GRAYLING – Tens of thousands of fans will descend on northern Michigan’s scenic AuSable River Valley for one of the world’s most iconic ultra-endurance events:
The Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon, a non-stop, 120-mile overnight race from Grayling to Oscoda.
A record 116 teams from 21 U.S. states, Canada, Great Britain, and Belize will compete in the 77th edition of what Men’s Journal and Canoe & Kayak Magazine have dubbed “Canoeing’s Greatest Race.” It’s the centerpiece of northern Michigan’s summer and the middle leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of Canoe Racing.
The marathon isn’t just a race—it’s an experience. Fans pack the streets of Grayling for the thrilling 9 p.m. LeMans-style start on Saturday, July 26, cheering as competitors sprint with carbon-fiber canoes to the river. Then the real battle begins: 14 to 19 hours of paddling through the night, covering 120 miles and six Consumers Energy dams, all for a Sunday morning finish in Oscoda.
“It’s our job to deliver hometown service and our privilege to provide our time, talent, and resources to help support our northern Michigan customers,” said Rich Castle, Community Affairs Manager for Consumers Energy.
Spectators often follow the race through the night, stopping at key viewing points. It’s been called “The World’s Toughest Spectator Race,” and with good reason. Teams push through 60 to 90 paddle strokes per minute in a relentless test of stamina and strategy.
Fans around the world can catch the excitement via live-stream on the AuSable Marathon’s Facebook and YouTube channels, starting with the opening program at 6 p.m. on July 26. Coverage continues throughout the night with check-ins from multiple locations. Radio updates will be available through Black Diamond Broadcasting’s 98.5 UPS-Classic Hits and over 15 other stations in the AuSable River Marathon Radio Network.
Phil Weiler, AuSable Marathon spokesman, noted, “We sincerely appreciate Consumers Energy’s cooperation and support of this great race throughout its 77-year history. This outstanding partnership is evidenced, in part, by the positive economic impact that the AuSable Marathon generates throughout the AuSable River Valley.”
Among the top contenders are 2024 champions Guillaume Blais of Quebec and Mike Davis of Homer, Michigan, who opened this year’s Triple Crown season with a win at New York’s General Clinton Canoe Regatta. Eight former champions and top-tier teams—including 27 mixed and five women’s teams—promise a fiercely competitive field and thrilling “races within the race.”
Paddlers range in age from 15 to 77. The oldest team combines for 141 years; the youngest, just 31. Forty-five “Iron Paddlers” return—each having finished 10 or more marathons.
Anticipation is building from Grayling to Oscoda as paddlers and fans pour into the region for race week and warm-up events including the time trials and the special Olympics Paddlers with a Professional.
“More than 50,000 fans will catch at least some part of the race in person,” said Weiler. “For those unable to join us, we’re excited to bring fans live-stream reports of the #MarathonCanoeRacing action as it happens. Be sure to like and follow our @ausablemarathon channels on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.”
For race stats, GPS tracking, and more, visit:
