Consumers Energy
Photo by Monica McGivern Photography
Photo courtesy of 98.5 UPS
Northern Michigan, you can count on Eli.
Welcome to Northern Michigan. From popular vacation destinations to tiny villages, we’re working to secure the grid, one project at a time. Whether you live in the area or are just paddling through, you can count on Eli to keep the lights on and the good times rolling.
Table of Contents
Sale of Consumers dams means bright future ...... 5 2025 Canoe Marathon Results................................ 6-7 Confluence Hydro: Joining the storied tradition . 8 Winning Teams ............................................................ 20 Oscoda-AuSable Community Events .................... 23 Grayling River Festival Event Schedule ................ 25
Hall of Fame Inductees ...............................................27
Partnership brings relief to Michigan families ....37
Course Map ............................................................. 44-45
We checked "Cheering all night at the AuSable Canoe Race" off our Bucket list...... 52-53 Dash for Cash................................................................ 58
natives credit local upbringing.................59
Challenge ..................................................... 64 Investing in northern Michigan's future...............67 What will the 78th ARCM have in store for Boat 78? .................................................................. 71
Search ..................................................................87
78th AuSable River Canoe Marathon
2026 Volunteer Race Committee
Kathy Erickson- Co-Chair
Justin Griffith - Co Vice-Chair
Mike Stephenson -Treasurer
Jennifer Jackson - Secretary
Ryan Matthews Mikayla Erickson
Sarah McLeod
Amy Martella- Co-Chair
GRAYLING
Michelle Millikin- Co-Vice Chair
Yvonne Schreiber- Treasurer
Karen Martella- Secretary
Kate Reitz
Suzanne Schlachter
John Sullivan
Camren Wilson-Money Kristina Brown Andy Moore Steve Southard
Phil Weiler Wayne Koppa
Chris Lovelace
Jason & Kathy Lott
Sam Harmon
Marie Matthews
Ben Romine
Sarah Curley
Christine Beckner
Greg Stansbury
Kathryn Bentley
Janet Blake
Emily Wakeley
Meg Wakeley
Patti Pratt
Madi Williams
Kylie Tuck
Craig Jacobs Jay & Stephanie Sattler
Rich Kimmel
Kim Lineman
Brady Lineman
OSCODA
© 2026 Michigan Web Press and Stafford Printing
Sale of Consumers Energy dams means bright future for Michigan communities
Some big changes are in store for the Consumers Energy dams along the route of this year’s AuSable Canoe Marathon.
As you might know, we announced in September that we signed an agreement to sell all 13 of our hydroelectric dams along five rivers to Confluence Hydro. Confluence is an affiliate of Hull Street Energy, LLC, a company with a strong track record of operating dams safely in several states. They’ve made a commitment to continuing to operate the dams, sell their power to Consumers Energy, and relicense them.
The bottom line is the sale is good for Michigan. It will reduce long-term costs for Consumers Energy customers, ensure the dams will continue to operate safely, and provide economic and recreational benefits for their neighbors.
“We believe a sale of the dams is the best path forward for our customers. This sale balances two important needs, to lower costs for Consumers Energy’s customers while continuing to care for communities that depend on the dams,” said Sri Maddipati, Consumers Energy’s president of electric supply. “After numerous conversations with community members over the last three years to gather insights and feedback, we are confident this sale will preserve the reservoirs that hold the key to economic, recreational and community benefits at each of the dams.”
This sale is not complete. It’s being reviewed by both federal and state regulators, and we’re hopeful they’ll approve it sometime this year. Until then, our Consumers Energy employees continue to ensure these dams on the Au Sable and four other rivers operate safely and reliably.
Through any changes, our commitment to the communities we serve will not change. Consumers En-
ergy will continue to power Michigan, we’ll continue to serve you and we’ll continue to provide updates about the dams and the other work we do to keep the lights on and heat homes and businesses 24/7/365.
To learn more about the dams, 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 walkway at Foote Dam this spring and summer. The parking lot for the Foote tailwater access will be closed to the public during this time and will likely affect the parking for spectators and feeders associated with the Canoe Marathon.
• The replacement of the Loud Dam left retaining wall and the Cooke Dam right retaining wall will be completed this fall. Loud will have limited public impact. The Cooke Dam project will lead to the closure of the upstream and downstream parking areas along with the downstream fishing access and boat launch. That will affect use of the site during the summer and fall, including the Canoe Marathon.
• At Five Channels Dam we are updating the electric hoists that operate the spill gates. These new hoists will improve water flow management, enhancing safety.
Consumers Energy is committed to work safely 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!
2025AUSABLE RIVER
CANOE MARATHON RESULTS
761 S. State Street
2025 AUSABLE RIVER CANOE
MARATHON RESULTS (continued)
DNF
DNF
DNF
DNF
DNF
DNF
DNF
DNF
DNS
Confluence Hydro:
Joining
the Storied Tradition of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon
Confluence Hydro is excited to join the northern Michigan community and is proud to be a sponsor of the 78th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon.
As you may know, our company has signed an agreement to acquire Consumers Energy’s 13 hydroelectric dams located across Michigan, including those on the AuSable River. In exchange, we will sell energy generated from the dams back to Consumers Energy to help power Michigan while reinvesting in these amazing facilities, so they continue to operate safely for generations to come.
Our team hosted two public meetings in December 2025 with Consumers Energy to meet with local residents, stakeholders and business owners along the AuSable River. During those discussions, we learned just how important the AuSable River Canoe Marathon is to northern Michigan, which is what inspired us to join as a sponsor for the event.
At Confluence Hydro, our team of experts has a proven track record of success. We have owned and operated dozens of hydroelectric facilities, improving their safety, increasing their sustainability, and generating clean, reliable energy for communities across the country. Our team is exclusively dedicated to improving and maintaining hydroelectric dams, so these legacy Michigan resources are effectively managed, updated and supported for generations to come.
We are dedicated to safety, sustainability and service. The safety and well-being of our local
communities, employees and our air, land and water are our top priorities.
Hydropower is a clean, renewable way to generate reliable electricity and create sustainable Michigan-made energy. We understand that in Michigan, water and the Great Lakes are part of who we are.
As part of our partnership with the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, representatives from our team are here to listen and gather feedback from residents to help inform our future plans. We are excited to continue supporting this event for years to come. To learn more about our company, we have more information online at confluencehydro.com.
Burton's Landing 1994 0:48:24
Stephan Bridge 1994 1:24:51
Wakeley Bridge 1994 1:57:38
Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
McMasters Bridge 1994 2:58:36 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Parmalee Bridge 1994 4:04:40 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Camp Ten Bridge 1994 5:12:24 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Mio Dam 1994 5:39:18 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
McKinley 1994 7:31:30
4001 Bridge 1994 8:25:29
0:48:24
0:36:27
0:32:33
Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Davis (27) & Edith MacHattie (43)
1:00:57 Rebecca Davis (29) & Edith MacHattie (45)
1:06:04
1:07:44
Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
0:25:43 Rebecca Davis (28) & Edith MacHattie (44)
Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24) 1994 1:52:12 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)
Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24) 2013 0:53:29 Holly Reynolds (33) & Gloria Wesley (53)
Alcona Dam 1994 9:05:48 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24) 2018 0:38:08 Rebecca Davis (28) & Edith MacHattie (44)
Loud Dam 2019 11:01:45 Rebecca Davis (29) & Edith MacHattie (45) 2019 1:55:51 Rebecca Davis (29) & Edith MacHattie (45)
Five Channels Dam 2019 11:27:49 Rebecca Davis (29) & Edith MacHattie (45) 2018 0:25:54 Rebecca Davis (28) & Edith MacHattie (44)
Cooke Dam 2019 12:31:08 Rebecca Davis (29) & Edith MacHattie (45) 2017 1:02:29 Rebecca Davis (27) & Edith MacHattie (43)
Foote Dam 2019 13:47:57 Rebecca Davis (29) & Edith MacHattie (45) 2017 1:14:34 Rebecca Davis (27) & Edith MacHattie (43)
Oscoda 2019 15:15:36 Rebecca Davis (29) & Edith MacHattie (45) 2017 1:24:59 Rebecca Davis (27) & Edith MacHattie (43)
2nd Half 2017 7:39:14 Rebecca Davis (27) & Edith MacHattie (43)
Proud Community Investment
OPEN UNTIL 9PM ON RACE DAY
~Locally roasted, small batch coffee
~Specialty espresso drinks, matcha & “kid’s coffee”
~Homemade caramel, vanilla & lavender syrups
~Fresh-baked cookies, scones, granola & more
The best dam coffee & treats for the world’s toughest spectator sport.
Located inside the AuSable Artisan Village 219 E. Michigan Ave. Downtown Grayling
Securing the Grid
Every day across Michigan, about 75 cents of every dollar secures the electric grid. That’s what puts crews on the ground and in the air — upgrading infrastructure, preparing for storms and catching issues early. It supports the engineers planning behind the scenes, making sure the systems you depend on are ready for what’s next. This steady, year‑round work helps keep service more predictable, season after season.
Michigan, you can count on us.
OFFICIAL LIST OF WINNERS
Ted Engel & Jay Stephan, Sr. 1949 Frank Bissonette & Hugh Bissonette 18:57:00 28:00
Frank Bissonette & Hugh Bissonette
Robert Fullerton &
Steve Kolonich & Larry Kindell
Steve Kolonich & Larry Kindell
Ralph Sawyer & Tom Gildersleeve 16:58:00 12:00
Ralph Sawyer & Jerry Wagner 17:19:45 14:00
Steve Kolonich & Larry Kindell 16:41:00 27:00
Ralph Sawyer & Jerry Wagner 16:58:00 10:30
Bernie Fowler & John Stephan
Irvin Peterson & Tom Estes
Ralph Sawyer & Tom Gildersleeve
Gary Kolonich & Ed Wojahn 1960 Ed Wojahn & Sanford McGuire 16:11:40 10:30
Ralph Sawyer & Irvin McGuire 1961 Victor Kindell & Larry Kindell 9:49:25* 1:55
Ralph Sawyer & Ed Wojahn 1962 Ralph Sawyer & Ron Hohman 15:25:17** 17:08
Hohman & Irvin
15:09:04** 10:53
Sawyer & Irvin Peterson 15:06:05** 21:12
1965 Ralph Sawyer & Irvin Peterson 16:11:54 13:04
1966 Ron Hohman & Gerald Lauwers 16:00:49 10:12
1967 Ralph Sawyer & Stan Hall 15:40:29** 6:17
1968 Ralph Sawyer & Stan Hall 15:31:43** 8:25
1969 NO RACE WAS HELD --:--:-- -:--
1970 Luc Robillard & Claude Corbin 15:42:00 4:00
1971 Irvin Peterson & Steve Peterson 15:36:40 3:20
1972 Jerry Kellogg & Luc Robillard 15:20:50 32:34
1973 Jerry Kellogg & Luc Robillard 14:56:20 31:19
1974 Jerry Kellogg & Jeff Kellogg 14:40:09 35:08
1975 Jerry Kellogg & Jeff Kellogg 14:59:07 6:59
1976 John Baker & John Schwartz 15:14:10 13:10
1977 Claude Corbin & Serge Corbin 15:17:42 5:00
1978 John Baker & Jay Stephan, Jr 15:06:26 10:55
1979 Claude Corbin & Serge Corbin 14:40:29 0:06
1980 John Baker & Ron Williams 14:48:31 20:23
Gerald Lauwers & Stan Hall
Gerald Lauwers & Stan Hall
Pat Widing & Al Widing, Sr.
Stan Hall & Al Widing, Sr.
LeRoy Widing & Al Widing, Sr.
Irvin Peterson & Steve Peterson
Norm Crerar & Gib McEachron
John Baker & Jack Kolka
Jerry Kellogg & Jack Kolka
John Baker & Jack Kolka
John Buckley & Stan Hall
Claude Corbin & Serge Corbin
Jay Stephan, Jr. & Bob Welsch
Terry Jackman & Ken Brown
Jerry Kellogg & Jeff Kellogg
Claude Corbin & Serge Corbin
John Baker & Ken Brown
Terry Jackman & Ken Brown
1981 John Baker & Ken Brown 14:29:01 21:14 Al Rudquist & Brett Stockton
Butch Stockton & Brett Stockton 14:38:27 5:01
Butch Stockton & Brett Stockton 14:38:36 23:23
5:12
1987 Serge Corbin & Brett Stockton 14:34:32 9:03
1988 Serge Corbin & Brett Stockton 14:20:00 4:01
1989 Randy Drake & Al Rudquist 14:38:18*** 3:09
1990 Serge Corbin & Brett Stockton 14:43:35 1:31
1991 Serge Corbin & Brett Stockton 14:33:30 1:33
1992 Serge Corbin & Brett Stockton 14:51:46 1:24
1993 Serge Corbin & Solomon Carrière 14:23:03 1:50
1994 Serge Corbin & Solomon Carrière 13:58:08 9:52
1995 Patrick Lynch & Jim Harwood 14:20:40 4:02
1996 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 14:04:05 37:34
1997 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 14:19:36 6:18
1998 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 14:15:47 35:27
1999 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 14:08:18 18:00
2000 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 14:48:00 14:32
2001 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 15:06:48 8:58
2002 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 15:04:56 5:26
2003 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 14:55:03 1:48
2004 Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie 14:59:46 0:13
2005 Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin 14:56:11 0:01
2006 Jim Harwood & Allen Limberg 14:33:50 14:35
2007 Andrew Triebold & Matthew Rimer 14:48:55 0:38
John Baker & Tony Short
John Baker & Tony Short
Tony Short & Brett Stockton
Tony Short & Steve Peterson
Randy Drake & Eric McNett
Tony Short & Eric McNett
Randy Drake & Tim Triebold
Jeff Kolka & Bill Torongo
Bruce Barton & Solomon Carrière
Jeff Kolka & Bill Torongo
Bruce Barton & Tim Triebold
Jeff Kolka & Bill Torongo
Jeff Kolka & Bill Torongo
Jeff Kolka & Bruce Barton
Patrick Lynch & Jim Harwood
Al Rudquist & Mike Vincent
Patrick Lynch & Denis Marcouiller
Ken Kolonich & Steve Kolonich
John Sullivan & Louis Berthiaume
Tony Short & Denis Berthiaume
Mo Harwood, Jr. & Matthew Rimer
Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie
Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin
Matthew Rimer & Andrew Triebold
Rodney Halstead & Ryan Halstead
Matt Streib & Steve Corlew 2008 Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie 14:09:06 23:25
Matt Streib & Steve Kolonich 2009 Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie 14:17:42 11:36
Triebold
Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie 14:31:56 8:57
