2025 AuSable River Canoe Marathon Spectator Guide

Spectator Guide

Boat 77 A Number Etched in Marathon History

John Baker’s storied legacy still ripples through the AuSable River in the race’s 77th year

By Stacy Smale

When this year’s AuSable River Canoe Marathon paddlers were assigned their boat numbers, Aaron Lovell and Jeff Knaus didn’t think twice about landing Boat 77. But when they learned the legacy tied to that number — that John Baker, a four-time champion and fivetime runner-up, once raced under that very banner — they were intrigued and

honored.

“Honestly, I didn’t know much of the history behind the number or the boat,” Lovell, who previously raced Boat 77 in 2023, said. “I just wanted to get my number again this year. [Baker] finished a lot sooner than I will be.”

helped define the sport, Boat 77 carries more than just a number — it carries a legacy.

In the 77th running of one of North America’s most grueling and storied canoe races, the coincidence isn’t lost on

“I would say the most unique thing about John, and paddling with John, is he’s meticulous,” Baker’s two-time marathon racing teammate Ken Brown said. “There is no wasted energy in

The Luck of the River

The paddlers in the Consumers Energy 77th AuSable River Canoe Marathon have trained all year for race night. Many of them have put in upwards of 100 hours in the canoe to prepare. But no matter how prepared any paddler or feed team is for the race, they cannot game the luck of the river. Canoe racing can be a cruel sport, and the AuSable with its shallow upper half and the Marathon with its 8 hours paddling in darkness are crueler still. So much has to break right for a team to finish in under 19 hours. Paddlers must battle with their own fatigue, the water levels, competition level, illness, injury, weather, and

(continued on page 24

by Monica McGivern

what people really noticed about him more than anything, and for me, that’s probably my biggest respect for him.” Baker’s planning paid off, winning the marathon in 1976 with John Schwartz, 1978 with Jay Stephan, Jr., 1980 with Ron Williams, and 1981 with Ken

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Photo

Photography

AuSAble RiveR CAnoe MARAthon 2025

Prizes

North America’s Richest Canoe Race! Over $55,000 in Cash & Prizes!

CASH PRIZES

Pos. Prize Pos. Prize (USD) (USD)

1st

$6,000 21st $580

2nd $4,000 22nd $560

3rd $2,900 23rd $540

4th $2,300 24th $520

5th $1,700 25th $500

6th $1,500 26th $480

7th $1,400 27th $460

8th $1,300 28th $440

9th $1,200 29th $420

10th $1,100 30th $400

11th $1,050 31st $380

12th $1,000 32nd $360

13th $950 33rd $340

14th $900 34th $320

15th $850 35th $300

16th $800 36th $290

17th $750 37th $280

18th $700 38th $270

19th $650 39th $260 20th $600 40th $250

Finishers from 41st position will receive Finisher’s Prizes only; no cash prizes

Over $8,000 in Finisher’s Prizes to be awarded to AuSable River Canoe Marathon Finishers

Checks for Bonus Prizes are mailed to the appropriate contestants after the race results have been reviewed and declared official.

BONUS DIVISION PRIZES

Women’s (Two Female Paddlers)

Sponsored by Northbound Outfitters Pos. Prize (USD) 1st $350 2nd $200

Mixed (One Male, One Female Paddler)

Sponsored by ZRE

Rookie (Both Paddlers’ 1st Marathon)

Sponsored by Borchers AuSable Canoe & Kayak

(USD)

All-Michigan (Both Paddlers Live in Michigan)

Sponsored by Family of Michael Taggert

Masters (Both Paddlers 40+ Years Old)

Seniors (Both Paddlers 50+ Years Old) Sponsored by Grayling Restaurant

Veterans (Both Paddlers 60+ Years Old) Sponsored by Grayling Pharmacy

Youth-Adult

(One Teenager, One 35+ Years Old)

by Northbound Outfitters

Note: Seniors & Veterans teams do not qualify for the Masters Bonus. Veterans teams do not qualify for the Seniors Bonus.

LEADER’S BONUS

Leader’s Bonuses totaling $1,400 have been established. Fastest team pointto-point wins $50. Also, the fastest split time wins $50 for each of the fourteen (14) official timing checkpoints. A team is not required to complete the Marathon to be eligible for these bonuses.

Point to Point Sponsor - Sponsored by Old Dam Rd. Party Store

Split Time Sponsor - Sponsored by U.A. Local 85

BREAK THE RECORD BONUS

Sponsored by Jansen Insurance

If the winning team in the Marathon breaks the current time of 13:54.09, the team will be awarded a $1,300 bonus, to be increased by $100 until broken.

Harry Curley Paddle to the Finish - Sponsored by REMAX of Grayling

Doug DeLeo

00 01 02 03

Josephine DeLeo

Team sponsors: Palomino Sport & Physical Therapy, AuSable Health & Medical Associates

Doug DeLeo, 52, Gaylord, MI

Parole Officer

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Most recent ARCM: 2024

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing in 2024 with my daughter

Josephine DeLeo, 16, Gaylord, MI

Student Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching my mom finish her first marathon

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing the Marathon in 2024 with my dad

04

Team

Amado Cruz, 37, Belize City, Belize

Driver Most recent ARCM: 2009

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 24th

Attracted to the Marathon by: My love for racing. Having competed in this race before, enjoying the experience.

Memorable Marathon experience: Seeing the finish line

Christian Lopez, 25, Cayo, Belize Former Belize Defense Force

Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 9th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The pain and intensity

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling with Miss Gloria. Our first marathon year, she helped us get through the river.

08

Daniel Medina

Pete Mead

Team sponsors: Nathan’s Outdoor Adventures, Moomers

Daniel Medina, 31, Roscommon, MI

Night Watchman Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 15 Finishes: 13 Best finish: 3rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching Jeff and Serge in the early 2000s

Memorable Marathon experience: Starting in poll position

Pete Mead, 44, Traverse City, MI

Educator Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 24 Finishes: 20 Best finish: 3rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Honestly, I heard it was 120 miles and thought, “How hard can it be if the water does most of the work?” Spoiler alert: the water is lazy, and my arms are suing for emotional damage.

Memorable Marathon experience: That time I hallucinated a talking beaver around mile 85. He told me to “just paddle with purpose”- and honestly, that was the best coaching I got all day.

12

Tad Hill

Caleb Watson

Tad Hill, 47, Milford, MI

Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 18 Finishes: 17 Best finish: 4th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling the course in 2020 in a C1 with Nick Walton, Tim Sheldon, and several others

Caleb Watson, 22, Oscoda, MI

Michigan State Police Trooper

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 30th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up watching the finish line in Oscoda.

Memorable Marathon experience: Going underneath Stephan Bridge the first time. It was so loud my partner couldn’t hear the hups.

Owen Triebold Andrew Triebold

Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, Xpress Copy Center

Owen Triebold, 20, Grayling, MI

Spill Response Tech

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 61st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The thrill of the race & family and friends

Memorable Marathon experience: Portaging Mio

dam & finishing my first

Andrew Triebold, 49, Grayling, MI

Laborer

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 20 Finishes: 20 Best finish: 1st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with family

Team sponsors: Grayling Restaurant, McClain & Son Construction

Eric Batway, 62, Grayling, MI

Retired USAF Most recent ARCM: 2021

ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 17th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watched it growing up for years and the sense of accomplishment to train and finish.

Memorable Marathon experience: Setting the Senior Division Record with Mike Bradford in 2021 as we broke the record held for 22 years by his dad, Bob Bradford and “Amazing” Al Widing!

Jim Harwood, 61, Laporte, MN Gas Company

Most recent ARCM: 2006

ARCM starts: 21 Finishes: 19 Best finish: 1st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching when I was a kid

Memorable Marathon experience: 1995

Bruce Barton, 68, Homer, MI Farmer

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 22 Finishes: 19 Best finish: 2nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watched in 1970

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing in the fog

Josie VanderVeen, 29, Tawas City, MI

O’Connor’s Purchasing Manager

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 66th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up watching the race with my family!

Memorable Marathon experience: Tipping over at a morning feed in the 2024 marathon…brrr…

Team sponsors: Heavy Duty Vehicle Services LLC, Bullseye Soul Strength & Conditioning

Mikey Kimsel, 51, Bay City, MI

Sheriff Deputy Most recent ARCM: 2022

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 71st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge of pushing my mind and body to its limits.

Memorable Marathon experience: Seeing the flags at the finish line

Ursula Latreille, 53, Curran, MI

Housekeeper

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 68th

Attracted to the Marathon by: If someone tells me I can’t do something, I MUST prove them wrong! Plus I like the river.

Memorable Marathon experience: Crying my eyes out over the waves and wind on the the last 2 ponds during my first marathon.

Team sponsors: Empire Toyota, Nate Lull

Austin Henchey, 36, Otego, NY

Toyota Sales Rep

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The history and competition surrounding the AuSable Michigan Marathon

Memorable Marathon experience: The next one

Jake Crotser, 27, Moncks Corner, SC

Charleston Police Officer

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 7th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Fame and fortune

Memorable Marathon experience: My first finish with my uncle Mike “Pac-Man” Packard

Team sponsors: Memory Layne Global Missions, Nathan’s Outdoor Adventures on YouTube

Nathan Widing, 64, Linden, MI

Retired

Most recent ARCM: 2016

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 8th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family tradition

Memorable Marathon experience: 2016 with my daughter!

Al Widing Jr., 72, Fenton, MI

Building Contractor

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 9th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Memories of paddling with Dad

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching Dad in early years

Chris Issendorf

Christophe Proulx

Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, Zaveral Racing Equipment

Chris Issendorf, 43, New Braunfels, TX Construction Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 3rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Competition

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling stern for Billy T

Christophe Proulx, 30, Shawinigan, QC

Royal Canadian Air Force

Most recent ARCM: 2023

starts: 8 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 1st

Attracted to the Marathon by: My dad racing it and ARCM video on YouTube

Memorable Marathon experience:My first finish at the AuSable with Nick Walton in 2nd place

Team sponsors: Michigan Gutters, Inc.

Joe Leusby, 41, Traverse City, MI

HR Executive Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 15 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 25th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The training process and the competition.

Memorable Marathon experience: Having my sons there to watch me.

Yvon Dufor, 61, Fowler, MI

Retired from State of Michigan

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching the start of the race

Dodd Yeager Bill Torongo

Team sponsors: Hall Construction

Dodd Yeager, 31, Seguin, TX

U.S. Merchant Mariner Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 14th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Fast teams and fun people

Memorable Marathon experience: Fireworks overheard somewhere

Bill Torongo, 63, Grayling, MI

Unemployable

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 39 Finishes: 35 Best finish: 2nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Tradition

Memorable Marathon experience: Registration

Kyle Stonehouse, 31, Grayling,

Grass Salesman Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 6th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Been around it my whole life

Memorable Marathon experience: First finish in 2010

Kaitlin Mynar, 34, Martindale, TX

Medical Lab Scientist Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 21st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Feeding for my husband and brother in law

Memorable Marathon experience: Spraining my ankle jumping into the river at the start in 2023

Team sponsors: AuSable Market, Lammi Plumbing & Heating

Brayden Mallak, 23, Oscoda, MI

Airplane Mechanic

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Being from Oscoda. The challenge and thrill of competing

Memorable Marathon experience: Following my good friend through the entire night

Logan Lammi, 23, Oscoda, MI

Plumber

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Living in Oscoda

Memorable Marathon experience: Following through the night for the first time

Aaron Putnam

Alan Putnam

Team sponsors: Harper,

Aaron Putman, 41, Clifford, MI

GM High Voltage Tech Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 29th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Ever since I was a kid I loved canoeing. I’ve seen the Marathon pass by Old Orchard Park as a kid and always said I’m going to do that some day.

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling with family and good friends.

Alan Putman, 39, Linden, MI

Building Automation & Temperature Control Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 29th Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge.

Podcast

Amado Cruz

Christian Lopez

sponsors: Memory Layne Global Missions, Moomers

Kyle Stonehouse Kaitlin Mynar

Team sponsors: Five Buds, ZRE

MI

Nathan Widing Al Widing Jr.

Joe Leusby Yvon Dufour

Brayden Mallak Logan Lammi

Finnley & Nicole, Control Net

Team sponsors: RedLeaf Designs

Scott Ide, 56, Framingham, MA

EHS Manager Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The beautiful river, friendly people and fantastic paddlers

Memorable Marathon experience: Pitting for Andy Hall and Kevin Boss

Nickie Owens, 47, Gaylord, MI

RN/Firefighter/AEMT

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 56th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling and love of the river

Memorable Marathon experience: My kids yelling go mom from the riverbanks

Augustin Roy

Thina Pham Nate Greeley Scott Johnston

Augustin Roy, 37, Saint-Georges, QC

Welder

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Thina asked me so many times to go with her to do this race that I finally said yes so that she would stop harassing me.

Thina Pham, 45, Saint-Georges, QC

Nurse Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 62nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: The Marathon vibes. The unforgettable memories before and during the race throughout the years.

Memorable Marathon experience: The first one in 2022

Team sponsors: ZFS Ithaca, Can Do Contracting

Nate Greeley, 31, Saint Johns, MI

Grain Merchandiser

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 55th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family cabin on Higgins Lake and grew up watching the race

Memorable Marathon experience: Heavy fog in 2023 below Mio

Scott Johnston, 38, Lowell, MI

Aviation Maintenance Tech Most recent ARCM 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish 46th

Attracted to the Marathon by: My grandpa raced in the 50s and his stories got me interested. After watching a few starts and following the race through the night, I knew I wanted to compete.

Memorable Marathon experience: My grandparents house is above the last bend before the finish in Oscoda. I’ve spent a lot of years cheering from the bank there with family from around the country watching the race. Last year, I got to be on the receiving end of the cheers as we paddled by and it was an amazing experience. It was better than crossing the finish line.

21 22 23

Team sponsors: Happi Burris, Michelle Millikin Homewaters

Matthew Orr, 15, Kingsbury, TX

High School Student

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The Challenge and a new river

Memorable Marathon experience: Stories from racers. I look forward to racing in my first marathon this year.

William Orr, 16, Kingsbury, Tx High School Student

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge of the race

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching last year

25

Team sponsors: Coldwater River Solar, Huron River Watershed Council

Case Kittel, 30, Dexter, MI

Civil Engineer

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 58th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The community, the selfchallenge, and the look on people’s face when you tell them you paddled 120 miles nonstop

Memorable Marathon experience: Singing “Happy Birthday” mid-race to older brother Ross when the clock struck midnight for the 2024 Marathon Ross Kittel, 32, Lake In the Hills, IL

Civil Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 58th

Attracted to the Marathon by:The challenge of it

Memorable Marathon experience: My brother singing me Happy Birthday at midnight last year during our rookie race

Mike Thornson, 60, Berkhamsted, UK

Builder ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Have known about it for

Clinical Trials Director of Operations ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Its reputation as the most prestigious elite marathon canoe race in the world. And, we’re not getting any younger, so “now or never”!

Memorable Marathon experience: Winning the C2 class in 2013 in the Devizes to Westminster canoe race with my partner, Mike, and coming 7th overall. Mostly I remember our support crew chipping ice off the hull of the boat as it was below freezing throughout the race.

Team sponsors: Deer Camp Coffee, AuSable Chiropractic Clinic

Patrick Madden, 45, Scotia, NY

Head of Strength & Conditioning at Hartwick College

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 8th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Roger Henry asked me to race with him.

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with the Champ Brett Stockton in 2023.

Colin Hunter, 44, Grayling, MI

Judge

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 24 Finishes: 24 Best finish: 6th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Pain

Memorable Marathon experience: Every. Single. Finish.

26

Team sponsors: Grand River Plumbing, Borchers AuSable Canoe & Kayak

Douglas Dalman, 50, Coopersville, MI

Plumbing Contractor

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 5 Finishes 5 Best finish: 13th

Attracted to the Marathon by: It looked cool

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling in the fog

Garrett Ziegler, 41, Grand Rapids, MI

Local Food Systems Educator

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 21st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Looking for a challenge that was physical, mental and unlike anything I’d ever seen before.

Memorable Marathon experience: Crossing the finish line in 21st place last year.

Team sponsors: Yves Boisvert Proprio Direct, Tug Hill Outfitters

Eric Gagnon, 46, Shawinigan, QC

Building Mechanic

Most recent ARCM: 2019

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 7th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and the great event organization

Memorable Marathon experience: The finish!

Dylan Kirk, 33, Jacks Reef, NY

Forester

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 27th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The hype

Memorable Marathon experience: Feeding Mikey and Patrick in 2019

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: My partner John completed two marathons when he was younger. He became interested in racing again, asking me to join. This seemed like a productive mid-life crisis.

John Langstaff, 38, Owosso, MI History Teacher & Basketball Coach

Most recent ARCM: 2009

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 43rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: I worked on and raced the AuSable as a young man, and I wanted to prove to my kids and the kids I coach and teach that they can do hard things.

Memorable Marathon experience: Passing a boat on the final straightaway of the ‘08 Marathon.

Team sponsors: Drakes Fly Shop, Top Knot Grooming

Andrew Weeks, 61, Battle Creek, MI

Mechanic

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 63rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Looked like fun

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first Marathon

Paddi Thornburg, 62, Athens, MI

Business Owner/Professional Dog Groomer

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 63rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Exciting start

Memorable Marathon experience: Going under the bridge at the finish in Oscoda

Team sponsors: Farm Bureau Insurance, Thomas Arbaugh Agency

Rylan Teddy, 20, Dexter, MI

Student, U of Michigan Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 64th

Attracted to the Marathon by: My Dad racing it

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling at Mio Dam in my first Marathon

David Teddy, 51, Dexter, MI

PE/Health Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 14 Finishes: 14 Best finish: 9th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The uniqueness and challenge of the race

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing the 2023 race with my son and having my family, friends, and my son’s friends as part of the feed team

Team sponsors: Borchers Bed & Breakfast, Ferrigan Construction

Ethan Kucharek, 19, Grayling, MI

Kirtland Community College Student

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up around the sport

Memorable Marathon experience: Feeding for my dad and Drew Moore in 2024

Chris Kucharek, 47, Grayling, MI

Science Teacher, Grayling Middle School

Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 24th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family tradition

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching Brad Wilson land on the spray skirt after hitting a stump in Mio pond.

Team sponsors: Ski North Ultramarathon & Finn Sisu

Fred Kueffer, 46, Falcon Heights, MN

Statistician Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 32nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Racing canoes through the night!

Memorable Marathon experience: 1st time finishing the Marathon

Kira Stolen, 53, New Brighton, MN

Research Scientist Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 32nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Feeding my husband during his first Marathon.

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching the full moon rise over the river.

Alberto Blanco, 44, Miami, FL

Personal Trainer

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge, the adventure

Memorable Marathon experience: Me and my daughter completed the AuSable challenge 120 last year 2024, this year we feel ready to do the Marathon.

Miranda Blanco, 17, Miami, FL

Student

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Paddling with my dad

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling Alcona Dam

Terry Curley

Greg Nelson

Team sponsors: Curley & Sons Painting

Terry Curley, 65, East Tawas, MI

Retired Chiropractor Most recent ARCM: 2010

ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: ??

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling thru the fog in 2004 and getting spun around 180 degrees at the start of the 2010 race

Greg Nelson, 68, Marquette, MI

Retired Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: ??

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family

Memorable Marathon experience: To finish

Rylan Teddy

David Teddy

Matthew Orr

William Orr

Patrick Madden

Colin Hunter

Daniel Wizner

John Langstaff

Ethan Kucharek

Chris Kucharek

Daniel Wizner, 40, DeWitt, MI Teacher

Case Kittel Ross Kittel Douglas Dalman Garrett Ziegler Andrew Weeks Paddi Thornburg Alberto Blanco Miranda Blanco

Greg Zophy

Deb Brax

Team sponsors: Grayling Restaurant & Woodland Motor Lodge

Greg Zophy, 68, Saint Paul, MN

Dog Sitter

ARCM starts: 13 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 30th

Joey Kimsel

Carrie Montgomery

Team sponsors: Edward Jones Shelia Malewska

Joey Kimsel, 44, Oscoda, MI

Father

Most recent ARCM: 2024

Attracted to the Marathon by: The race committees, volunteers, fans and other paddlers make this something I cannot miss.

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling through the night.

Deb Brax, 63, DeRuyter, NY

Retired Kindergarten Teacher

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 39th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge and adventure

Memorable Marathon experience: Full moon and shooting stars in 2019. WED. 5

37

Ryan Stepka

Rebecca Davis

Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, Ripple Paddles

Ryan Stepka, 40, Cantley, QC

Dog Whisperer Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0 Best finish: Attracted to the Marathon by: Filling out this questionnaire.

Memorable Marathon experience: Being the guy with the light flashing from the start.

Rebecca Davis, 35, Homer, MI

Farmer Most recent ARCM: 2022

ARCM starts: 11 Finishes 11 Best finish: 9th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching my family and friends race.

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing with my Mom in 2022 as part of the first mother-daughter team to complete the race.

41

Kim Kaiser

Kim Kaiser, 42, San Marcos, TX

Watercolor Artist Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 62nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Cheering on my fellow Texan paddlers and thinking I would like to try that too!

Memorable Marathon experience: My most memorable experience was watching the fireworks while racing with little Mollie last year. She’s a blast to race with!

Mollie Binion, 42, San Marcos, TX

Professional Overthinker Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 43rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family and the AuSable racing community as a whole.

Memorable Marathon experience: Every time I missed a cut....and the shooting stars

45

Judson Steinback

Dan Goltz

Team sponsors: Mikes Mix

Judson Steinback, 44, La Crosse, WI

Landscaper Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 31st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The community of paddlers, the rich history and prestige of the marathon, the beauty of the race, and the time spent training and racing to prepare for the big day

Memorable Marathon experience: Surfing waves across Foote in 2021 with Dan Goltz

Dan Goltz, 54, Viroqua, WI

Wildlife Biologist Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 31st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Judd said it would be a lot of fun.

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling down the river by moonlight. Also the smell of urine in the boat once the sun comes up.

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 16 Finishes 14 Best finish: 13th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Competition, the challenge, the training.

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing, also in several you look up in the middle of the night and see shooting stars

Carrie Montgomery, 55, Mikado, MI

Retired

Most recent ARCM:2023

ARCM starts: 21 Finishes: 21 Best finish: 16th

Attracted to the Marathon by: In 1980, watching my brother Phil Trudgeon and Tim Krey compete in the Marathon

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling with family members and friends

Wigton

DeLeo

Matthew Wigton, 51, Gaylord, MI

Catholic Priest Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 70th

Attracted to the Marathon by: A love of nature and of exercise.

Memorable Marathon experience: Praying for about three hours in the middle of the night that I wouldn’t throw up.

Brigid DeLeo, 53, Gaylord, MI

Nurse Practitioner Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 70th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: First marathon

42 Benjamin Menk Jeremiah Menk

Team sponsors: Finley’s Riverside Cabins

Benjamin Menk, 45, Hayward, WI

Information Tech

Most recent ARCM: 2019

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 36th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Brother

Memorable Marathon experience: Practicing the buoy turn for the sprint and tipping first try. Then I was like well got that out of the way and know how it feels so now I’m good to go.

Jeremiah Menk, 48, Shoreview, MN

Statistician Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 21st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The atmosphere

Memorable Marathon experience: Every experience in the marathon is memorable

46 John Lucey Dwight Walker

Team sponsors: Spike’s Keg ‘o’ Nails, Spike’s on the River

John Lucey, 61, Grayling, MI

Michigan State Police Laboratory Director Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 13 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 33rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: It is a quality event.

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing races with my beautiful bride.

Dwight Walker, 71, Kendallville, IN

Retired Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 25 Finishes: 22 Best finish: 14th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Night paddling and the length

Memorable Marathon experience: Getting Oreos from Al and the Oreos saved me from hitting the wall

35

Pierre-Olivier Quesnel

David Smith

WED. 4:08 P.M.

Team sponsors: Feeny Grayling, Makrayni Spires

Financial of Raymond James

Pierre-Olivier Quesnel, 46, Piedmont, QC

Regional Director at Quebec’s Dept. of Agriculture

Most recent ARCM: 2019

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 11th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: My first finish

David Smith, 41, Gaylord, MI

Assistant Principal & Athletic Director

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 19th

Attracted to the Marathon by: After years of Ironmans, this was a new endurance challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing strong passing four boats from Foote pond on

Casey Bryan Bearss

Sean Casey, 47, Grayling, MI

Video Editor Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 21 Finishes: 19 Best finish: 12th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling and watching the local legends compete

Memorable Marathon experience: First finish

Bryan Bearss, 48, Grayling, MI

Elementary Teacher Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 41st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Grew up watching the race

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing in 2019 with my best friend

43 Mike Hartman Joseph Allison

Team sponsors: Rolling Oak Brewery, Homewaters Mike “Buzzy” Hartman, 49, Grayling, MI

Special Education Supervisor

Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 21 Finishes: 20 Best finish: 14th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling, I thought you had to race it if your worked at Penrod’s.

Memorable Marathon experience: Every Finish and Every Start

Joseph Allison, 43, Morris, NY

Molder at Amphenol Aerospace

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 37th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The people and competition

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first marathon in 2022

47

Jeff DeFeo, 70, Montgomery, MA Home Builder

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 24 Finishes: 22 Best finish: 34th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Like long distance races

Memorable Marathon experience: Getting my 20th finish in 2022 with Jo Hamlin

Meghan Flack, 22, Needham, MA Student

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: What didn’t?

Memorable Marathon experience: Standing waist deep in the water feeding at 2AM, the energy was electric!

36 Doug Heady

Michael Garon

Team sponsors: Grayling Restaurant

Doug Heady, 67, Ann Arbor, MI

Retired

Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 37th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and the adventure

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first Marathon, though each is unique and special

Michael Garon, 67, Washington Twp., MI

Clinical Engineer (retired) Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 29 Finishes: 29 Best finish: 19th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge of racing at night

Memorable Marathon experience: The 2004 marathon, the year of the fog, it was so foggy you could not see your partner. Becoming the Senior and Veteran division champs with my partner Doug Gillin in 2009 and 2019

Mills

Fred Mills, 71, Roscommon, MI

Builder

Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 27 Finishes: 26 Best finish: 12th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Camping trip Grayling to Oscoda when we were little and dad told us about the race.

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing with my brother twice

Brady Lineman, 61, Grayling, MI

Retired State Trooper ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Meeting Fred Mills literally 10 minutes before the start of the 2024 Marathon and his willingness to talk to me and promote the sport. Flash forward to a year later, and I’m paddling with him. Can’t wait to make more memories.

