Additional Information
The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is 120 miles long, non-stop, starts at night and contestants must navigate narrow winding river as well as stump filled ponds. Contestants must be in peak physical condition in order to complete the race in the allotted time.
This race is not a recreational canoe float, but a professional competitive race with the very best professional paddlers from around North and Central America. Teams must use C-2 racing canoe meeting the specifications detailed in the entry information on the event website where the race rules and other entry information is detailed.
The race starts at 9 PM Saturday night where contestants and feeder/support teams must navigate the upper stretch of the river in total darkness. Teams must provide for their own feeder/support teams.
Teams must finish the race within 19 hours. Cut-off DQ times have been established at timing locations throughout the race.
For a better understanding of the demands of the race please visit the AuSable River Canoe Marathon website to read an article by Dave Foley, who paddled in 1990. Dave's experience is well documented and any paddler considering entering this race for the first time should read this article and consider Dave's advice.
Time Trial Sprints for Starting Position are staged Wed thru Friday (July 25-27) of race week. Teams individually paddle a looped course with the Sprint time determining starting positions for Saturday night's running start of the The Marathon.
Cash award sprints - The Da$h For Ca$h - will be staged in Oscoda on Tuesday, July 24. Participation in this event is not mandatory, however it is extremely encouraged. Only registered Marathon paddlers will be allowed to enter, but paddlers can enter the Dash for Cash with any other Marathon registered paddler not already checked-in for the Dash for Cash. There is no fee to participate, but paddlers must pre-register for the Dash for Cash.