Christophe Proulx & Ryan Halstead 14:29:26 0:01
Triebold & Steve Lajoie 14:15:34 4:39
Matt Streib & Steve Corlew
Steve Corlew & Bill Torongo
& Ryan Halstead
Josh Sheldon & Ryan Halstead
Nick Walton & Christophe Proulx
Nick Walton & Christophe Proulx
Mathieu Pellerin & Guillaume Blais
Andrew Triebold & Jacob DuBois
Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blais
Christophe Proulx & Samuel Frigon
Guillaume Blais & Samuel Frigon 2020 NO RACE WAS HELD --:--:-- -:--
Jorden Wakeley & Matt Meersman 13:54:09~Record 13:28
Wesley Dean & Weston Willoughby
Continued from Page 18
2022 Steve Lajoie 14:36:17 2:13
Wesley Dean & & Guillaume Blais Ryan Halstead
2023 Wesley Dean 14:23:06 2:42
Christophe Proulx & Steve Lajoie & Ryan Halstead
2024 Mike Davis 14:35:26 7:55 Ryan Zaveral & & Guillaume Blais
Weston Willoughby
2025 Travis Mecklenburg 14:17:07 3:36 Chris Issendorf & & Weston Willoughby Christophe Proulx
* Race was held from Camp Ten to Oscoda in 1961
** Two day race in 1962-63-64-67-68 (Day 1: Grayling to Mio. Day 2: Mio to Oscoda)
*** Race won as a result of a 10 minute penalty to Steve Landick & Solomon Carrière (14:37:28)
STORE HOURS:
MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00am - 5:30pm
SUNDAY 10:00am- 3:00pm
SHOP HOURS:
MONDAY-SATURDAY
8:00am - 5:00pm
LOUNGE
Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce
Community Events
The Consumers Energy
AuSable River Canoe Marathon - July 25-26, 2026
MAY 25
Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony
1 pm / Free and Open to the Public / Circle of Flags Oscoda Veterans Memorial
JUNE 3 - AUGUST 26
Dwight Street Live
6 pm - 8 pm - Wednesdays on Dwight Street events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
JUNE 5-7
Open 9 am - 5 pm - 28th Annual Villages of Oscoda Community Wide Yard Sales On the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base
JUNE 6
11 am - 4 pm - Adrie’s Angels 2nd Annual Summer Kickoff Festival - AuSable Township Children’s Park Michelle Dowd adries.angels.nonprofit@gmail.com / 989-942-4497
JUNE 20
Mid Summer’s Enchanted Soiree Queen Bee Soiree QueenBeeSoiree@gmail.com
JUNE 27
Adrie’s Angels Poker Run More details to come Michelle Dowd adries.angels.nonprofit@gmail.com / 989-942-4497
JUNE 27-28
42nd Annual Art on the Beach Saturday 9 am - 5 pm / Sunday 10 am - 4 pm Oscoda Beach Park events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
JULY 4
Fourth of July Parade 11 am / US-23 in Oscoda-AuSable events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
JULY 11
32nd Annual Curley Memorial Canoe Race C-2 Cooke Dam to the Finish Line
Registration 7 am / Race begins at 9 am contact@ausablecanoemarathon.org
JULY 12
32nd Annual Curley Memorial Canoe Race C-1 AuSable Township Children’s Park
Registration 8 am / Race begins at 10 am contact@ausablecanoemarathon.org
JULY 21
Confluence Hydro Dash for Cash Finish Line Park
Registration 3 pm / Racing begins at 5:30 pm contact@ausablecanoemarathon.org
JULY 22
6:30 pm - Cardboard Canoe Race Oscoda Canoe Rental events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
JULY 22
7 pm - Greased Watermelon Race Oscoda Canoe Rental events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
JULY 23
6:30 pm - Kid’s Canoe Costume Contest Oscoda Canoe Rental events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
JULY 23
6:45 pm - Blindfolded Canoe Race Oscoda Canoe Rental events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
JULY 23
7:30 pm Battle of the Townships Canoe Race Oscoda Canoe Rental events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
JULY 25-26
AuSable River Canoe Marathon - Grayling to Oscoda Race begins 9 pm Saturday Winners arrival in Oscoda approx 11:30 am Sunday contact@ausablecanoemarathon.org
JULY 26
AuSable River Canoe Marathon-Finish Line Festival 10 am - 2 pm / Open to the Public events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
AUGUST 1-2
Pirates and Mermaids Festival PiratesAndMermaidsFestival.org
AUGUST 16
Battle for the Paddle Golf Tournament Red Hawk Golf Course events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
AUGUST 23
Remembrance Ceremony for the 13 Military Killed in Afghanistan 1 pm / Afghanistan Mural at the Pentagon Service Monument, Oscoda Veterans Memorial Park
SEPTEMBER 5
National POW/MIA Recognition Day 6 pm / Oscoda Veterans Memorial
SEPTEMBER 11
Remembering 9/11 Candlelight Service 8 pm / Circle of Flags Oscoda Veterans Memorial Park
SEPTEMBER 12
10 am - Witches on the Water ShannoneBondie@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 18-20
Paul Bunyan Days Festival Furtaw Field events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
SEPTEMBER 26
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day 6 pm / Free and Open to the Public Oscoda Veterans Memorial
OCTOBER 24
Witches on the Water Party and Scavenger Hunt Queen Bee Soiree QueenBeeSoiree@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 12
ABWA Northeast Sunrise Charter Chapter Fashion Show
AuSable Inn Riverview Restaurant and Sports Bar
DECEMBER 5
4 pm-8 pm - Northern Lights Winterfest events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
DECEMBER 5
21st Annual Northern Lights Parade 6 pm / US-23 Oscoda events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
DECEMBER 31
NYE Ball Drop
Dwight Street Oscoda 9 pm (Kids event) & Midnight events@oscodachamber.com / 989-739-7322
78th AuSable Canoe Marathon & River Festival EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY JULY 17
July 17 - July 26, 2026 in Grayling, Michigan
10am-5pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center
5:30pm 15th Annual Cruise Night–Cruise starts at Northstar Auto Wash and ends at Grayling Country Club
All Day Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial Display at Camp Grayling
SATURDAY JULY 18
10am-5pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center
10am-3pm 40th Annual Classic Car & Truck Show on Michigan Ave (Registration 7–10am, $20/vehicle, Trophies around 2:30pm) All are welcome!
Spikes Challenge Schedule:
8am-2pm Registration for all Spike’s Challenge Events at the City Park Pavilion. These events include C-1 Race, C-2 Race, Junior and Fledgling Races, Mentor Races
9am Sprints for Starting Position of C-2 Race, Grayling City Park Pond
12pm Grayling Fire Dept. Open House - Food, fun, car seat checks, & more!
2pm Junior, Fledgling, Mentor Races on the Pond
5pm Registration continues for all races at Joe Wakeley’s House for C-1 pre-race, Barton Cup Qualifier, Junior C-2 Race to Burton’s Landing. Please, no dogs in Joe’s Yard
5:30pm Start of Junior C-2 Race to Burton’s Landing, beginning on Ingham St
6pm Start of the C-1 race at Ingham St.
All Day Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial Display at Camp Grayling
SUNDAY JULY 19
SPIKES CHALLENGE SCHEDULE
8:30am Line up of the C-2 Start of the Spike’s Challenge on Ingham Street
9am Start of the C-2 Spike’s Challenge
10am-5pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center
2pm Lunch and Awards Banquet at the City Park Pavilion –bring a lawn chair
All Day Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial Display at Camp Grayling
MONDAY JULY 20
Marathon Monday!