Memorable Marathon experience: The challenge of it and watching these tremendous paddlers in the last five years since we retired here.

44 Drew Compau

Flash Marsh

Team sponsors: Esch’s Septic Service, Scofield Real Estate Drew Compau, 33, Addis, LA

Archery Tech Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 20th

Attracted to the Marathon by: My dad taking me on river trips as a kid.

Memorable Marathon experience: Getting attacked by a flock of geese last year.

Flash Marsh, 48, Mio, MI

Teacher Most recent ARCM:2024

ARCM starts: 17 Finishes: 17 Best finish: 18th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Feeding for Frank and Ted Smutek

Memorable Marathon experience: The Year of the Fog

48 André Joly

Jérémie Fortin

André Joly, 45, Shawinigan, QC

Construction

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Friend

6:36 P.M.

Memorable Marathon experience: The start

Jérémie Fortin, 31, Shawinigan, QC

Construction Most recent ARCM: 2018 ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 29th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The start of the race

Memorable Marathon experience: The time spent with the feeding team

Mollie Binion

Jeff DeFeo Meghan Flack

49 Nathan Tate Joshua Cosek

Team sponsors: Butterson Construction, Sunrise Kava Cafe

Nathan Tate, 39, Portage, MI

Associate Director Asset Reliability

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 39th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Oscoda

Memorable Marathon experience: First time getting to Mio Dam

Joshua Cosek, 37, Kalamazoo, MI

Physician Assistant

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 39th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The physical and mental challenge. Growing up in Oscoda and watching the finish.

Memorable Marathon experience: Rough start last year getting to Burtons in 74th and finishing top 40.

53

Sean Brabant

Mike Hale

Team sponsors: Five Buds Cannabis Company, Mimi & Pipi’s Casa Italiana

Sean Brabant, 35, Roscommon, MI

Pharmaceutical sales Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 23rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Going to the start as a kid with my dad.

Memorable Marathon experience: The feeling of accomplishment hitting the bridge in Oscoda

Mike Hale, 41, Grayling, MI

Business Owner Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 19th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling

Memorable Marathon experience: Getting my First Top 20 Finish in 2022 with Buzzy Hartman

57 Dan Mecklenburg

Jon

Webb

Dan Mecklenburg, 63, Columbus, OH

Retired research engineer at OSU

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 17th

Attracted to the Marathon by: 1994 Downriver kayak

Memorable Marathon experience: A late night swim below Mio in 2023

Jon Webb, 65, Mio, MI

Retired teacher Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 29 Finishes: 28 Best finish: 15th

Attracted to the Marathon by: It’s something that I wanted to do.

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with my daughter, Cassie, and her singing during the night.

50 Bill Mahaffy Jr.

Liam Mahaffy

Team sponsors: Ripple FX Paddles, Canoe Race World

Bill Mahaffy Jr., 44, Grayling, MI

Professional Yapper

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts 8 Finishes 7 Best finish: 49th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The long tradition the event has within the AuSable River communities.

Memorable Marathon experience: Teaming up with first time canoe marathon participant 59 years young

Diana Jurewicz in 2022. It was a great reminder that canoe racing is a sport for all as well as a meaningful race helping someone else reach their goal.

Liam Mahaffy, 15, Grayling, MI

Professional Relay Warrior

ARCM starts 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching my dad race and being a part of the Grayling paddling club

Memorable Marathon experience: Getting to run across Mio Dam the first year I ever fed

54 Dan Gary Lynne Witte

Team sponsors: Penrod’s AuSable Canoe & Kayak

Dan Gary, 67, Oscoda, MI

Retired

Most recent ARCM: 2010

ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 13th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family and friends

Memorable Marathon experience: 2000 with Kevin Curley

Lynne Witte, 71, Cheboygan, MI

Dog Musher

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 44 Finishes: 42 Best finish: 4th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge myself and joy to paddle

Memorable Marathon experience: Lost in fog

51 Pam Fitzgerald Neal Sand

WED. 4:20 P.M.

Team sponsors: Kodiak, Rebecca Taggart

Pam Fitzgerald, 64, Scotia, NY

Athletic Trainer

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 51st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The thrill of paddling through the night, the people

Memorable Marathon experience: Shooting stars, big dipper and a bear

Neal Sand, 60, Milton, VT

Athletic Trainer

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 25th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The thrill of racing through the night

Memorable Marathon experience: In 2004 I had to navigate through the night by looking at the treetops since the fog was so dense.

55

Mike Davis Guillaume Blais

Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, Zaveral Racing Equipment

Mike Davis, 34, Homer, MI

Farmer Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 14 Finishes: 14 Best finish: 1st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Rebecca Davis

Memorable Marathon experience: Celebrating with my family after winning in 2024

Guillaume Blais, 39, Saint-Boniface, Quebec

Engineer

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 1st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge Memorable Marathon experience: Victory

52 Jorden Wakeley

Matt Gabriel Jr.

Team sponsors: Northbound Outfitters, Paddle Hard Brewing

Jorden Wakeley, 35, Grayling, MI

Bike/Ski tech at Northbound Outfitters

Most recent ARCM: 2022

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 1st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching the race as a kid.

Memorable Marathon experience: Winning in record time in 2021

Matt Gabriel Jr., 41, Grayling, MI

Engineering Tech

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 15 Finishes: 15 Best finish: 5th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Top 5 finish

56 Tim Allen

Peter Heed

Team sponsors: Borchers AuSable Canoe & Kayak, Bragdon Law Firm

Tim Allen, 53, Stockbridge, MA

Learning & Development Consultant

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Adventure, Challenge, and Peter Heed

Memorable Marathon experience: Looking forward to forming my first memories this year.

Peter Heed, 75, Keene, NH Most recent ARCM:2024

Retired Prosecutor/Law Professor

ARCM starts: 19 Finishes: 18 Best finish: 7th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The dedicated fans and the unique challenges of paddling at night.

Memorable Marathon experience: Having all pit food slide out of our feeder pickup truck at Stephan bridge. Kool-Aid and Snickers from there on!

FRIDAY

58 Dave Flageole Daniel Gelinas

Dave Flageole, 43, Shawinigan, Quebec

Psychosocial Worker Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 29th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The atmosphere but above all the challenge of completing the longest marathon canoe race.

Memorable Marathon experience: In 2023, my son and I won first place in both the rookie and child/adult categories. My son, Renaud, was the youngest canoeist to complete the Triple Crown at 15 years old!

Daniel Gelinas, 64, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec

Retired ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The popularity of the event.

Memorable Marathon experience: First time at Cooperstown in C1

59

Team sponsors: Clearwater Drilling, Main Street Gallery

Mari Chandler, 49, East Tawas, MI

Landscaper

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: I grew up in Tawas and recently moved back. I decided it was time to finally do the race that I have heard about my whole life.

Brenda Carlson-Brown, 64, Grayling, MI

Well Driller Most recent ARCM: 2000

ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 19th

Attracted to the Marathon by: I live in Grayling. What more can I say besides my best friend, Connie Swander, wanted me to do the marathon with her.

Memorable Marathon experience: All the support and cheering from the crowds.

Adam Blanchard, 41, Salt Lake City, UT

ER Doctor Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 64th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching it as a kid

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing blind in the fog in 2023

Rebecca Sutter, 56, Jay, NY

Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 35th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Friends, family, beauty

Memorable Marathon experience: They’re all my favorites

61

Steve Skillman

Chuck Hewitt

Team sponsors: Paddle Hard Brewing, Coonan’s Irish Hub of Bay City

Steve Skillman, 68, Bay City, MI

Retired Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2016

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 49th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: The start and finishing the first one

Chuck Hewitt, 66, Bay City, MI

Attorney Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 22 Finishes: 20 Best finish: 19th

Attracted to the Marathon by: It was so long ago I don’t remember but I keep doing it

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling with my son to his first finish in 2005 THURS. 7:04

62

Louis-Simon Pruneau Serge Pagé

THURS. 3:16

Team sponsors: Ripple FX paddles, Le Yéti Shawinigan

Louis-Simon Pruneau, 27, Shawinigan, Quebec Federal Worker

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 13th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and the distance

Memorable Marathon experience: The comeback with Tommy Savard in 2024

Serge Pagé, 48, Saint-Boniface, Quebec Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2021

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 7th

Attracted to the Marathon by: High level of competition

Memorable Marathon experience: My first marathon, I followed Al Widing Sr. all night long

63 Ryan Zaveral Matt Meersman

Team sponsors: ZRE, 98.5 UPS

Ryan Zaveral, 32, Grayling, MI

ZRE Zaveral Racing Equipment Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 2nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: My dad

Memorable Marathon experience: They all are

Matt Meersman, 48, South Bend, IN

Storyteller Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 17 Finishes: 17 Best finish: 1st

Attracted to the Marathon by: It gave me a good reason to spend more time on the river.

Memorable Marathon experience: Being surprised by friends and family at the finish line.

64

Adam Gelinas

Sarah Lessard

Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, ZRE

THURS. 6:48 P.M.

Adam Gelinas, 42, Leominster, MA

Site Reliability Manager

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 9th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The first time? Gary Aprea bribed me

Memorable Marathon experience: Getting to 10 finishes with some of my favorite people along the way.

Sarah Lessard, 37, Les Cèdres, QC Physical Education Teacher

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 16th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Jeff DeFeo talked to me about it.

Memorable Marathon experience: Making a stump in the middle of a pond mine in 2016.

Adam Blanchard

Rebecca Sutter

65

David Hawkins

Chris Ecker

Team sponsors: Outdoor Equipment Co. of Houghton Lake, Camping World of Houghton Lake

David Hawkins, 43, Grayling, MI

Sales Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 32nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing the Marathon with my cousin

Chris Ecker, 61, Mio, MI

Finance Manager Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 46th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The love for the river, the training and the competition.

Memorable Marathon experience: Training and finishing the marathon last year with my son.

69

Ryan Harris Drew Moore

Team sponsors: NAPA - Moore’s Automotive, Halstead’s Game Processing

Ryan Harris, 34, Grayling, MI

Ferrellgas Most recent ARCM: 2016 ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 28th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Dual competition sport

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing the 2016 marathon with my friend Mathieu St. Pierre Drew Moore, 19, Grayling, MI

Student Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 51st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling, watching and following the race when I was young.

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching the fireworks above our heads during the 2024 ARCM

73

Carlos Martinez Gérémy Michaud

Carlos Martinez, 52, Montreal, Quebec

Project Manager

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 27th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing last year’s marathon

Gérémy Michaud, 23, Québec, Quebec Medical Physicists

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 34th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Overtaking 27 teams in my last marathon

66

Ted Kenyon

Theo Kenyon

Team sponsors: Billy Goat Boats

Ted Kenyon, 53, Montville, CT

H.S. Assistant Principal Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 51st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge of competing against the best paddlers at the most prestigious race in North America

Memorable Marathon experience: Somehow passing nine boats below Foote Dam in 2024 when paddling with Peter Heed.

Theo Kenyon, 16, Montville, CT

Electrical Apprentice ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge of competing with the best paddlers

Memorable Marathon experience: Pitting for my father and Peter Heed in 2024

70

Benjamin Tarbutton

Rob Shadley

Team sponsors: Horizon Overhead Door, Tarbutton Legal PLLC

Benjamin Tarbutton, 40, Mancelona, MI

Teacher/Athletic Director

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 16th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge to see how far you can push yourself

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing in the top 20 in 2024.

Rob Shadley, 41, Cass City, MI

Entrepreneur

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 16th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The history and the challenge of the race

Memorable Marathon experience: 16th Place Finish in 2024

Seth Miller Stephen

Seth Miller, 58, Norwood, MA

PCA

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 25th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition

Memorable Marathon experience: Hanging out at John Cherven’s house sharing paddling war stories

Stephen Miller, 60, Groton, MA

Engineer

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 25th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and the beauty

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling into a white wall of fog below Alcona dam

Roy Sowersby

David Timmerman

Team sponsors: Zephyr Glass Co., River Country Motor Lodge

Roy Sowersby, 64, Dearborn Heights, MI

Retired

Team sponsors: The Patriot Golf Course, BC Pizza of Grayling

Jeff Knaus, 45, Oxford, MI

Teacher ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Beautiful boats on a beautiful river. As soon as I saw it, I wanted to be involved.

Memorable Marathon experience: The first start I saw it live in 2019.

Aaron Lovell, 37, Grayling, MI

Automation Specialist Most recent ARCM: 2023 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 95th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling

Memorable Marathon experience: Earning my finish line chocolate milk

78

Michael Schlimmer Eve Chamberland

Team sponsors: CrossFit Shawinigan

Michael Schlimmer, 39, Cortland, NY

Software Guy Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 16 Finishes: 16 Best finish: 3rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Heard stories from family and friends

Memorable Marathon experience: Fred’s wave

Eve Chamberland, 33, Shawinigan, Quebec

Communications Advisor, Schawinigan City

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 10th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Rabaska event (201718-19)

Memorable Marathon experience: 2024: we made a huge comeback to win the mixed division, get a top 10 and we got the second best time overall Foote to finish!

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 44th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge!!!

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing for the first time!!

David Timmerman, 67, Dubuque, IA

Glass Company Manager

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 21st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The river and the level of competition

Memorable Marathon experience: 1st time riding in a pack of boats in the middle of the night FRI. 3:40 P.M.

