West Michigan, and train when I can. As much as I enjoy being a triathlete and getting out on the course, my passion is really being behind the scenes and helping others cross the finish line. This really has become a family affair. I love working along side my husband, Bill, and my youngest son, Graydon, on race day. While my teenagers prefer to stay behind the scenes they’ve been known to haul tri equipment for me and even help with odd jobs leading up to race day. Whether you compete, organize, volunteer, or enthusiastically spectate, I truly believe this sport has something for everyone!

I am new to the Grand Rapids area after moving here in July. Originally a Traverse City native, I have lived in many places such as Minnesota, Colorado and even Ecuador, but I am very excited to finally be back in my home state. While I have not officially competed in a triathlon myself, I have a love for the triathlon world and community after working and traveling as a Media Delegate and Social Media Manager for the International Triathlon Union for over four years. One of my most memorable triathlon moments of my career was witnessing Gwen Jorgensen win the very first Gold Medal for the USA at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. I am excited to join the MiTi and GR Tri team and hopefully, with some swim lessons, my goal is to compete in my very first triathlon this summer!

Level 1 USAT Certified Race Director | Level 1 USAT Certified Coach

In 2011 John was 100 pounds overweight and unable to run for 30 seconds. Fast forward a year and he was down 70 pounds, had successfully completed the Riverbank Run, and raised money for a worthwhile charity. Like many triathletes he transitioned to multisport as an injured runner and has since completed all distances, from a sprint up to the full. His favorite discipline is cycling, and he can often be found trying to talk his friends into doing questionable things with him, such as signing up for Michigan Coast 2 Coast, a 210-mile one day gravel race across the State.

Phone: 616-551-7385 | Email: jmosey@tris4health.com