Wear your Favorite Marathon Shirt #MarathonMonday, tag us with your hashtag & pictures @ausableriverfestival on Facebook!!
10am-5pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center
All Day Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial Display at Camp Grayling
TUESDAY JULY 21
10am-5pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center
10am–2pm Kid’s Day in the Grayling City Park - tons of activities for the kids!
5pm Da$h for Ca$h in Oscoda
All Day Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial Display at Camp Grayling
WEDNESDAY JULY 22
10am-5pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center
4–7pm Time Trials - AuSable River Canoe Marathon at Penrod’s Canoe Livery
6pm HUP Race in the Grayling City Park - watch and cheer on the racers!
All Day Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial Display at Camp Grayling
THURSDAY JULY 23
10am-8pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center
11am-8pm Food Vendors on the 100 Block of Michigan Ave.
1-5pm Registration for C-1 tent at Penrod’s
3-7pm Time Trials for the AuSable River Canoe Marathon at Penrod’s Canoe Livery
4:20pm Business Relays at Penrod’s Canoe Livery, hosted by Hanson Hills
5-10:30pm Brew Ave opens in the AuSable Main Stage area - Need not be 21 to enter, must be 21 with a valid ID to receive wristband to purchase beer tickets!
5pm Miss AuSable River Festival Scholarship Program Titleholder Crowning
6pm C1 Express Start Time
7:30pm Yankee Station on the AuSable Main Stage
8pm Grayling Youth Boosters Club concessions on Michigan Ave.
9:30pm Live Music on the AuSable Main Stage
All Day Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial Display at Camp Grayling
FRIDAY JULY 24
10am-8pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center
10am-8pm 46th Annual Arts & Crafts Show at Grayling City Park
11am-8pm Info booths open on Michigan Avenue
12pm-12am Brew Ave. opens in the AuSable Main Stage area - must be 21 with a valid ID to receive a wristband & purchase beer tickets!
2pm-4:30pm Time Trials for the AuSable River Canoe Marathon at Penrod’s Canoe Livery
1:30pm The Offbeat performing on the AuSable Main Stage
2:45pm Special Olympics Canoe Races at Penrod’s Canoe Livery
5pm 2nd Hand Entertainment performing on the AuSable Main Stage
7:30-11:30pm Live Music on the AuSable Main Stage
8pm-11pm Grayling Youth Booster Club concessions on Michigan Ave
All Day Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial Display at Camp Grayling
SATURDAY JULY 25
8-10am Lumberjack Breakfast hosted by Grayling Restaurant
10am-9pm Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Merch store open at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center until 3:30pm, 4:30-9:00 on Ingham St. by the Old AuSable Fly Shop.
9am-6pm 46th Annual Arts & Crafts Show at Grayling City Park
9am GRA’s 10K/5K (Road Running), starts at Hanson Hills Recreation Area. 10k. Registration Online and day of
11am AuSable River Festival Parade Downtown Grayling (watch for details on the new route)
11am-8pm Food Vendors on the 100 block of Michigan Ave
11am-8pm Info booths open on Michigan Avenue
12pm-12am Brew Ave. opens in the AuSable Main Stage area - must be 21 with a valid ID to receive a wristband & purchase beer tickets!
12-9pm Grayling American Legion Beer Tent
2pm Live music on the AuSable Main Stage
5pm Timberline North performs on the AuSable Main Stage
6pm Pre-Race Program at Old AuSable Fly Shop
6:45pm Introduction of Paddlers at Old AuSable Fly Shop
7:45pm Posting of the Colors at Old AuSable Fly Shop
8:45pm 50/50 Drawing
9:30pm Live Music on the AuSable Main Stage
9pm Start of the 78th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon at the Old AuSable Fly Shop (paddling from Grayling to Oscoda) listen to 98.5 UPS, the Official Station of the ARCM, and the Flagship station of the ARCM Radio Network, for start to finish race coverage.
SUNDAY JULY 26
The Finish Line of 78th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon in Oscoda.Leaders approximate arrival time 11:30am, cut off time 4:00pm
Congratulations to the 2025 Inductees!
Growing up at Alcona Dam, Ron had a front row seat to the race from an early age. At age 7, he was a spectator at the very first Canoe Marathon. In 1957, Ron completed his first Marathon with his brother-in-law where they finished in 6th place. In 1962, Ron raced the Marathon with Ralph Sawyer earning his first Marathon win. He went on to win the event two more times, in 1963 with Buzz Peterson and in 1966 with Gerald Lauwers. With each win, Ron and his partner beat the existing Marathon record. Ron is also one of only 6 paddlers who won the race with 3 or more partners. Camaraderie and connections are what Ron loves most about paddling.
George Blaha and his family moved to Grayling just in time to watch the 1958 Canoe Marathon, he now lends his voice and enthusiasm to the AuSable River Canoe Marathon in many ways. George has been a featured presenter in the pre-race program for over 25 years, and has also done many Marathon promotional announcements for radio and social media. Recently, he narrated the 90-minute Michigan Regional Emmy Award winning docuseries about the Marathon titled “AuSable: The River. The Race. The Legend.” George loves how much impact the Marathon has on the Grayling and Oscoda communities, and is proud of how famous the race has become over the years.
L: Buzz Peterson R: Ron Hohman
Left to right: Phil Weiler, Ryan Matthews, George Blaha with the Emmy awarded to the docuseries “Au Sable: The River, The Race, The Legends.”
More Than 100 Years of Hydro Power
We operate 13 hydroelectric plants along five rivers that run through our state. Built between 1906 and 1935, our heritage is rooted in these renewable energy sources. Cheers to more than 100 years of clean, reliable power!
1911 • Cooke Dam Portage 5 1912 • Five Channels Dam Portage 4
1924 • Alcona Dam Portage 2 1916 • Mio Dam Portage 1
1918 • Foote Dam Portage 6
1913 • Loud Dam Portage 3
COMMITTED TO CARE FROM ANYWHERE
Free Ask-A-Nurse Line
Health question? Ask a nurse! A Munson Healthcare Registered Nurse is available 24/7/365 for your health questions at 231-935-0951. Available to all Michigan residents and no insurance is required.
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Need urgent care now? Skip the trip and be seen from your screen. Virtual Urgent Care is available daily.
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Do you have a non-life-threatening emergency and need to be seen right away? Find a walk-in or urgent care clinic close to you.
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Need a new primary care provider for preventative care, general health recommendations, and more for you or your family?
Searching for a specialist in cardiology, women’s health, orthopedics, or whatever ails you? Find a doctor near you.
Partnerships bring relief to Michigan families
Across the country, families are feeling the strain as everyday costs continue to rise. When pressure builds, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. Michigan, you can count on us to show you the way.
Through a strong partnership with Michigan 211, we help connect you to trusted local resources, including energy bill assistance. The goal is simple: make support easier to find, faster to access, and grounded in dignity and care.
W hen you dial 2-1-1, you get connected with trained specialists who guide you toward programs and services fit for your unique situation. That connection — person to person— is often the first step toward stability.
“Behind every call made to 211 is a real person, a real family hoping to find resources to make it through a difficult situation,” said Angela Thompkins, chief diversity officer and vice president of community affairs for Consumers Energy. “Consumers Energy is committed to more than energy; we are dedicated to connecting our customers with solutions that provide relief, create stability, and restore hope.”
Michigan 211 is a free service that connects callers with nonprofit organizations that provide funds for Consumers Energy bills as well as other essential household needs such as food and medical bill assistance. This support ties into the broader mission of Consumers Energy; a company customers can count on.
“For families who are facing unexpected challenges, whether that is food insecurity, medical bills, or assistance with their heating bills, 211 is here to help,”
said Thompkins. “We are proud to stand alongside an organization that is shaping a more stable future for Michigan families.”
Burton's Landing 2018 0:41:12 Andrew Triebold (42) & Steve Lajoie (42) 2018 0:41:12 Andrew Triebold (42) & Steve Lajoie (42)
Stephan Bridge 2018 1:12:50 Andrew Triebold (42) & Steve Lajoie (42) 2017 0:31:24 Steve Lajoie (41) & Guillaume Blais (31)
Wakeley Bridge 1993 1:41:29 Jeff Kolka (34) & Bill Torongo (31) 1993 0:28:21 Tony Short (29) & Scott McKenzie (35)
McMasters Bridge 2021 2:37:46 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 2021 0:54:50 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44)
Parmalee Bridge 2021 3:39:30 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 1996 1:01:43 Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39)
Camp Ten Bridge 2021 4:41:15 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 2021 1:01:45 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44)
Mio Dam 2021 5:05:38 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44)
1975 0:22:05 Jerry Kellogg (31) & Jeff Kellogg (30)
McKinley Bridge 2021 6:48:05 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 2021 1:41:11 Wesley Dean (26) & Weston Willoughby (30)
4001 Bridge 2021 7:38:04 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 2014 0:48:55 Andrew Triebold (38) & Steve Lajoie (38)
Alcona Dam 2021 8:14:26 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 2017 0:35:31 Christophe Proulx (22) & Samuel Frigon (21)
Loud Dam 2021 10:01:54 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 1987 1:43:10 Serge Corbin (30) & Brett Stockton (24)
Five Channels Dam 2021 10:26:58 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 2010 0:23:06 Josh Taylor (31) & Matt Meersman (33)
Cooke Dam 2021 11:27:41 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 1986 0:57:13 Randy Drake (32) & Eric McNett (31)
Foote Dam 2021 12:37:48 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 1987 1:08:11 Serge Corbin (30) & Brett Stockton (24)
Oscoda (Finish Line) 2021 13:54:09 Jorden Wakeley (31) & Matt Meersman (44) 1991 1:15:32 Serge Corbin (34) & Brett Stockton (28)
2nd Half 1994 7:01:54 Serge Corbin (37) & Solomon Carrière (37)
Good luck to all paddlers
Confluence Hydro - the future owner of Consumers Energy’s hydroelectric dams - is excited to invest in Michigan.
We are dedicated to continued safe operations of the dams, ensuring they provide safe, reliable and clean power and recreational opportunities for generations to come.
ARCM OFFICIAL STATION
The exclusive Flagship station of the ARCM Radio Network
Creator and developer of the ARCM Radio Network
Larry Roberts, the voice of the ARCM, broadcast exclusively on 98.5 UPS
Real time on the river coverage / updates during the race, with over eighteen (18) hours of race coverage
Official station of the Time Trials
We’re committed to the ARCM, Grayling, The AuSable River Valley, Osocda, and all the sponsors that support this great race, and event
Photos by Nicole Alyce Photography
2026 AuSable River Canoe Marathon Radio Network
2021 AS R UABLEIVERCANOEMARATHON RADIONETWORK
AlpenaWKJZ–FM94.9 BeavertonWMRX–FM97.7 CheboyganWGFM–FM105.1 MuskegonWKBZ-AM1090 GlenArborWGFE-FM95.5 HarrisonWUPS–FM98.5 HillmanWKJZ–FM94.9 HoughtonLakeWTWS–FM92.1 MidlandWMPX-FM107.7 Mt.PleasantWCFX–FM95.3 PetoskeyWMKC–FM102.9 RogersCityWHAK–AM960 SaultSte.MarieWKNW–AM1400 TawasWQLB–FM103.3 TraverseCityWGFN-FM98.1
Ironwood
WGFM Cheboygan
WKJZ Alpena Hillman
WUPS Harrison
WMKC Petosky
WHAK Rogers City WQLB Tawas City
We checked ‘Cheering all night at AuSable Canoe Race’ off our bucket list
by Laura Herberg Bridge Michigan
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.
• The Au Sable River Canoe Marathon runs 120 miles from Grayling to Oscoda. The race starts at 9 p.m. and leaders finish around 11 a.m. the next day
• It’s billed as the toughest spectator sport in America, as fans stay up all night and cheer at various spots along the river
• One Bridge Michigan reporter tried to stay up all night with a superfan so she could check off No. 4 on the Michigan Dreaming Ultimate Summer Bucket List
It’s seconds before 9 p.m. and a huge crowd has gathered in downtown Grayling.
People are lining the streets as if they’re waiting for a parade to start. A faint countdown begins and then it happens. A stampede of athletes carrying canoes is racing down the streets.
This is the running start to the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon. Once in the water, those athletes will paddle 120 miles through the night. The leaders will make it to Oscoda around 11 a.m. the next day.
But the race isn’t just about the paddlers. It’s billed as the toughest spectator sport in America.
Many fans stay up all night long, driving to more than a dozen bridges and dams along the river, cheering for the racers as they paddle through the darkness
and back into the light.
And tonight, that’s what I’m going to do, too.
Since June, I’ve been checking things off the Michigan Dreaming Ultimate Summer Bucket List and telling stories along the way. No. 4 on the list is to cheer all night long at the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon.
To complete the task, I enlisted the help of a veteran spectator.
AROUND 6 P.M.
When I meet up with them, Kane Madsen and his family are gathering at his dad’s place in Grayling for their pre-race ritual of eating pizza and guessing the winners. Madsen lives near Lansing now but he’s from Grayling. The 43-year-old has cheered at the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon for the last 25 years. He says he does it for the racers, many of whom he grew up with.
“I feel like I have a connection with them that’s not ordinary, and it’s not just, ‘Hey, Kane’s so awesome, because he yells,’ but I want to yell for them,” Madsen says. “Honestly, I think it’s just my passion.”His family has a white board on which they keep track of their guesses for which will be the first 10 boats to cross the finish line. There are a lot of similar picks for first place, but Madsen’s nephew is the only one who thinks Weston Willoughby, of Traverse City, and Travis Mecklenburg, of Grayling, will take the cake.
AROUND 11 P.M.
Madsen’s family and a couple hundred other people are gathered at Wakeley Bridge, about 20 miles downriver from the start. It’s dark out and a thick fog has settled in. While most people stand on the bridge under a portable streetlight, Madsen’s crew are off to the side, on the riverbank. Some other spectators are out in the water.
“There’s a dude with a cowboy hat sitting on a log. That’s pretty sweet,” Madsen says.
It’s not long before a glowing orb of the leading boat’s light appears in the fog. The paddlers are Willoughby and Mecklenburg, the boat Madsen’s nephew thought would win, and no one is behind them.
“Way to go Weston! Way to go Mecklenburg!” Madsen yells.
About a minute and a half later, a cluster of three more boats rolls through.
Canoe racers carry their boat across land at Alcona Dam. There are six dams along the river where the racers need to pick up their boats and run across land before placing their boats back into the water on the other side of the dam. Running on land is called a portage.
Spectators record racers paddling by on their phones as the racers pass under the Wakeley Bridge during the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon on the Au Sable River in Grayling.
Spectators cheer as canoe racers run to the river’s edge to place their boats in the water during the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon on the Au Sable River in Grayling.