71

Thierry Dufour David Bournival

Thierry Dufour, 51, Trois-Rivières, Quebec

Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 34th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: First year

David Bournival, 50, Shawinigan, Quebec Nurse

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 40th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: First Triple Crown

THURS. 4:36 P.M. Rod

Rod McClain, 64, Stockton Springs, ME

Retired Most recent ARCM: 2019

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 19th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge . . . and to help out friends scratch this race off their life lists

Memorable Marathon experience: Being in the top 20 in 2019

Chip Loring, 77, Old Town, ME

Retired

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Most recent ARCM: 2016

Attracted to the Marathon by: Chance to compete with the best

Memorable Marathon experience: All the spectators and hype surrounding the race.

79

Jonathan George Zac Rochette

Christian Charette

Team sponsors: Ole Dam Rd. Party Store

Jason Hatfield, 47, Grayling, MI

Truck Driver

Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 18 Finishes: 18 Best finish: 8th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing the first one

Christian Charette, 34, Saint-Boniface, Quebec Wealth Management Advisor

Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 13th

Attracted to the Marathon by: I came the first time to complete at least the triple crown of canoe marathon once and now this is the fourth year in a row I’m here in Michigan.

Memorable Marathon experience: My first one

72 Kyle Issendorf Dane Trudgeon

Team sponsors: ZRE Racing Equipment, Two River Deli

Kyle Issendorf, 19, Homer, MI

Hog Slayer

Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 17th

Attracted to the Marathon by: High level of competition

Memorable Marathon experience: Getting my butt kicked by my mom in my first year.

Dane Trudgeon, 18, Grayling, MI

Construction

Most recent ARCM:2024 ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 6th

Attracted to the Marathon by: My family

Memorable Marathon experience: Going Foote to the finish with my Uncle Weston my first marathon

Team sponsors: Bischoff Farms, Dr. Michele Stockton, Tawas Chiropractor Center

Kevin Ornatowski, 67, Tawas City, MI

Retired

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 28th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Friends

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing with Joey Kimsel

Jerry Killingbeck, 56, East Tawas, MI

Machinist Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 18 Finishes: 13 Best finish: 31st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family

Memorable Marathon experience: Coming over the finish line backwards with Eric Dittenber

Team sponsors: Stouts Plumbing, Edward Jones

Jonathan George, 35, Frederic, MI

Carpenter Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 35th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The never ending challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling throughout the night with Fred Mills

Zac Rochette, 34, Grayling, MI

Driver, Crawford County Road Commission

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 54th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up on the banks of the AuSable

Memorable Marathon experience: Mio Dam WED. 5:28

Andy Hall, 53, Arlington, MA

General Contractor Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 19th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: The fog in 2023? Or perhaps the rock we almost paddled into in the high water year? Or perhaps paddling from Mio down without a light in 2019?

Frances Hiscox, 40, Newton, MA

GIS Supervisor Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Probably general lack of common sense

Memorable Marathon experience: So many. Riding in a large pack at night, foggy sunrise. Helping my partner stand so he could pee....

Hatfield

McLain Chip Loring

Kyle Mynar

Carlos Linares

Team sponsors: Paddle Hard Brewing, Lamrock Heating & Electrical

Kyle Mynar, 40, San Marcos, TX

Consultant Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 5th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition

Memorable Marathon experience: My first Marathon

Carlos Linares, 27, Belize City, Belize Bartender Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 9th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition

Memorable Marathon experience: The morning, paddling to see the sunrise

85

Roxanne Barton, 68, Homer, MI

Farmer Most recent ARCM: 2022

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 27th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Overall racing

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with my daughter

Gloria Wesley, 65, Pittsfield, MA

Retiree Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 16 Finishes: 16 Best finish: 15th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The great stories from the other paddlers.

Memorable Marathon experience: Getting lost in the fog with Joe Shaw in a practice run and having to knock on someone’s door in Mio at midnight to get a ride to our car.

89

Noah VanderVeen

Richard Lauth

Team sponsors: Bopp-Busch Manufacturing Co.

Noah VanderVeen, 28, Tawas City, MI

Production Manager Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 15th

Attracted to the Marathon by: My wife, she brought me to several as a spectator and encouraged me to race with her for years.

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first Marathon with my wife, Josie, and having all my friends, family and feed team at the finish line.

Richard Lauth, 52, Grosse Isle, MI

Designer Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 12 Finishes: 12 Best finish: 8th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The adventure

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first one

93

82

Clark Kent

Mike Bradford

Team sponsors: Crank Cycle & Fitness - Lapeer, Mattina, Kent & Gibbons, PC CPA’s - Lapeer & Rochester, Mike Bradford Construction - Lapeer

Clark Kent, 65, Lapeer, MI

Retired CPA

83 Michael Hodnett

Mason Hodnett

Team sponsors: St. Helen Realty, Halstead Game Processing

Michael Hodnett, 41, Roscommon, MI

Hospital Administrator

Most recent ARCM: 2018

ARCM starts: 19 Finishes: 16 Best finish: 5th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Father began racing in 1952

Memorable Marathon experience: Announcing after my first marathon that I would NEVER do that again!

Mike Bradford, 60, Lapeer, MI

Carpenter

Most recent ARCM: 2021

ARCM starts: 20 Finishes: 19 Best finish: 6th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching it in 1981

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling it with my dad

86

Craig Stolen Allie Rykken

Craig Stolen, 55, New Brighton, MN

Scientist

Most recent ARCM: 2022

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 21st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and friends

Memorable Marathon experience: Smashing a fistsize hole in our canoe near Louie’s Landing, sinking while paddling, patching it with flex tape and having a super fun race!

Allie Rykken, 37, St. Paul, MN

Artist

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Canoe racing friends have talked about it for years!

90 Austin Weiler Lydia Huelskamp

Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, NAPA - Moore’s Automotive

Austin Weiler, 33, Roscommon, MI

Teacher

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 11th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Fast boats are cool.

Memorable Marathon experience: Completing my Iron Paddler without a light.

Lydia Huelskamp, 33, St. Genevieve, MO

Dir. of Outdoor Leadership and Education

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 24th

Attracted to the Marathon by: All the other Texans talking about the race and the vibes

Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with Kaitlin. Splash Cats for life!

Kozarek

Team sponsors: Grayling Pharmacy, Woodland Motor Lodge

Maria Schilling, 52, Minneapolis, MN

H.S. Physical Education Teacher

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 7 Best finish 29th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and the people

Memorable Marathon experience: Going to the “Medicine Shoppe” for a boat sticker and being handed family photos

Jess Kozarek, 46, Minneapolis, MN

Ecological Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 37th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling in that time right before dawn

THURS. 4 P.M.

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 76th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching and following

Memorable Marathon experience: A special fatherson moment right before Camp 10

Mason Hodnett, 16, Roscommon, MI

Student Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 76th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching and following

Memorable Marathon experience: Hearing friends and family cheering for us as we approached Mio before we could even see the dam

87

Anthony Fisher Jacob Hartman

Team sponsors: Cornell Agency Insurance, Spike’s Keg ‘o’ Nails

Anthony Fisher, 21, Grayling, MI

Automotive Mechanic Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 67th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The beauty of learning how to go fast in a cool canoe

Memorable Marathon experience: The second halves of both my Marathons

Jacob Hartman, 19, Grayling, MI

Electrician Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 61st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up spectating

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first one with Owen Triebold

91

THURS. 3:40 P.M.

Team sponsors: Ripple FX, AuSable Eye Care

Cecili Bugge, 25, Roscommon, MI

Optician

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 22nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: All the cool kids were doing it.

Memorable Marathon experience: Being handed a single gummy worm at Foote

Edith MacHattie, 51, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Cross Country Ski Instructor

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 11th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Word of mouth

Memorable Marathon experience: Breaking the women’s course record with Rebecca Davis

95

Wally Werderich

George Werderich

Team sponsors: Illinois Aviation Academy, Nathan’s Outdoor Adventures

Cody Sapp, 32, Muskegon, MI

Park Ranger Most recent ARCM: 2022 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0 Best finish: N/A

Attracted to the Marathon by: Love of time on the river

Memorable Marathon experience: My first attempt with my brother

Devin Sapp, 32, Folsom, CA

Firefighter Most recent ARCM: 2022 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Having DNF’d in 2022, and taking the next few years to pursue a career change, it’s important to me that I complete this longstanding dream with my brother

Brad Wilson

Team sponsors: Mitch Lyons Wealth, North Central Area Credit Union

Jackson Tucker, 28, Grand Rapids, MI

Tile Contractor

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 21st

Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition of Triple Crown Canoe Racing

Memorable Marathon experience: Riding with Buzzy and Mike through the night

Brad Wilson, 43, Rockford, MI

Teacher

Most recent ARCM:2023

ARCM starts: 17 Finishes: 16 Best finish: 15th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge of the race

Memorable Marathon experience: My first finish at 15 years old

Wade Binion, 46, College Station, TX

Building Consultant Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 16th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition

Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling with my wife in 2021 and dad in 1999

Andres Cabb Jr., 21, Santa Familia, Cayo, Belize Professional Canoe Racer

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition

Wally Werderich, 52, Yorkville, IL

Luchador Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 35th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The electricity of the event and the opportunity to compete with my family

Memorable Marathon experience: Helping my son complete his first Marathon with my mother and father as my pit crew.

George Werderich, 20, Yorkville, IL

College Student Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 67th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and pain the race brings

Memorable Marathon experience: My very first marathon start WED. 5:04 P.M.

Team sponsors: Sterling Environmental Engineering Phil Millspaugh, 40, Farmington, NY

Roxanne Barton

Gloria Wesley

Tucker

Cecili Bugge Edith MacHattie

Wade Binion Andres Cabb Jr.

97 Carson Burmeister

Renaud

Flageole

Team sponsors: REMAX - Jim Amy, Red Leaf Designs

Carson Burmeister, 28, Marquette, MI

Foot Model Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 5th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The next one

Memorable Marathon experience: Chasing Andy and Steve down the river

Renaud Flageole, 18, Shawinigan, Quebec

Paddler

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 17th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The level of intensity

Memorable Marathon experience: First marathon with my dad

Dan Harazin

Kris Kalbfleisch

Team sponsors: Otsego Lake Veterinary Clinic - Gaylord, Connected Soles, St. Joseph, MI

Dan Harazin, 28, Watervliet, MI

Air National Guard

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 86th

Attracted to the Marathon by: I thought the website said 12.0 miles and that I was going to win a few thousand dollars

Memorable Marathon experience: Being the last team to successfully portage Foote Dam in 2024.

Kris Kalbflieisch, 40, Mio, MI

Most recent ARCM: 2024

Heavy Equip. Op.-Michigan Army National Guard

ARCM starts: 4 Finishes 3 Best finish: 58th

Attracted to the Marathon by While he travelled to Grayling, packed tight in a minivan. He decided to do the Marathon for the fans, girls, money and fame ....and he’s back with no Rogaine in the propane flow.

Memorable Marathon experience: A Canada goose hopping in my lap before Rayburns.

Team sponsors: Quality Excavator, Solar Mounts LLC.

Joey Tatar, 25, Marshall, MI

Dir. of Ops, Manufacturing/Construction Co.

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: We have had our family reunion at our family cabins in Grayling/Lovells during Marathon weekend every year for the past 15+ years.

We have attended the start and followed the race to different points every year. I have always wanted to compete in the race since I was a kid

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching two friends (Dawson and Braden Cook) complete the Marathon last year.

Cael Brennan, 26, Battle Creek, MI

Boom Operator, Aircrew KC-135

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Friends raced it last year

Memorable Marathon experience: Feeding for my friends last year

Team sponsors: Ford Motor Company, GSI Integration Systems

Dane Dobleske, 24, Columbia, SC

Law School Student

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Grandparents living in Grayling

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching the start when I was a young boy

Jim Dobleske, 54, Tega Cay, SC

Corporate Real Estate

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching as a teenager

Memorable Marathon experience: Late-night bridge

98

Wesley Dean Logan Mynar

Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS,

Black Diamond Broadcasting, AuSable Eye Care

Wesley Dean, 30, Traverse City, MI

Physician Assistant

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 13 Finishes: 12 Best finish: 1st

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first marathon with my brother, Spencer, in 2011

Logan Mynar, 34, New Braunfels, TX

Attorney Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 3rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Large crowds and tough competition

Memorable Marathon experience: First top five finish with my brother in 2019

Team sponsors: Mi Mobile, Rolling Oak Brewery

Tyler McClanahan, 29, Grayling, MI Bartender

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: My love for the river

Ryan Anderson, 24, Grayling, MI

Health and PE Teacher

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling and watching the start every year

Memorable Marathon experience: Feeding for Mike Schlimmer and Eve Chamberland during last year’s marathon and watching them finish first place in the mixed division

Ryan

Digital

Attracted

Digital

ARCM

Attracted

Memorable

Bruce Daman, 56, Fife

Memorable Marathon experience: When a previous marathon partner turns around and says, “Do you have any idea what you are doing?”

Katie Daman, 45, Fife Lake, MI RN ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0 Attracted to the Marathon by: Feeding for my husband

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching my husband finish

Weston Willoughby

99 Travis Mecklenburg

THURS. 5:08 P.M.

Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS,

Black Diamond Broadcasting, Kodiak Group

Travis Mecklenburg, 22, Grayling, MI

Student/Intern at Kodiak Group

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 5th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Feeding for my dad in the 2021 Marathon

Memorable Marathon experience: Crossing the finish line last year

Weston Willoughby, 34, Traverse City, MI

Firefighter Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 2nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: Competition and adventure

Memorable Marathon experience: Completing the marathon course during the missing year with my wife, Mary

Chris Lotz, 69, Grand Prairie, TX

Retired

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: It is the premier canoe race in North America!

