Calling all Canoe Racers!

The Canoe/Kayak racing season is almost here! The season kicks off with the 21^st annual Klondike Canoe Race on Saturday, April 2 in Oscoda.  The race starts at the mouth of Van Ettan Creek where it meets the AuSable River. Racers will head upstream to the Van Ettan Dam and then back downstream to the bridge on F41 at Chemical Bank. Cost to race is $5 and registration begins at 11:00am with the race starting at 1:00pm. Allow approximately an hour to complete the race. While this is a racing event, recreational canoeists are welcome to participate. Make it a weekend of outdoor recreation and participate in the 5K and 10K Run on Sunday, April 3. Cost per runner is $10. Registration begins at 11:00am across from the Van Ettan Creek Campground with races starting at 1:00pm.

The AuSable River International Canoe Marathon Committee in conjunction with the Michigan Canoe Racing Association hosts the Klondike Canoe Race. The AuSable River International Canoe Marathon is the largest and toughest race in North America. This is a professional, ultra-competitive race that attracts the best paddlers from around the country. Paddlers must be in top condition to endure the grueling and strenuous demands of the race that covers 120 miles non-stop. This year’s race will be held on July 26-31, 2016 starting in Grayling and finishing in Oscoda, Michigan.  It is also one of the world’s toughest spectator race attracting thousands of fans that cheer on the racers from start to the finish line in Oscoda.