“Do you think any of the racers in this pack have a chance at first, still?” I ask Madsen.
“Goodness, 100%. Yeah. We’re way, way early,” he responds. “We’ll see what happens because the water changes. It’s going to be interesting.”
Up ahead, Madsen explains, there are sections where the river looks more like a pond. Not everyone paddles well in those parts.
Plus, you never know when a boat will make a pit stop with their feed crew.
“It’s kind of just like NASCAR,” Au Sable River Canoe Marathon Communications Manager Kate Reitz told me over the phone before the race. “You know how the car comes in and they get fuel, then they get tire changes and they get a wipe down and a water? Well, it’s kind of the same thing with pit crews during the Marathon, as well.”
Each boat has a team of “feeders” who meet them at various spots along the river to assist with their needs. The feeders might give the racers another paddle, a change of clothes or food.
If you’re wondering what they eat, one of the top paddlers, Matt Gabriel, told me he usually just sticks to a liquid diet of electrolytes, proteins and carbohydrates, though he said he once ate a cheeseburger in the middle of the race.
“It was actually probably one of my favorite things I’ve ever ate during the Marathon,” he said.
Gabriel didn’t keep up the tradition of eating a burger, however, because it took too much time to eat.
Another reason teams might have to stop is if someone is sick. According to Gabriel, getting motion sickness or throwing up is pretty common.
“I vomited in a number of races,” he said.
As for going to the bathroom, Au Sable River Canoe Marathon historian and statistician Ryan Matthews told me, “If it’s just No. 1, you kind of pee your pants.”
But if it’s No. 2?
“That’s up to the paddlers. A lot of them will pull over and go. Some prepare themselves so they don’t have to even worry about No. 2 in the race,” he said.
So Madsen is right. The racers have only just begun and there are countless reasons
why they might have to stop over the next 14 hours. And when they do, it could shake up the order.
AROUND 3:45 A.M.
I take a nap in my car. Madsen stays awake.
AROUND 5 A.M.
Just as the sun begins to rise, so does the number of spectators. At Alcona Dam, the crowd is big enough that there’s a guy directing parking. The water in front of the dam is still as glass and reflecting the pinks and blues of the sun we can’t yet see.
That is one of the six dams racers have to navigate around. In the distance, we see a boat paddling toward us.
“Way to go fellas!” Madsen yells from the shore. It’s the same leaders — Willoughby and Mecklenburg. The crowd cheers them on as they paddle to the shore beside the dam, pick up their canoe, and start running up a steep hill through the crowd before descending back down to the water on the other side. Almost two minutes pass before the next racers — Chris Issendorf and Christophe Proulx — come through. The pair moved up from third at the last bridge to second place here. The race is almost two-thirds of the way done for the leaders.
“So at this point, do you guys think it’s pretty solid that the front runners are going to win?” I ask.
“I don’t think so, the way Chris and Christophe look, dude … I wouldn’t want to race against them,” Madsen replies.
AROUND 11 A.M.
W hen a boat appears on the last stretch of the race in downtown Oscoda, it’s none other than Willoughby and Mecklenburg, the boat that’s led all night. And, once again, there’s no one behind them.
Madsen cheers loudly as they cross the finish line, but he looks weary. I ask him how he’s doing.
“I mean, I’m going to be hurting,” he says. “I’m pretty tired right now.”
But he tells me it’s all worth it.
“I think it’s just in my blood,” he said. “It’s just a cool, fun experience. It’s different than every other day of the year. And I get to come back home.”
As day breaks, Kane Madsen embraces his wife, Amy, at Alcona Dam.
(Left) Marlana Kucharek fills a bottle with liquid while Emma Kucharek and Jillian Hartman hold other bottles to be passed off to racers Ethan and Chris Kucharek at Wakeley Bridge during the Au Sable Canoe Marathon on the Au Sable River in Grayling on July 26.
A team of canoe racers pass under McKinley Bridge during the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon on the AuSable River in Mentor Township.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Junque in the Trunk
Grayling Tractor Supply Parking Lot
A Community Parking Lot Garage Sale
From the Trunks of Vehicles Saturday, August 30, 2025
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026
Fall Arts & Crafts Show
Grayling Elementary School
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
Handcrafted Arts & Crafts Vendors Saturday, October 4, 2025
Festival of Trees
Grayling Mini-Mall
Christmas Trees & Baskets
Decorated by Area
Businesses are on Display and Raffled Off Friday, November 14, Thru Saturday, November 29, 2025
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026 THRU SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2026
Oscoda natives credit local upbringing for participation in Canoe Marathon
Oscoda is home to many things — beautiful beaches, unique mom-and-pop shops, impressive fireworks and festivals, gorgeous lakeshore and riverside views; but it also hosts the finish line for one of the most physically demanding races in the world.
The AuSable River Canoe Marathon stretches 120 miles from Grayling to Oscoda, wrapping up just across the street from the AuSable Inn at Finish Line Park. The Marathon has been ongoing for seven decades.
“It’s considered the most prestigious canoe race in the world,” Justin Griffith, a longtime committee member, told Under the Radar in 2025. “There are tougher ones, there are longer ones ... but this is the one that everybody wants to do.”
There were 114 two-person teams on the starting line in 2025, a record for a race that began as the brainchild of Howard Brubaker and Frank Davis in the 1940s. The two men, who sought to draw more tourists to Oscoda after Labor Day, spent 31 hours completing a test run before launching the official event in September 1947 — and it took them a week to recuperate.
So, what’s the race like for canoers in 2026? It doesn’t take 31 hours; but it’s grueling and invigorating all the same. To get a clearer picture, we spoke with Caleb Watson and Logan Lammi, natives and recent participants. Their answers have been edited for length and clarity.
What made you decide to participate in canoe races? How many have you done and where?
Caleb: I grew up in Oscoda with my father showing me the finish line. I also have family who live on the AuSable and decided to try it. (This) will be my fourth year racing. Logan: I’ve participated in approximately 20 canoe races over the past three years, including one AuSable River Canoe Marathon and the rest events by the Michigan Canoe Racing Association. Those circuit races happen all over the state, from Tahquamenon Falls to Ann Arbor and from Oscoda to Traverse City.
Can you describe the physical feat? It’s
hard not to outright ask how you do it; but really, how?
Caleb: The physical feat turns into more of a mental feat. You know, on the starting line, your back will be aching, arms will be noodles, your butt is going to be sore. Staying mentally strong enough is what will get you to the finish line.
Logan: I would consider finishing the AuSable River Canoe Marathon more of a mental feat than physical. The training that starts in January (for most racers) and never stops for others prepares your body physically. The hardest part is pushing through, when all you want to do is stop paddling.
What happens after racers reach the finish line? How many days does it take to recover?
Caleb: My first priority when finishing the race is to hug my mom and family; the ones who followed me and fed me. (Racers coordinate with a feed team of 2-4 people who follow along the route to provide bottles of water, food, additional paddles, medicine and repair supplies.) Typically it’s at least a week before (my) body feels fine. My first year, I couldn’t even open a doorknob or a water bottle until Monday.
Logan: Most racers are swarmed by loved ones and their feeding crew upon reaching the finish line. Overwhelmed with happiness to have completed the race, many go for a cold beverage of their choice, whether that be a beer, chocolate milk or Coca-Cola. I think most people recover pretty quickly and are paddling again within two weeks. I was paddling again four days after finishing the race last year.
What’s the best part of participating in the race? What’s the biggest challenge?
Caleb: The best part about the local race is being supported by the entire community. There’s people that I’ve never talked to, but are also from Oscoda, who cheer me on. The biggest challenge is finding people to train with, as many paddlers live downstate or in Grayling. I’ve even raced with somebody from Quebec.
Logan: The best part of participating is the support from the community along the way. I would say the biggest challenge is the amount of time it takes to train to be at a competitive level and go for more than just finishing.
What’s something most people might not realize about canoe racing?
Caleb: Most people don’t see the hours of training, waking up at 4:30 a.m. to do a seven-hour practice run on a Saturday. (It’s also) sacrificing the summer and (spending) less time with friends or typical hobbies to ensure you get enough training in.
Logan: Most people don’t realize how calculated the feeding plan is throughout an endurance event like the AuSable River Canoe Marathon. How many milligrams of sodium, how many calories per hour, what type of sugar your body needs for fuel are all very precise things. Also, the dedication of the feeding/pit crews that follow teams through the night to make sure they get everything they need.
Racers leave the water several times to bypass dams (known as a portage). Is that particularly challenging, or does it provide a break?
Caleb: The portages at the dams are a love/hate relationship. You get the break outside of the canoe and get to stretch out your legs for just a sliver of time; although it comes with the stress of ensuring you get (your food) and anything extra you might think of. Communication with the feeders is extremely difficult since we don’t have phones, so we have to let them know at the prior feed location if we want something
Continued on Page 61
Caleb Watson
Logan Lammi
Investing in Michigan
Some days, it looks like a hard hat at a job site. Other days, it looks like help reaching a family right when it’s needed. And still others, it looks like bringing together communities for a 120‑mile canoe race. Across Michigan, energy projects support new businesses and local jobs — bringing added tax revenue that strengthens schools, roads and public services. At the same time, partnerships with community organizations and foundation backed programs connect neighbors to support close to home.
Growth and care, showing up together — you can count on us to be where Michigan lives and works.
Oscoda natives credit local upbringing
Continued from Page 59
that’s not on the plan.
Logan: For some teams, the portage can be daunting. A lot of older competitors can paddle a lot faster than they can run. For a young team like mine, the portages are a nice chance to stretch the legs and make up ground on other teams that don’t run as well.
Speaking of breaks, do you ever get to rest during the race? How do you eat? What do you eat?
Caleb: There’s no real “break,” only the small times where our feed teams will give us new drink bottles and small bits of solid food. Most racers rely on a brand of liquid food called “Spiz.” It’s basically all carbs and tastes horrible. Racers drink through bottles with a hose attached, so you don’t have to stop paddling to eat. Some racers mix electrolytes in ... and others keep them separate. I primarily rely on liquid food, as it’s easier on the stomach during the intense exercise.
Logan: There’s no breaks! We have mostly a liquid diet consisting of one liter per hour. I use two
different drink mixes, one being similar to Gatorade for liquid carbs and sugar; the other is an allaround meal replacement containing protein and tons of vitamins. The body processes liquid easier than solids while working at a high level.
What’s your connection to Oscoda? Is there anything that makes the region particularly special to you?
Caleb: I was born and raised in Osocda. My father always took me fishing when I was young, and that turned into me loving any activity that involved the woods or water.
Logan: My connection is being born here. Most of my family and friends live in the area. The AuSable River and Iosco County are special to me because of the nature and people that it holds.
Information for this article was gathered from Justin Griffith, Logan Lammi, Caleb Watson and the official website for the AuSable River Canoe Marathon.
Saturday, July 25th
Saturday, July 27th
Second Hand Band 5pm to 8pm
Mary Schlimmer (30)
Camp Ten Bridge 2017 4:53:36 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
Mio Dam 2017 5:18:38 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
McKinley Bridge 2017 7:06:39 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
4001 Bridge 2017 7:59:41 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
Alcona Dam 2017 8:37:46 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
1:46:48
Triebold (41) & Mary Schlimmer (26)
Triebold (41) & Mary Schlimmer (26)
Lauth (48) & Mary Schlimmer (30)
Lauth (48) & Mary Schlimmer (30)
0:37:36 Bruce Barton (52) & Connie Cannon (48)
Loud Dam 2017 10:31:07 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41) 1988 1:51:21 Jim Myers (26) & Lynne Witte (34)
Five Channels Dam 2017 10:57:26 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
Cooke Dam 2017 12:00:33 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
Foote Dam 2017 13:14:35 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
Oscoda (Finish Line) 2017 14:37:45 Mary Schlimmer (26) & Andrew Triebold (41)
2nd Half 2009 7:26:08 Connie Cannon (48) & Bruce Barton (52)
0:25:17 Mike Davis (24) & Rebecca Davis (25)
1:00:33 Holly Reynolds (29) & Jeff Rankinen (45)
1:12:07 Holly Reynolds (29) & Jeff Rankinen (45)
1:18:21 Bruce Barton (52) & Connie Cannon (48)
Investing in northern Michigan’s future
From building a new substation in Grayling to upgrading one in Lincoln, Consumers Energy is taking steps to secure the grid and prepare Michigan for the future.
Consumers Energy remains focused on projects that support the long-term goals, which are that no customer is ever without power for more than 24 hours and that no single weather incident affects more than 100,000 customers. While those goals have not yet been fully reached, the progress made in 2025 shows meaningful movement in the right direction.
“This work isn’t about buzzwords or big promises. It’s about doing the right work in the right places,” Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president and president of the electric grid. “When we invest wisely, customers see the benefit through fewer outages and faster restoration.”
In Grayling, work on the new Skyline Substation is helping strengthen the local electric system for the people and organizations that rely on it every day—including Camp Grayling, area manufacturers like SAAB, and nearby neighborhoods along 4 Mile Road.
“This new substation is already up and running, and the community feedback before, during and after construction has been
overwhelmingly positive,” said Doug DeYoung, executive director of community engagement for Consumers Energy. “We look forward to helping our customers get the safe, affordable and reliable service they count on us for each and every day.”
Over in Lincoln, substation upgrades are securing the grid for more than 2,200 customers,
“We also have similar reliability projects taking place in Roscommon, Ogemaw and Iosco counties,” DeYoung said. “All of these projects will be critical to Northern Michigan’s future when it comes to commercial, residential and industrial growth.”
Severe weather is becoming more frequent, but we are preparing for it. By investing carefully in the equipment that serves our neighbors and businesses today, Consumers Energy is working to reduce disruptions and costs for the long term, he added.
Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We are committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.
Learn more at ConsumersEnergy.com.
What will the 78th ARCM have in store for Boat 78?
ByMikaylaErickson
Mike Schlimmer and Eve Chamberland. You may know them as the paddlers of boat #78. You may know them as the Mixed Division champions for the past three years. I’m lucky enough to call them my friends. Their easy-going and kind nature make it easy to befriend them. And their passion, determination, and chemistry make them successful on the river. But just how did this dynamic duo come together? They knew each other through the paddling community and Mike’s training trips to Quebec. But they hadn’t paddled together. That all changed in 2022. At this time, Mike had 13 AuSable River Canoe Marathon finishes under his belt, so he was no stranger to the game. Eve was a former figure skater, who later began paddling through a 9-person Rabaska team. She came to Michigan in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to do the Rabaska Experience during the Marathon. It was the Rabaska experience in Michigan that gave her the motivation and confidence to try C2 racing.