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching my son, Brady, finish first in the ARC 120 last year

Brady Lotz, 38, Rockwall, TX

Mechanical Engineer

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: A nice river with current

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching the 2024 Marathon from Wakeley Bridge

Johnny

Student

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: My Dad has done it many times and it interested me

Memorable Marathon experience: Being on the feed team as a kid

John Zacharski, 54, Marshall, MI Builder

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 56th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge Memorable Marathon experience: My first marathon

Team sponsors: EnergyBill.com, LLC

Isaac Wiegman, 42, San Marcos, TX

Professor

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Heard about it for ages. Lots of elite paddlers in the Texas Water Safari paddle in the Au Sable.

Andrew Davis, 43, Lockhart, TX

Electrical Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 79th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Addicted to distance canoeing and ultra endurance sports in general. Memorable Marathon experience: Only done it once in 2023, it was a fun time! It will be my race partner’s first time.

Team sponsors: Fringe Photography, LLC

Enid Hagerty, 55, Traverse City, MI IT Business Owner

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: The excitement and challenge and the beautiful AuSable River!

Memorable Marathon experience: Pep talks by teens!

Neal Johnson, 54, Traverse City, MI

Attorney

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching the start Memorable Marathon experience: Watching as a kid

Team sponsors: Hendersonville Eye Health & Vision, Vision Source

Corbin Garnsey, 16, Castalian Springs, TN

Homeschool Student ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: My Dad drew me to the race. As well as seeing the race myself and the idea of completing a difficult physical feat.

Memorable

Joshua Garnsey, 40, Castalian Springs, TN

ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Family history (grandfather and father raced it)

Memorable Marathon experience: Being a feeder in the 1990’s for my dad and uncle.

Team sponsors: Gallagher’s Sports Bar & Grill , Handrich Tree Service

David Burr, 23, Grayling,

Painter at Big Gator Painting

ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 56th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Chasing Mo Harwood

Memorable Marathon experience: When my dad tackled me into the water after my first finish

Nate Peer, 21, Roscommon, MI

Construction Worker Most recent ARCM: 2023 ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up and following the race with family

Memorable Marathon experience: 2016 Marathon Sprint to the finish

Team sponsors: Hatfield Services

Dave Hallman, 49, Howell, MI

Show Coordinator Most recent ARCM: 2014 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish 72nd

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge of completing it

Memorable Marathon experience: Being pulled from the river at Whirlpool due to a tornado warning. Having to wait one hour before finishing the race.

Dylan Hatfield, 30, Gaylord, MI

Business Owner Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Everything about it!

Team sponsors: McKiney Poured Walls, Marshall Builder Components

Zacharski, 20, East Lansing, MI

Johnny Zacharski

Zacharski

Isaac Wiegman Andrew Davis 109

Corbin Garnsey Joshua Garnsey

Team sponsors: Broadway Pub, Kruger

Vincent Desilets, 37, Bécancour, Quebece Carpenter

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 30th

Attracted to the Marathon by: To be better

Memorable Marathon experience: Don’t follow Triebold in the cut

Joël Lamontagne, 35, Trois-Rivières, Quebec

Sales

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 20th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and well management of the race

Memorable Marathon experience: 2023 - Our eight minute comeback on the Belize team for the rookie first place

Terence Foley

Kogelman 121

Terence Foley, 40, East Jordan, MI

Director at EJ Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: I like a challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Start of the marathon

Michael Kogelman, 45, Grayling, MI

Manager at EJ Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0

Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenging

Memorable Marathon experience: Watching Terry get hit in the face with a paddle last year

Team sponsors: Waterdog Outfitters, Paw Paw Paddle Works

Mike Kellogg, 56, Montague, MI

Retired Operations Supervisor

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 49th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The family tradition

Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing with my daughter

Natalie Kellogg, 21, Montague, MI

College Student

Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 70th

Attracted to the Marathon by: The family tradition

Memorable Marathon experience: The portage at Mio in my first marathon, when I got out of the canoe and saw my whole family cheering for me.

Team sponsors: Terracon, Dirigo Earthworks

River Robertson, 33, North Berwick, ME

Construction Most recent ARCM: 2024

ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 68th

Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge

Memorable Marathon experience: Give me an ohhhh yaaa

Ashton Mabee, 21, Bangor, ME

Carpenter

Most recent ARCM: 2023

ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 73rd

Attracted to the Marathon by: The toughness

Memorable Marathon experience: The start

Boat 77: A Number

Etched in Marathon History

(continued from page one)

Brown.

“I don’t know how successful four is anymore,” Baker said. “Winning four is not remarkable by today’s standards, with paddlers who are so fast they team up to win for four, five, six years. Local guys paddling against a team from Quebec or Ontario – it’s hard to beat them. It’s fair, though. It’s still a fair contest. They’re still the fastest team; eventually they won’t be because they get too old, but in the meantime, they rack up a lot of victories from Quebec travelers.”

Despite Baker’s humble outlook, he remains a legend to marathon enthusiasts. Like many marathon paddlers before and after him, Baker’s passion for the race began when he traveled to Grayling to watch the race.

“My high school buddy, Chuck, and I came up to watch the race because we heard about it,” Baker said. “I liked the canoe race as soon as I saw it, even though we were up all night and fell asleep at the dam and missed everybody.”

Baker began paddling in high school during the summers with a friend from Battle Creek.

“We didn’t have a clue what we were doing and nobody told us – I don’t know why,” Baker said with a laugh. “We didn’t know what we were doing, but we had a little fun.”

After high school, Baker was a member of the University of Michigan’s swim team in Ann Arbor, and was later drafted into the Army.

“I was actually in the military for a year and a half,” Baker said. “I was fortunate enough to get the chance to paddle and so I said, ‘I’ll give it a good

So when the opportunity came up to move up here [to Grayling], I took it to get out of the big city, Ann Arbor.”

Baker’s first marathon race was in 1964 with Richard Kiiski, a friend from California.

“It wasn’t the same race back then,” Baker said. “It was a two-day race that stopped at Mio. We didn’t know what we were doing, but we had fun, met a lot of people, and placed ninth overall.”

Five years later, Baker and Kliski decided to compete in the marathon again, training for the 1969 event that would be cancelled.

“We would’ve been second or third that year,” Baker predicted. “It was a shame, because we were doing a lot of training.”

Soon, however, Baker teamed up with Jack Kolka, going on to win two second place marathon finishes in the legendary Boat 77.

“We started racing, learning, coming up here to paddle and having a pretty good time at it,” Baker said, “but I never could get Jack into first place.”

While Baker’s technique and preparation stood out, victories didn’t come easily — especially against Claude and Serge Corbin, paddlers from Quebec.

always a plus and always a nice feeling when you can beat them guys. It’s just still the same way now. Now everybody’s teaming up with a Michigan partner; they’re getting smarter.”

In addition to his two second place finishes with Jack Kolka in 1970 and 1972, Baker also placed second with Tony Short in 1982 and 1983.

One could argue that Baker’s most memorable race happened during the years in between, however, when he raced with Brown in 1979 and took second place.

The pair lost to the Quebec team by six seconds.

“The Canadians would come over and race against us, and this is back in the 70s, so when I was racing there, you could tell that some of the Michigan teams would like to throw water onto the Canadians, and that that would put you out of the race if it got cold enough at night,” Brown said. “There were people that were bucking me saying, ‘You know if they ride you, Ken, you need to do that.’ I would never do anything that wasn’t sportsmanship-like, so I kind of just ignored them.”

try.’ But we didn’t really have a coach back then – we didn’t have anybody that knew anything.”

Because of Baker’s speed, the Army allowed him to attend the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. While there, he met András Törő, a four-time Olympic sprint canoer and bronze medalist in the C-2 1000-meter event, who offered to share his expertise.

“He wasn’t really coaching me, though, because Andy was just down there,” Baker said. “He was experienced and knew the subtleties of getting into the semifinals. He helped, and told me what to do and what not to do, but not as far as coaching and paddling. It was positioning myself in the free race trials, the preliminaries where you had to be in a certain spot if you wanted to take a chance of moving on, compared to the quality of the paddlers that were going to be in the race.”

According to Baker, his career was short, “just a couple years that I did paddling for the Olympics.”

“I almost made the final… almost made the final,” Baker said. “I was two boat lengths out of it. I was disappointed because that’s all I was trying to do when I decided to do it – to try to make the final – and almost made it. I thought I might be the first American to make the final in the kayak, you know, but it turns out it wasn’t me.”

Olympic dreams may have been brief, but back on Michigan’s rivers, Baker was just getting started.

“Olympic-style paddling is still canoe racing, so I did quite a bit of that, too. I wasn’t wasn’t super fast – but was fast enough to beat everybody else at that particular time… almost everybody else.

“You know it was too hard to pick a team; the teams are too fast and they weren’t real dumb, either. Claude Corbin knew when to follow when he had to; he knew how to follow really well,” Baker said. “But I just enjoyed paddling enough that it wasn’t hard for me to race. I wanted to do it, and then you do it, you get started, and then you wanna win a couple. It’s a lot of work.”

In 1976, Baker won the marathon for the first time, along with his partner, John Schwartz.

“[The Corbins] took themselves out, and we beat them; they quit at Mio,” Baker said. “I think it was getting a little cold for them.”

Winning the marathon was still a defeat against the Corbins, it wasn’t the victory Baker was hoping for. While the Corbins returned the next year to reclaim the winning title, Baker teamed up with Jay Stephan, Jr. to win first place again in 1978.

“I did have the pleasure of beating them one time, down by Oscoda,” Baker said. “We had them worn out and we didn’t know it. Then we found out so we went like hell for an hour and a half, and they couldn’t hold up. So it was nice to beat them officially.”

This victory was a little sweeter for Baker than his previous first-place finish.

“Well, it’s nice if you win; then you can sit there and wait ‘til the second place comes in all disappointed. When they drop out, you don’t get the second pleasure,” Baker said. “But there’s some great powers that have come out of Quebec and Ontario, so it was always a fun race. There’s always a lot of good stories.”

Baker went on to win the marathon two more times.

“You remember the bad, you remember the good – it’s the races in between you forget maybe a little bit,” Baker said. “It’s nice to win once in a while because you know you get beat pretty bad sometimes. It’s extra nice when you beat the Corbin team – the Quebec team; it’s

What Baker and Brown weren’t expecting was to be followed during the entire race.

“I would have to say there has to be at least a 10% reduction in energy that you don’t expend,” Brown said, “because you’re basically being pulled along.”

After being followed throughout the night, the sun came up, heating up the river.

“I turned around to them, and they spoke French, but I said to them, ‘You know, familiarity breeds contempt,’ because they were right there, right on my tail. Then they’re talking in French. And then probably about three or four minutes later I said, ‘You know, too thick don’t stick.’ And again they do their talking in French – and I proceeded to load them up with water – I just threw the water. It was just that it had no risk of hurting them, you know the sun was out, they’re gonna be warm, but it shocked them, right? Then he’s after me. He’s trying to hit me with his paddle, I’m paddling as hard as I can, and John is out front and he’s just laughing.”

This moment has become a wellknown story in marathon paddling circles.

“That was my nod to the Michigan paddlers, but not in a way that wasn’t sportsmanship-like,” Brown said. “Because they sat on the tail, It was obscene; they were not being sportsmanship-like, and that’s when they beat us by six seconds. It’s like, ‘Oh yeah, OK sit back there and ride the whole way.’” Brown said, “But they were a good team. I mean, look at what Serge did. I mean, the guy is amazing. The team was amazing.”

That narrow second-place finish would only fuel their fire. Two years later, Baker and Brown returned to the river with something to prove.

“When we took first, that was a very good race. We were in really good shape, and we just went out and we just paddled. And we didn’t go in there with any expectation of setting the record, but we broke that record in that year, ’81. The previous record went back to 74, and it

(continued on page 12)

John Baker (bow) is pictured in the Boat 77 canoe with paddling partner Ken Brown (stern). Baker won four marathons, including the 1981 race with Brown.

was 14:40. When we broke the record, it was 14:29.”

This was definitely a different experience for the team in Boat 77, compared to their previous race.

“We just paddled,” Brown said. “I’m not saying that there wasn’t competition, there’s always competition and they did make us work pretty hard at the beginning of the race, but we just kept going and just pulled away. So it wasn’t a competitive race or anything to win it, but it was still a lot of fun.”

Baker’s last marathon was in 1992 with Jeff Kellogg. Though Baker eventually stepped away from the race, his impact never left the water — or the people who followed in his wake.

After John retired from paddling, family friend Ray Wonders took over Boat 77, and it’s been passed on to other paddlers throughout the years. To this day, its legacy lives on, and that wasn’t lost on longtime race enthusiast Cheryl Lowes.

Lowes, who has been involved in aspects of the race ranging from bank running to lighting the dams, took on another role in recent years, joining local artists in contributing to “Paddles for the Marathon,” an online auction that brings foot traffic into businesses, as well as attention to the artisans.

“I chose to do the 77 paddle of John and Jay paddling. I thought the 77th race was an appropriate year to do it because that was John’s number, 77, and he had won the marathon four different times. He had won it once with my brother, my brother is now passed, and I just did it to honor them.”

Lowes, who used wood burning to create her paddle, chose to depict a scene from Baker’s 1978 marathon win with her brother, Stephan, Jr.

“It’s like having a racing boat coming right at you,” Lowes said. “John’s in the bow, and you get Jay’s head and shoulders just paddling, and then I did the whole river underneath it – the race course – and then I did a North-SouthEast-West sign, and then I put AuSable River Canoe Marathon and then on the handle it says ‘77th.’”

Baker recalls that 1978 victory, immortalized on Lowes’ auction paddle, when they defeated the Corbins.

“I wouldn’t have bet we could wear them guys out, but we did,” Baker reflected on his win. “Took about 12 hours to wear them out. It was all the way just above Foote Dam, I think, when we finally got a break away from them.”

Lowes drew inspiration for her paddle from personal experience. She knows, first-hand, what the Boat 77 team looked like from the water after being Baker’s bank runner throughout the years. She did all her bank running with two feeders, plus her dad, who was a three-time winner of the marathon.

“John was 6’5” 180 pounds at that time, sitting in the bow of a skinny little boat– and he could reach out past the bow of the boat to stick his paddle in the pull back. When he slid forward in the boat all you saw was knees and his head,” Lowes said. “Everyone was always impressed by his size. They just liked him. And he wasn’t one of those whip-whip paddlers; John had a very long stroke. He’d reach out and just

pull–boom.”

Baker’s feedings included everything from halved grapes (so any loose ones wouldn’t annoy him by rolling around in the canoe) to chicken noodle soup.

“You didn’t have the fancy stuff like they have nowadays,” Lowes said. “At Mio he would take a mixture of coffee and Carnation Instant Breakfast. It would taste like mocha, and that was his drink at Mio because that’s a cold spot going down. Back then I used to crush the salt tablets and put them in his drink because they didn’t have those energy drinks like they do now. He kept salt tablets in the boat with him in case he cramped.”

Because the dams weren’t lit back when Baker raced, bank running could get dangerous.

“John had a very, very distinctive hup; you could hear him coming,” Lowes said. “He came around the corner and they had the light on the bow of the boat, and I’m standing in the water. And do you know how hard it is to stay standing in the water when it looks like you’ve got a freight train coming down on you? All he kept saying was, ‘Don’t move! Don’t move!’ because he’d come right by the front of me, I mean barely miss me. He’d throw his old jug, I’d slam in the new one, my other feeder would slam, and off they would go.”

Lowes made certain that didn’t happen again.

“After that,” she said, “I took a Coleman lantern and put tinfoil on the back side of it, so when I’d go to feed spots I’d hang that in the tree with the tinfoil side facing upstream, so it didn’t blind them. Then John could shut his light off and not make me feel like I was getting run over.”

While there have been many changes throughout the years, such as illuminating the dams at night to eliminate the need for lanterns, the respect for John Baker and his accomplishments have remained constant.

“I think he’s had five partners, and he was always just very good,” Brown said. “I would say more than anything, everything was planned. That’s what I remember, that it was like clockwork when you raced with him and paddled with him.”

Back on the river today, Boat 77’s present-day paddlers follow the same careful planning that guided Baker decades ago.

“There’s a lot that goes into it both physically and mentally,” Lovell said. “I read an article when I was just a kid and racer, a paddler, said that in their opinion Mio to McKinley was the hardest stretch the entire marathon mentally, because the adrenaline is starting to wear off from the feeders and the followers, and it’s just a long, two-hour stretch of… not a whole lot. It starts to get quiet, things start to settle down, and it’s just the hardest part mentally because that’s where you gotta fight through. You’re not feeding and you don’t have adrenaline anymore. You have to wait for daylight another hour, hour and a half later, to get your adrenaline back. ‘Alright, we made it through the night; now we got it. We got daylight, we made it.’”

Lovell and his Boat 77 partner, Knaus, have been training for all aspects of the sport.

“We were talking about the mental part of the game and it’s best to break it down, even for the whole marathon, not just Mio to McKinley. You’re not thinking about going to Oscoda when you’re sitting on the starting line; you’re like, ‘Just gotta get to Burton’s,’ and then when you get to Burton’s like, ‘I just gotta get another 45 minutes to Stephan,’ and then you get to Stephan and, ‘I just gotta get another 38 minutes to Wakeley.’ You have to break it down mentally. And I did that in 2023 and it definitely is a game changer. It definitely changes your way of thinking: I’m not doing this for another eight to 10 hours. I’m just doing this to get to the next stop, and then to the next stop, and then the next stop.”

Knaus, a rookie with only two shorter races under his belt, has had some mentorships he’s hoping will lead to being successful and in his first marathon.

“I’ve just been training with Aaron a lot, and training with a bunch of other downstaters. I met a bunch of guys over the winter that have been helping, like Mike Garon,” Knaus said. “He’s going for his 30th consecutive finish, and I think he already has the record at 29. So this is a guy that does not need to spend a second of time with anybody like me. He has earned this status that, really, very few get to enjoy. And here’s me, knowing absolutely nothing more than canoe-tripping type stuff, he would take me out and he’s basically been coaching me for six months… and spending way more hours than he needs to teaching me how to do all of this. He kind of fasttracked me. Mike said he spent seven years really not knowing what he was doing, and he taught me probably more in one week than he’d learned in those seven years. It’s just been such a massive benefit, and so I kind of got pushed into the race, rolled nice and fast just because I had people that were willing to teach me and give me their time.”

Lovell and Knaus are starting to feel the pressure from the added attention of paddling in Boat 77.

“It’s an honor, to be honest. So again being a rookie paddler, going into this I already knew the effort, the training and all that that I’d have to get into, but what I wasn’t really prepared for was how hard it is to find a partner and get

into this very close-knit community and prove yourself. So the fact that you could go from really being a complete outsider to finding someone like Aaron that is willing to take a chance on you, to do this race with, and now you’re boat 77 and it’s the 77th marathon – once you start to learn more about the history and realize why this community is so closeknit, it’s really just amazing.”

Knaus’s perspective has changed as race day approaches, knowing more eyes than usual will be watching the rookie paddling John Baker’s legendary number.

“I was doing this for the race. I wanted to accomplish the marathon,” Knaus said. “What I’m realizing now is that the race is such a small part of the whole thing. Just being part of this community now, it’s just so exciting, and it’s so much fun. Being Boat 77 in the 77th, it just adds more fuel to this fire and it’s really exciting. I mean it’s a thrill. The days are ticking off, it’s getting closer, and it’s just getting more and more intense every day. It’s awesome. I love it. I love every second of it.”

As Knaus embraces the energy of his first marathon and the community surrounding it, Baker reflects on his time in the sport with humor and appreciation.

“It was just a fun thing I wanted to do,” Baker said. “I got a lot of stories. There’s a lot of funny stuff that happens out in the river when there’s no spectators around at all, you know, but it’s an interesting sport. Certainly interested me.”

Paddles For The Marathon

Cheryl’s paddle, featuring John and Jay in the 1978 Marathon, is part of Paddles For The Marathon.

Started in 2021, Paddles For The Marathon showcases the talents of local artists through unique works of art created on replica canoe paddles.

All 18 paddles will be on display at the AuSable Artisan Village in Grayling from July 21 through August 3.

They will be available for purchase through an online auction, with bidding open from July 20 until 8:00 PM on August 3.

All proceeds from the auction go directly to the ARCM Scholarship Fund. More information is available on the Marathon website.

Cheryl Lowes is pictured with the paddle of John and Jay in the 1978 Marathon, part of Paddles For The Marathon.

8,000 people power 6.8 million lives.

Our jobs may look different but our goal is the same: power the moments that matter most. From lighting classrooms and sparking imaginations to keeping homes comfortable year-round, we deliver the energy – and you give it life.

Counting the ways you can count on us.

Eli U. Electric Lineworker in Charge

Consumers Energy

Live Coverage

Planned Locations & Estimated LIVEStream times

Live on the @AuSable Marathon Facebook and YouTube Channels

*Be sure to like/follow our facebook page and Subscribe to YouTube to receive notifications when we go live!*

6p to 9p: #ARCM77 Opening program pADDLER INTROS & rACE sTART!

11:30p-ish to 12:30aM-ish: McMaster's bridge Saturday July 26

10:05p-ish to 10:35PM-ish: Stephan bridge Sunday, July 27

2am-ish to 4aM-ish: Mio Dam (ALL teams - First to last!) 5am-ish to 6aM-ish: Alcona Dam

7:25am-ish to 8aM-ish: Five Channels Dam

8:30am-ish to 9aM-ish: Cooke Dam

Please Note the following:

- The times LISTED are estimates; this race HAS many variables. we may have to adjust times to accommodate.

- We are reliant on technology to bring you live coverage; AS WE ALL KNOW, technology isn't *always* reliable. PLEASE bear with us!

- Our social media and live stream crew is a small volunteer group. Please be gracious & patient, especially if things go sideways. We're doing our best to get back online as quickly as we can, promise!

9:35am-ish to 10aM-ish: Foote Dam 11am-ish to 4pM-ish: Finish line - oscoda (ALL teams - First to last!) HUGE thanks to our Live Coverage sponsor Halstead Game processing of Grayling

Thank you Matt lAfontaine automotive group for providing our media team with a race-night Ride!

After Winning at New York’s

General Clinton Canoe Regatta, Reigning Champs

Lead 2025 Triple Crown of Canoe Racing

The 2024 Champions of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing - Guillaume Blais, of St. Boniface, Quebec and Mike Davis, of Homer, Michigan - picked up where they left off last season by paddling to victory at the 63rd edition of New York’s General Clinton Canoe Regatta (#GCCR ), Sunday, May 25.

The pair won the last two Triple Crown races of the 2024 season - in Michigan and Quebec - and now their 2025 General Clinton victory makes it three Triple Crown race wins in a row for the reigning Triple Crown champs. Last year, the pair finished third at the #GCCR Triple Crown kickoff race in New York.

The full standings and outlook for the 33rd season of Triple Crown #marathoncanoeracing competition will come into much clearer focus following the second stage of the three-race circuit, Michigan’s Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon, July 26-27.

The #RoadToTheTripleCrown will conclude with the 92nd edition of Quebec’s legendary Classique Internationale de canots de la Mauricie, the three-stage 120-mile canoe race between La Tuque and TroisRivières during Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 - Sept. 1.

Follow the #Triple CrownOfCanoeRacing on Facebook and Instagram.

For information about the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing, including results and statistics from throughout 32 years of competition, go to the Triple Crown webpage at www.TripleCrownOfCanoeRacing.com.

Special Olympics Canoe Challenge

Since 1989, the Grayling Knights of Columbus has teamed up with the Marathon Committee to conduct the Special Olympics Canoe Challenge. This heartwarming event pairs professional Marathon paddlers with area Special Olympians to paddle a short looped course upstream and back down in an aluminum canoe. It is not a long endurance race like the one held the next day, but to these very special participants, it is far more important. To them, it is more than just a minute or two of fun; it is something they look forward to

for a whole year. It is their time to be part of the action! The Special Olympic Canoe Challenge is held each year during Friday Time Trials. If you have not had the opportunity to see the event, you should stop by and cheer on the teams. The huge smiles when the Olympians cross the finish line or receive their participation medals make this a must-see event. Each year the Marathon Committee donates a portion of the Marathon entry fees to the Michigan Special Olympics. To date, such donations have totaled close to $20,000.

Champions of the 2025 General Clinton Canoe Regatta, first stage of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing were (center team) (left) Guillaume Blais, St. Boniface, Quebec, and Mike Davis, Homer, MI. Finishing second (right team) were (left) Wesley Dean, Traverse City, MI, and Logan Mynar, New Braunfels, TX. Completing the #GCCR podium in third place (left team) were (left) Travis Mecklenburg, Grayling, MI, and Weston Willoughby, Traverse City, MI. (Photo by Raynald Morand)

The Triple Crown of Canoe Racing was established in 1992 to recognize the performance of competitors who compete at all three of North America’s three most prestigious marathon canoe races.

(Photo courtesy Triple Crown of Canoe Racing)

Consumers Energy: Committed to Michigan Communities

A lot is happening when it comes to the future of Consumers Energy’s hydroelectric dams. Our commitment to the communities we serve, however, is not changing.

At the time this story was written, Consumers Energy was in negotiations to potentially sell our 13 dams. This is part of a process that started three years ago as we started looking at the future for these facilities, which have a history over a century old serving our community.

Our decision to pursue a potential sale doesn’t come easily. We are grateful every day for the work our employees contribute to ensure our dams on the Au Sable and four other rivers operate safely and reliably. We understand the deep imprint the facilities have made on our communities, particularly from the reservoirs that provide camping, fishing and recreational opportunities, and power our local economies.

Still, we believe a sale is in the best path forward for our dams. While we couldn’t provide more information in time for this spectator guide, we are committed to providing updates to our neighbors and friends. Community input, in the form of meetings and an openness to dialogue, has been part of our process to determine

the dams’ future. You can count on us when we say that will not change.

To learn more, go to ConsumersEnergy. com/hydrofuture.

In the meantime, Consumers Energy is committed to operating the dams safely for the good of our coworkers and our

neighbors. Here are a few updates on projects at dams along the Au Sable River:

• We are replacing the original head gates at the Cooke Dam. These gates isolate the dam’s turbines from the reservoir to allow us to perform maintenance. That means one important note to this year’s canoe marathon spectators – parking at Cooke Dam is limited.