Eve approached Mike in June of 2022 and asked him to be her partner for the Marathon in July. He agreed to race with her, as long as he had recovered enough from his 1,000 mile Yukon race which was only three
weeks before the Marathon. When he was back and ready to race the Marathon, they teamed up. But the distance caused them to train apart until the race came around. The pair didn’t even get in a boat together until 2 days before the Marathon! Then, Saturday night they took off and crossed the finish line 16 hours and 21 minutes later, coming in 22nd place. They had such a great time, the pair have done three more Marathons together since then, claiming the Mixed Division champi-
onship each time.
Mike’s experience and Eve’s enthusiasm make them a very compatible team. When asked, both said they love paddling together because they have so much fun. They maintain a great balance of performance and fun while paddling. Mike enjoys the energy that Eve brings to the team and that there’s never a dull moment. And Eve appreciates Mike’s creativity and the way he’s able to adapt to any situation.
Eve’s favorite race together thus far has been Day 2 of the 2024 Classique. The windy conditions made for a wavy crazy field. They decided to take a chance and cross the river, which got them into more stable water and helped them drop some time! But she also loved Mike’s favorite race, the 2024 Canoe Marathon just a few weeks prior. During that race, they went from 15th place to 10th in the last 2 hours of the race!
It’s truly an honor to know these two. I’m so thankful to have had the chance to be on their feed team and get to know them better over the last few years. I’m looking forward to seeing what they accomplish together in 2026!
Mike and Eve with the Mixed Division trophy, 2025.
NORTHEAST
406 S. State St., Oscoda, MI (989) 739-9129
215 W. Chisholm St., Alpena, MI (989) 354-7653
#RoadToTheTripleCrown
The 2025 Triple Crown of Canoe Racing
Congratulations to the Champions of the 2025 Triple Crown of Canoe Racing: Weston Willoughby and Travis Mecklenberg, both of Michigan.
Finishing second in the 2025 Triple Crown standings were the 2024 Triple Crown champs, Guillaume Blais, of Quebec, and Mike Davis, of Michigan. Louis-Simon Pruneau, of Quebec, completed the 2025 Triple Crown podium.
Impressively repeating their 2024 Triple Crown accomplishment, Quebec’s Eve Chamberland and New York’s Mike Schlimmer were the top Triple Crown mixed-team finishers. Eve Chamberland was also the top-finishing Women's competitor in the 2025 Triple Crown field.
“Congratulations and well done” to all twenty-nine (29) competitors from five states and provinces who successfully completed the #RoadToTheTripleCrown in 2025. Among those twenty-nine Triple Crown finishers:
• Seven women completed the Triple Crown circuit. Their accomplishment highlights the growing participation and achievements of women within marathon canoe racing.
• Seven teams, including four mixed teams, demonstrated remarkable unity and teamwork by competing together as a pair throughout all three Triple Crown races.
• Fifteen individual competitors showcased versatility
and adaptability by racing with different partners across the three Triple Crown races
Quebec’s legendary Serge Corbin leads the all-time Triple Crown of Canoe Racing standings with fourteen Triple Crown Championships, followed by Steve Lajoie, also of Quebec, with twelve. Michigan’s Andrew Triebold is a ten-time Triple Crown Champion.
a third place
lowed up with a win in Michigan, and concluded with a second place finish in Quebec.
For thirty-three years, the Triple Crown of canoe racing has recognized the accomplishment of the elite marathon canoe racing athletes who participate and excel at all three of the most challenging and renowned marathon canoe races in North America: New York’s General Clinton Canoe Regatta, Michigan’s AuSable Canoe Marathon, and Quebec’s Classique internationale de canots de la Mauricie.
Exceptional skill, endurance, and determination are required of the athletes who successfully tackle the unique challenges presented by each of these events. Completing the Triple Crown requires paddlers to cover hundreds of kilometers on varying rivers, each race featuring its own obstacles and environmental conditions.
The #RoadToTheTripleCrown kicks off Memorial Day weekend with the General Clinton Canoe Regatta, which combines speed and tactics over its 70-mile river route. During the last full weekend of July, the AuSable Canoe Marathon, known for its 120-mile overnight course, demands flawless strategy and outstanding physical stamina. The Classique internationale de canots de la Mauricie, held during Labor Day
The 2025 Triple Crown of Canoe Racing Champions: Travis Mecklenburg (L), of Grayling, Michigan, and Weston Willoughby (R), of Traverse City, Michigan. The pair kicked off the season with
finish in New York, fol-
Photo - by Raynald Morand
Eve Chamberland (L), of Shawinigan, Quebec, and Michael Schlimmer (R), of Cortland, New York were the top mixed team finishers, finishing 8th overall.
Photo - by Raynald Morand
weekend in September, serves as the culminating event. This competition features challenging rapids and robust currents, requiring participants to demonstrate advanced technique and endurance over a three-day period.
Finishing all three stages of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing is a remarkable feat that represents the pinnacle of long-distance paddling. It is a true testament to the paddlers’ passion and perseverance, and every athlete who achieves this honor becomes part of a respected elite in the world of marathon canoe racing recognized for their dedication and commitment within the sport.
To learn more about the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing, including a list of champions, plus complete results and statistics from all thirty-three years of competition, go to the Triple Crown webpage: www.TripleCrownOfCanoeRacing.com
And, follow the Triple Crown Of Canoe Racing on Facebook and Instagram. #RoadToTheTripleCrown
Final standings of the 2025 Triple Crown of Canoe Racing. The Triple Crown (TC) rankings for each competitor are calculated by totaling their finish position at each race. Low score wins. Ties are settled by cumulative elapsed time.
Twenty-nine (29) competitors from five states and provinces successfully completed the #RoadToTheTripleCrown in 2025 Photo - by Raynald Morand
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AUSABLE MCKINLEY LEMANS ENDURANCE JOY RIVER FOUR THOUSAND ONE BOW TOUGHNESS BAKER CANOE ALCONA STERN GLORY CARRIERE
AUSABLE MCKINLEY LEMANS ENDURANCE JOY RIVER FOUR THOUSAND ONE BOW TOUGHNESS BAKER CANOE ALCONA STERN GLORY CARRIERE MARATHON LOUD FOOT BRACE TRADITION BARTON GRAYLING FIVE CHANNELS PORTAGE SUCK WATER STOCKTON BURTONS COOKE DAM WAKE RIDE KELLOGG
MARATHON LOUD FOOT BRACE TRADITION BARTON GRAYLING FIVE CHANNELS PORTAGE SUCK WATER STOCKTON BURTONS COOKE DAM WAKE RIDE KELLOGG STEPHAN FOOTE BRIDGE FEEDER LAJOIE WAKELEY OSCODA COMMITTEE DRINKER WITTE
STEPHAN FOOTE BRIDGE FEEDER LAJOIE WAKELEY OSCODA COMMITTEE DRINKER WITTE
MCMASTERS PADDLE MCRA CORBIN CURLEY
PARMALEE HUP ALL NIGHT SPECTATOR TRIEBOLD WIDING CAMP TEN CANOERS MONUMENT SPRINT KOLKA KOLONICH MIO CONSUMERS ENERGY WHIRLPOOL SAWYER PETERSON
MCMASTERS PADDLE MCRA CORBIN CURLEY PARMALEE HUP ALL NIGHT SPECTATOR TRIEBOLD WIDING CAMP TEN CANOERS MONUMENT SPRINT KOLKA KOLONICH MIO CONSUMERS ENERGY WHIRLPOOL SAWYER PETERSON
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