• The Alcona Dam uses metal trash rakes to prevent debris, like logs and branches, and even items like coolers, shoes and lumber, from reaching the turbines and causing damage. A new mechanical rake system, powered by an electrically controlled hoist, will automate debris removal, improving efficiency and worker safety.

• Scheduled for next year, we are updating the electric hoists that operate the spill gates at the Five Channels Dam. These new hoists will improve water flow management, enhancing safety.

Consumers Energy continues to operate our 13 dams today, and we’re committed to safely doing that work every day. We’re also excited to again be the title sponsor of this year’s canoe marathon! We look forward to seeing and talking with you this weekend!

Alcona Dam

Cooke Dam

2025 AuSable River Canoe Marathon Radio Network

2021 AS R U ABLEIVER CANOEMARATHON RADIONETWORK

Alpena WKJZ – FM 94.9

WMRX – FM 97.7

WGFM – FM 105.1 Escanaba WYKX – FM 104.7 Muskegon WKBZ-AM 1090 Glen

WGFE-FM 95.5

WUPS – FM 98.5

WKJZ – FM 94.9

WTWS – FM 92.1

WMPX-FM 107.7

WCFX – FM 95.3

WMKC – FM 102.9

City WHAK – AM 960 Sault Ste. Marie WKNW – AM 1400 Tawas WQLB – FM 103.3 Traverse City WGFN - FM 98.1

Ironwood

Title Sponsor

Silver Paddle Sponsors

Bronze Paddle Sponsors

Site Sponsors

Time Trials

Title Sponsor

Associated Event Sponsors

Time Trials

Presenting Sponsor

Time Trials

Contributing Sponsor

Business Relay

Contributing Sponsor

Mary Becker-Heart of Up North Realty

CSI Emergency Apparatus

Dean Arbour Ford Lincoln

Grayling Promotional Association

Farm Bureau Insurance - Katie Olson Agency

Feeny Ford

Gallagher’s Sports Bar & Gill

Grayling Visitors Bureau

Hart Motors

Heritage House Realty (Oscoda)

Holiday Inn Express (Oscoda)

Horizon Bank

Instacoat

Johnson Napa Oscoda/Tawas

C-1 Express Race Presenting Sponsor

Grayling VIP Area

Good Luck Paddlers

Contributing Sponsors

Kellogg Bridge Party Store

& South Branch Market

Thompson & Treusch Law Office

North Central Area Credit Union

Northland Area Federal Credit Union (Grayling)

Oscoda Septic

Parkside Dairy

Profiles Hair Designs

Rolling Oak Brewing Co.

Roscommon Canoe Racing Association

Spike’s Keg ‘o’ Nails

Springs Window Fashions

State Farm of Oscoda (Sean Clarke)

Tinkers Junction

Dash For Cash Title Sponsor

Dash For Cash Presenting Sponsor

Dash For Cash Presenting Sponsor

Klondike Challenge

Contributing Sponsors

Oscoda Septic

Griff & Son Tree Service

River Rd Self Storage

AuSable Hardware

Can Do Contracting

Huntington Bank Oscoda

Biggby Coffee Oscoda

Tip n The Mitten

Travis Sanitation

Wellman’s Party and Bait

Cislo Title, Bailea Partello

Jack Millikin, Inc

Grayling Promotional Association

P&L Development

JDL Excavation

Brother George Printing

Oscoda Chamber

Goyette Mechanical

Vista Lanes

HopCroft Law

Fit North

Ron Hohman, George Blaha to be inducted into Marathon Hall of Fame

Every year since 2006, at least two people have been inducted into the Canoe Marathon Hall of Fame. These are people the committee, as well as the community, believe deserve the recognition; whether it be their accomplishments in the sport or their dedication to improving it. This year the individuals who will join the ranks are Ron Hohman and George Blaha.

Growing up at Alcona Dam, Ron had an early introduction to the sport of canoe racing. In 1947, at the age of 7, he was a spectator at the first ever Canoe Marathon. Ron loved the commotion of the race and started his own racing career doing the junior races at Foote. Years later, in 1957, Ron did his first Marathon with his brother-in-law where they finished in 6th place. In 1962, Ron raced with Ralph Sawyer, claiming his first Marathon win. He went on to earn a first place finish two more times. In 1963, with Buzz Peterson, and 1966, with Gerald Lauwers. Each time he won, Ron broke the Marathon finish record, and he is also one of 6 paddlers to win the Marathon with three or more differ-

ent partners. Ron’s love and dedication to the river and health continues on with the AuSable River Watershed Initiative. His goal for the AuSable River Watershed is to unite the towns on the river, as well as authenticate the Canoer’s Memorial located on River Road.

The camaraderie and connections made are two of Ron’s favorite things about paddling. But he also sees the Marathon as an opportunity to get to know yourself.

Our second 2025 inductee is George Blaha. George’s family moved to Grayling just in time to watch the 1958 Marathon, and now he lends his voice and enthusiasm to the AuSable River Canoe Marathon in multiple ways. Blaha has been a featured presenter in the prerace program for over 25 years, getting the fans and paddlers pumped up for the race. Along with the pre-race events, George has done Marathon promotional announcements for the radio and social media. Most recently, he was the narrator for the 90-minute Michigan Regional Emmy Award winning docuseries about

Sable: The River, The Race, The Legends.”

the Marathon, titled “Au Sable: The River, The Race, The Legends.” George loves how impactful the race is to the Grayling and Oscoda areas, and is proud of how famous the race has become. He also says if you’ve never been to the start, you owe it to yourself to experience it.

George is most well known for being the play-by-play voice of the Detroit Pistons since the 1976 NBA season; and this isn’t the first Hall of Fame that George finds himself in. In 2008, Blaha was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, and is a 2025 inductee to the Naismith Hall of Fame for his contribution to Michigan State University and Detroit Pistons athletics. We are honored to have him join the Marathon Hall of Fame, and very thankful for his ongoing support of this amazing event.

Hall of Fame recipients are selected by a joint Marathon Committee vote. To qualify for the honor, an individual must have either contributed time, resources,

or assisted in the development of procedures that have either improved or continued the success of the Marathon. An individual may also be chosen for exemplifying the stamina, drive, competitive nature, character and the ability to overcome obstacles while competing in the Marathon.

Individuals recognized to the ARCM Hall of Fame since its inception are: Marilyn Wagner, Jay Stephan Sr., Hugh Bissonette, Bernie Fowler, Butch Stockton, Harry Curley, Ralph Sawyer, Al Widing Sr., Oscoda-AuSable Township Fire Department Water Rescue, Frank and Peggy Smutek, Stan Hall, John Cook, John Baker, Ed Wojahn, Serge Corbin, Bruce Myles, Lynne Witte, Jack Kolka, Larry Kindell, Howard Brubaker, Réjean Huard, the Gary Family, the Kellogg Brothers (Jeff and Jerry), Bruce Barton, Solomon Carrière, Jeff Kolka, Joe Wakeley, Steven Kolonich, Irvin and Buzz Peterson, Don Feldhauser, Rick Joy, Connie Cannon, Ed & Marge Martella, Ken Kolonich, and Brett Stockton.

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Hall of Fame

Class of 2006

Marilyn Wagner

Jay Stephan Sr.

Class of 2007

Hugh Bissonette

Bernie Fowler

Class of 2008

Butch Stockton

Harry Curley

Class of 2009

Ralph Sawyer

Al Widing Sr.

Class of 2010

Frank and Peggy Smutek

Oscoda/AuSable Fire Dept. & Water Rescue

Class of 2011

Stan Hall

John B. Cook

Class of 2012

John Baker

Ed Wojahn

Class of 2013

Serge Corbin

Bruce Myles

Class of 2014

Lynne Witte

Jack Kolka

Class of 2015

Larry Kindell

Larry Roberts

Class of 2016

Howard Brubaker

Réjean Huard

Class of 2017

Jerry and Jeff Kellogg

The Gary Family

Class of 2018

Bruce Barton

Solomon Carrière

Class of 2019

Jeff Kolka

Joe Wakeley

Class of 2021

Steven Kolonich

Irvin and Steve Peterson

Class of 2022

Rick Joy

Don Feldhauser

Class of 2023

Connie Cannon

Marge and Ed Martella

Class of 2024

Ken Kolonich

Brett Stockton

Class of 2025

Ron Hohman

George Blaha

Left to right, Buzz Peterson and Ron Hohman

Left to right: - Consumers Energy representatives Rich Castle, Justin Garant, ARCM representatives Phil Weiler and Ryan Matthews, George Blaha, and Darren ClevengerGrimsley, also from Consumers Energy, with the Emmy awarded to the docuseries “Au

Eli Helps Power Northern Michigan

By Tom Lambert

Eli U., a lineworker who serves Northern Michigan, enjoys reflecting on his adventurous days as a kid on Mackinac Island.

From building forts in subzero temperatures to finding his passion for sports and being part of a team. Each experience helped shape him and led him down the path of becoming a lineworker.

“You either love it or hate it,” Eli said with a laugh about the brutal winters in Northern Michigan. “Once the ice forms things really get interesting up there. It’s a different way of life.”

After graduating from Mackinac Island High School in 2003, Eli attended Alma College. Even college couldn’t drag him completely away and he returned to Mackinac Island during the summer months to work as a dock porter, carrying luggage to and from the hotels. “It was

the best job ever,” he said. “Well, except the one I have now.”

Eli had dreams of being a lineman at an early age. His uncle was a lineworker as well as a family friend. He looked up to the two men who powered the island. Eli loved watching them work in all kinds of weather – sleet, snow, heavy rains during thunderstorms – and restored power.

He knew there was something different about the way they carried themselves. He saw their willingness to sacrifice birthday parties, holidays and anniversaries so they could restore power after a devastating storm.

“They were truly my heroes, I wanted to be just like them,” Eli said. “They were an inspiration to me.”

After graduating from Alma in 2007 with a business administrations degree, Eli learned, like many,

that the state of the job market wasn’t favorable.

He was struggling with what path to follow. His uncle suggested following in his path and becoming a lineworker.

“I decided why not give it a shot,” he said. “It’s a job where you slowly build confidence that you can do what it takes to make it a career. …. I love the feeling of never knowing quite what to expect each day.”

Over the years there have been thousands of interactions with customers.

“I’d say 99.9 percent of customers have been appreciative,” he said. “They stop and give you water, pop or food. I’ve seen people clapping and yelling out of the car to thank you. They’re just grateful for helping them out. It’s extremely satisfying.”

The Luck of the River

(continued from page one)

even damage to equipment will play roles in deciding the final result for each team.

One great example of how luck seems to affect the Marathon is what some elite paddlers call the ‘curse of 8th.’ In 2015, ARCM stats guy, Ryan Matthews, was asked the question, “what starting position gets the most DNF’s?” After diving down the rabbit hole, Ryan found the answer to be quite surprising. At the time, it was the 8th place position in the starting grid that had the greatest number of DNFs with eight. And among the top ten starting positions, 8th place had the fewest top 5 and top 10 finishes. In the decade since Ryan’s initial analysis, the fate of 8th place hasn’t really improved. The team starting in 8th place has only finished 8th place or better twice in nine races, while also finishing 14th or worse four times, including Christophe Proulx and Kyle Stonehouse’s DNF in 2022. In fact, the average finish of the 8th fastest sprint has actually dropped from 10th in 2015, to 12th as of the end of last year’s Consumers Energy 76th AuSable River Canoe Marathon.

A lot can happen in the span of 14 to 19 hours of canoe racing. In the 120 miles teams navigate between Grayling and Oscoda, paddlers flex their physical conditioning, paddling skill, team chemistry, river knowledge and race experience to reach the finish line as fast as they can. However, there are a myriad of factors that exist outside the paddlers’ control that can impact whether a team finishes and how quickly. For example, water levels on the AuSable can vary depending on how rainy the summer has been or whether Consumers Energy releases excess water from any of the six hydroelectric dams. For example, the course record was set in 2021, when excessive rain the morning of the Marathon led to high water and dam releases.

The variance in the level of completion year to year is another factor of luck that often impacts a team’s finishing position. In 2016, Andy Triebold, then a tentime ARCM champion, reached Oscoda with partner Jacob DuBois in 14:29:27, almost 20 minutes ahead of the next team to finish. Unfortunately for Andy and Jacob, Christophe Proulx and Ryan Halstead finished the race in 14:29:26, just 1 second ahead of them to win the Consumers 69th Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon. Triebold and DuBois’s finishing time would have been good enough to win all of the first 33 iterations of the Canoe Marathon. Since 2000, the winner of the ARCM has been decided by less than 10 seconds 4 different times. And, that says nothing about sprints to the finish line between teams in the rest of the field. Often a 300-yard sprint decides the final outcome of a race that began the night before and over 120 miles upstream.

Every year accidents happen during the course of the race that dramatically change the fortunes of the competing teams. For example, in 2015 Mike ‘Buzzy’ Hartman, who was paddling with Brad Wilson, earned a starting position of 26th. But just before the start of the race, while warming up, Buzzy ruptured his Achilles tendon. Although Brad and Buzzy still finished the Marathon in 38th place, their goals for the race quickly changed in a single moment; from finishing top 25 to just gritting it to Oscoda. In 2022, Christophe Proulx and Kyle Stonehouse started the Marathon in the cursed 8th position, and during the sprint to the river, as Christophe jumped into the water, he was hit in the head by another boat trying to get in the river off the dock. The subsequent concussion ended Chris

(continued on page 25)

The Luck of the River

(continued from page 24)

and Kyle’s race. They withdrew at Wakeley Bridge, only two hours into the race. Other conditions like motion sickness, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, and dehydration can prevent a paddler from reaching Oscoda.

Another important factor is the weather on the race course. In 2004, colder than usual temperatures led 10 teams to drop before dawn. Once paddlers got wet from a tip or the splashing of paddles in the early race traffic, they simply couldn’t get warm. That same year is often

remembered by paddlers for the early morning fog. The fog was so thick that GPS units many teams used to navigate the river lost satellite connection. Several teams got lost on Alcona Pond just before dawn and it ultimately impacted the outcome of the race for many teams.

In 2014, for the first and only time in the history of the Marathon, paddlers were called off the water due to a nearby tornado and severe thunderstorms. Many years, high winds in the morning have created waves on the ponds that have changed the complexion of a race.

In 1996, there was a headwind on the ponds

that slowed progress, but in 2021 Jorden Wakeley and Matt Meersman were aided by a significant tailwind on their way to resetting the course record.

Sometimes it isn’t the health of the paddler, but of their boat, that is an issue. In 2023, Patrick Madden and nine-time ARCM champion Brett Stockton slipped from their starting position of 11th, to a 23rd place finish after they ripped open the hull of their canoe on an unseen obstacle in the river. A fish-hide structure before Stephan Bridge ripped a two-footlong hole in their boat. Another impact further down river caused the

team to have to repair the boar a second time midrace, borrowing materials from other teams’ pit crews just to patch the boat and reach the finish.

The Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon is a race of

skill. It is a race that requires serious preparation including months of practice. But ultimately, it is also a race of luck. Even if a paddler puts 100 hours into practicing for the race, uses the best equipment, and has

knowledge of the river, they can still be stymied by the whims of luck. Water levels, competition levels, paddler health, and weather conditions can change the outcome for the teams paddling from Grayling to Oscoda.

AuSable Marathon Scholarship Winners

Established in 2017, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Scholarship Program now presents four scholarships each year - one to graduating seniors at Oscoda, Mio and Grayling High Schools, respectively. The fourth scholarship is awarded to a Marathon paddler who is currently pursuing a degree or enrolled in a trade school or to the son, daughter or grandchild of a Marathon paddler who is a graduating senior.

The committee solicits donations and holds several fundraisers in order to award the scholarships each year. All applicants must be enrolled in a two-year or four-year college degree program or enrolled to attend an approved trade school. All four awards are equal amounts. The amount awarded depends on the success of the committee’s fundraising activities but will never be less than $250. The scholarship selection is based on a combination of community service and academic performance.

Josi Kellstrom, Oscoda Oscoda High School Josi will be attending Central Michigan University to major in Physical Education and Health.

Lauren Bauman, Mio Mio Ausable High School

Lauren will be attending Michigan State University to major in Animal Science.

Olivia Duba, Grayling Grayling High School Olivia will be attending Central Michigan University to major in Environmental Engineering.

Grace Watson, Onaway, MI Paddler Winner

Grace’s father is Marathon paddler Steve Watson. Grace will be attending Central Michigan University to major in PrePhysical Therapy.

2016 finish - Chritophe Proulx-Ryan Halstead and Andy Triebold - Photo by Brian Connon

Photo by Monica McGivern Photography

2004 - The year of the fog at Alcona

ARC 120

A fourth running of the Consumers Energy AuSable River Challenge (ARC) 120 will again complement Marathon Week in 2025.

It is geared toward all types of recreational, touring, and racing watercraft. It must be powered by a single- or double-bladed paddle. The ARC 120 is a full length of the AuSable River challenge from Grayling to Oscoda. It is a good opportunity for paddlers of all skill levels to try the mighty AuSable in an organized event to test your abilities and see how you fare against the course.

The ARC 120 is a fundraiser for the Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon Pro C2 main event, and helps support emergency responders.

The ARC 120 will start at 7 a.m. Friday, July 25, at Borchers Canoe Rental in Grayling and finish at the AuSable Inn Riverview Restaurant in Oscoda. Teams will have until noon on Saturday, July 26th, to complete the course. For applications, rules, or any questions about the event, please email ARC120@ausablecanoemarathon.org.

2025 ARC ENTRIES

#C01 Judy Stepanek of Kewadin, MI will be paddling a solo V8 surfski

#C02 David Theiss of Toledo, OH will be paddling a solo kayak (K1)

#C03 Justin Roelofs of Ypsilanti, Mi and Adam Heinlein of Northville, MI will be paddling a tandem racing canoe (C2)

#C04 Chris Wilcox of Greenwood Village, CO and Ryan Davis of Grayling, MI will be paddling a tandem racing canoe (C2)

#C05 Brian Chandley of Maumee, OH will be paddling a solo kayak (K1)

#C06 Russell Anderson of Ludington, MI will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)

#C07 Jason Sarsfield of Grayling, MI will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)

#C08 Peggy English of Harbor Springs, MI and Duke Fisher of Bainbridge, NY will be paddling a tandem racing canoe (C2)

#C09 Jeremy Vore of Skandia, MI will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)

#C10 Benjamin Miller of Commerce, MI will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)

#C11 Daryl Howard of Belmont, MI and Lane Hurd of Clarkston, MI will be paddling a tandem cruiser canoe (C2)

#C12 Jeff Poland of Elkhart, IN will be paddling a solo racing canoe (C1)

#C13 is a relay team consisting of Frank Taber of Grayling, MI, Gene Taber of Lake Odessa, MI, Jill Taber of Belmont, MI, Brienne Taber of Lowell, MI, Luke Decker of Rockford, MI, Rowen Smith of Lowell, MI, will be paddling a tandem racing canoe (C2)

#C14 Tonya Rice and Daniel Rice both of Grayling MI will be paddling a tandem racing canoe (C2)

#C15 Connie Cannon of East Lansing, MI will be paddling a solo racing canoe (C1)

#C16 Josh Halloran of Ramsey, MN will be paddling a Surfski

#C17 Richard Zambrana of San Marcos, TX will be paddling a solo racing canoe (C1)

AUSABLE RIVER FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 18

Annual Car & Truck Show Cruise Night, Starts at Northstar Auto Wash, 5:30 p.m. (food and refreshments), 7 p.m. start of cruise. Contact Dan Mygrants at (989) 745-5880 for information.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

Pancake Breakfast , Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church, 7 to 10 a.m.

39th Classic Car & Truck Show, Michigan Avenue, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., registration 7-10 a.m., trophies 2:30 p.m.

Spike’s Challenge C-2 Race Sprints for Starting Position, Grayling City Park Pond, 9 a.m.

Spike’s Challenge Junior, Fledgling, Mentor Races, Grayling City Park Pond, 2 p.m.

Spike’s Challenge C-1 Race , Grayling’s Ingham Street to Burton’s Landing, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 20

Spike’s Challenge C-2 Race, Old AuSable Fly Shop to McMasters Bridge, 9 a.m., lunch/awards 2 p.m. at Grayling City Park Pavilion

MONDAY, JULY 21

Marathon Monday , Wear your favorite Marathon shirt, use hashtag #marathonmonday and @ausableriverfestival on social media

TUESDAY, JULY 22

Kid’s Day , “Super Hero!” theme, Grayling City Park and Nature Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Da$h For Ca$h, Finish Line Park, Oscoda, 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Time Trials Day 1, looped course between Penrod’s Canoe Livery and Old AuSable Fly Shop, 4-6 p.m.

H.U.P. (Hurry Up & Paddle) , Grayling City Park, 5 p.m. check-in/line-up, 6 p.m. racing

THURSDAY, JULY 24

Food Trucks/Food Vendors, 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Time Trials Day 2, looped course between Penrod’s Canoe Livery and Old AuSable Fly Shop, 3 p.m.

AuSable Mainstage performances , 200 Block of Michigan Avenue, all performances free and open to the public, 3 p.m. to midnight

Brew Avenue , AuSable Mainstage Area, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Need not be 21 to enter, must be 21 with a valid ID to receive a wristband.)

Business Relays, Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 4:30 p.m.

C-1 Express , Penrod’s to Burton’s Landing, registration 2-5 p.m. at Penrod’s, race 6 p.m.

Miss AuSable River Festival Scholarship Program, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

ARC 120 Challenge, Borchers Canoe & Kayak, 7 a.m. start

Annual Arts & Crafts Show, Grayling City Park, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Vendors and Activity Booths , 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Food Trucks/Food Vendors, 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

AuSable Mainstage performances , 200 Block of Michigan Avenue, all performances free and open to the public, noon to midnight

Brew Avenue , AuSable Mainstage area, Noon to midnight. (Need not be 21 to enter, must be 21 with a valid ID to receive a wristband.)

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Time Trials Day 3, looped course between Penrod’s Canoe Livery and Old AuSable Fly Shop, 2 to 4:30 p.m.

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Special Olympics Challenge, Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 2:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Lumberjack Breakfast , hosted by Grayling Restaurant, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Grayling Recreation Authority 10K/5K , Hanson Hills, 9 a.m. (register at hansonhills.org)

Annual Arts & Crafts Show , Grayling City Park, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vendors and Activity Booths , 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Food Trucks/Food Vendors, 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Brew Avenue , AuSable Mainstage area, noon to midnight. (Need not be 21 to enter, must be 21 with a valid ID to receive a wristband.)

American Legion Beer Tent , noon to 9 p.m.

AuSable Mainstage performances , 200 Block of Michigan Avenue, 2 p.m. to midnight.

Duck Derby, City Park Bridge, 3 p.m.

AuSable River Festival Parade , Downtown Grayling, 4 p.m.

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Pre-Race Program, Old AuSable Fly Shop, 6 p.m.

Introduction of Paddlers , Old AuSable Fly Shop, 6:30 p.m.

Posting of the Colors, Old AuSable Fly Shop, 7:45 p.m.

77th Annual Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon Start , Old AuSable Fly Shop, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 27

77th Annual Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon Finish, Finish Line Park, Oscoda, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information and updates on the AuSable River Festival, visit the event’s official website at www. ausableriverfest.com/

77TH MARATHON OSCODA EVENT LINEUP

TUESDAY, JULY 22

DA$H For CA$H , Finish Line Park, Oscoda, Registration, 4-5:15 p.m., race begins at 5:30 p.m. Also planned are is “The Rivalry on the River” and a C-1 event.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

Cardboard Canoe Race and Greased Watermelon Race, Oscoda Canoe Rental, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

Kid’s Canoe Costume Contest, Blindfold Canoe Race, Township Battle for the Paddle Race , Oscoda Canoe Rental, 6 p.m.

DA$H for CA$H

Sprint race to be held in Oscoda on Tuesday night of Marathon week

Oscoda’s 2025 Consumers Energy Da$h for Ca$h (presented by Gilbert’s Drug Store of Oscoda and Kalitta Air) will be held Tuesday, July 22. The Da$h for Ca$h is a bracket-style, single elimination event. Teams will be competing for a part of a $5,000+ prize pool. Sprints are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in approximately 2-3 minute intervals until a champion is crowned. Prize money will be handed out following the final sprint, and paddlers must be present to collect their prize. Check-in and registration

for the Da$h for Ca$h will be held at Finish Line Park from 4 until 5:15 p.m. Teams are positioned on the bracket via random draw at 5:15 p.m. The event is free to enter for paddlers registered for the Marathon, and the cost is $20 per person for non-Marathon entrants.

We are hoping to have a return of the “Rivalry on the River.” Come and watch students from Tawas Area High School and Oscoda High School race for money to help support their athletic programs. This has been a great (and funny) event

in the past and we hope to see some of our young people picking up a paddle and trying out their skills in a boat. Student paddlers compete between the heats of the main event.

This year, we are bringing back the C-1 race following the Da$h for Ca$h. However, new this year, a women’s race will also be held. Men and women will each race for part of a $1,000 prize pool ($500 each). C-1s will line up behind Gilbert’s Drug Store following the main event and race to the finish line.

2025 DA$H FOR CA$H PRIZE MONEY PAYOUT

1st: $500

2nd: $300

3rd-4th: $200

5th-8th: $150

9th-16th: $100

17th-32nd: $50

33rd-64th: $0

Bonus money is awarded to the top two (2) teams with the fastest overall times, from each of the following divisions: (1st-$150, 2nd-$50)

Women’s – Both female paddlers

Mixed – One male, one female paddler

Masters – Both racers aged 40+ years

Seniors – Both racers aged 50+ years (Senior teams do not qualify for the Masters bonus)

Veterans – Both racers aged 60+ years (Veteran teams do not qualify for the Masters or Seniors bonus)

Out of State – Both racers reside outside of Michigan

International – Both paddlers reside outside the USA (International teams do not qualify for Out of State bonus)

Continental – One Michigan, one non-Michigan paddler All-Michigan – Both racers reside in Michigan

C-1 Express

The 2025 C-1 Express Race, sponsored by Dead Bear Brewing Co., will be held Thursday, July 24, at Penrod’s during a portion of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Time Trials. The C-1 Express Race is a C-1 event open to the general public. Racers line up in the river at Penrod’s and race to the river-end of Burton’s Landing Road, approximately six miles downstream. Event registration is held from 1 to 5 p.m. on the day of the race. The entry fee is $15. The drawing for starting position will take place at approximately 5:45 p.m. at Penrod’s. Cash prizes are awarded at the finish line. The total prize pool is $660 with both men’s and women’s divisions.