Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities
- Date Fri 23rd May 2025
- Time 5:00PM EDT
- Location Gladwin, Michigan
- Price Free - $32.80
- Races 6 races
- Distances 1 Mile, Sprint
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities, taking place on Friday, May 23, 2025, in the beautiful Gladwin area! This exciting event celebrates outdoor recreation and the natural beauty of Gladwin County while highlighting the impressive conservation efforts that have revitalized the Cedar River. The festivities kick off at the Gladwin City Park with a lively evening filled with casual kayak floats, a fun run/walk, local crafts, outdoor education sessions, and live music, making it a perfect outing for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Race Day on Saturday promises to be action-packed! The day starts with a heartfelt Honor Guard Ceremony in tribute to Memorial Day, followed by race heats beginning at 9 AM. Participants will embark on a thrilling 12.5-mile canoe and kayak marathon, paddling from Gladwin City Park to Beaverton's Ross Lake Park. Spectators can cheer on their favorite paddlers from various locations along the route, creating a vibrant atmosphere of community spirit. For those looking for a shorter challenge, the 0.5-mile Ross Lake Sprint Races offer a fun opportunity to compete and possibly step onto the podium. Join us for this celebration of nature, camaraderie, and adventure
Race Day on Saturday promises to be action-packed! The day starts with a heartfelt Honor Guard Ceremony in tribute to Memorial Day, followed by race heats beginning at 9 AM. Participants will embark on a thrilling 12.5-mile canoe and kayak marathon, paddling from Gladwin City Park to Beaverton's Ross Lake Park. Spectators can cheer on their favorite paddlers from various locations along the route, creating a vibrant atmosphere of community spirit. For those looking for a shorter challenge, the 0.5-mile Ross Lake Sprint Races offer a fun opportunity to compete and possibly step onto the podium. Join us for this celebration of nature, camaraderie, and adventure
Organiser's Description
The 2025 Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities celebrates outdoor recreation and the natural resources that define Gladwin County. Highlighting years of conservation efforts by the Gladwin Conservation District and local partners, this event will showcase the revitalization of the Cedar River and the ways that outdoor recreation can bring people together!
This event is made possible by a number of local partnerships and the Gladwin County community. We welcome spectators and participants far and wide to share in the festivities and experience Gladwin County.
* Friday is the official River Race kickoff celebration at Gladwin City Park! The evening will have casual kayak floats, a fun run/walk, concessions hosted by Gladwin HS Travel Club, crafts and activities for all ages, outdoor education with local conservancies, live music, and vendors!
* Saturday is Race Day! The competition will begin with an Honor Guard Ceremony in tribute to Memorial Day with race heats beginning at 9am at Gladwin City Park. There will be concessions, crafts and activities, and vendors to help us start Race Day off right! The main event is a 12.5 mile canoe/kayak marathon that will take participants from Gladwin City Park to Beaverton's Ross Lake Park. Cheer on your favorite paddler with spectator locations along the race route and welcome them across the finish line 12.5 miles later in Beaverton!
* Saturday afternoon is Ross Lake Park's time to shine! As racers arrive in Beaverton they will be met with a celebration like no other thanks to the hard work of partners like the Beaverton Area Business Association. If 12.5 miles is a bit too far for your liking, sign up for our 0.5 mile Ross Lake Sprint Races! Taking place Saturday afternoon, this competition will separate the paddlers from the floaters and give you the chance to step onto the podium!
This event is made possible by a number of local partnerships and the Gladwin County community. We welcome spectators and participants far and wide to share in the festivities and experience Gladwin County.
* Friday is the official River Race kickoff celebration at Gladwin City Park! The evening will have casual kayak floats, a fun run/walk, concessions hosted by Gladwin HS Travel Club, crafts and activities for all ages, outdoor education with local conservancies, live music, and vendors!
* Saturday is Race Day! The competition will begin with an Honor Guard Ceremony in tribute to Memorial Day with race heats beginning at 9am at Gladwin City Park. There will be concessions, crafts and activities, and vendors to help us start Race Day off right! The main event is a 12.5 mile canoe/kayak marathon that will take participants from Gladwin City Park to Beaverton's Ross Lake Park. Cheer on your favorite paddler with spectator locations along the race route and welcome them across the finish line 12.5 miles later in Beaverton!
* Saturday afternoon is Ross Lake Park's time to shine! As racers arrive in Beaverton they will be met with a celebration like no other thanks to the hard work of partners like the Beaverton Area Business Association. If 12.5 miles is a bit too far for your liking, sign up for our 0.5 mile Ross Lake Sprint Races! Taking place Saturday afternoon, this competition will separate the paddlers from the floaters and give you the chance to step onto the podium!
Races
-
RRTC Kickoff Fun Run/Walk
Fri 23rd May 2025 (5:00PM EDT)
Free
This event starts at Gladwin's North Park and end at Gladwin City Park following the path of the Trail of Two Cities. All are welcome to this kickoff event! At the end of this 1 mile fun run/walk there will be local vendor and organization booths, concessions, activities and crafts, and an educational session hosted by local conservation organizations. -
RRTC Kickoff Fun Float
Fri 23rd May 2025 (5:00PM EDT)
Free
This event will start at Gladwin's North Park and end at Gladwin City Park following the Cedar River parallel to Trail of Two Cities. Limited number of kayaks will be available for rent. You're welcome to bring your own kayak or canoe! Youth are welcome but must be with an adult. At the end of this 1 mile fun run/walk there will be local vendor and organization booths, concessions, activities and crafts, and an educational session hosted by local conservation organizations. -
RRTC Sunset/Glowstick Float
Fri 23rd May 2025 (8:00PM EDT)
Free
This casual kayak/canoe float will mark the end of Day 1 of the River Race of Two Cities Weekend. Starting at Gladwin City Park, participants will float about 1.5 miles down the Cedar River until ending at the Ridley Trailhead. Volunteers will be present to ensure safety and to pass out glowsticks to light up the Cedar after sunset. Limited number of kayaks will be available for rent. You're welcome to bring your own kayak or canoe! Youth are welcome but must be with an adult. -
Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities Canoe Marathon Tandem Class
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 24th May 2025 (9:00AM EDT)
$32.80
This is the mainstage event of the festival! Registration sign-in begins at 7:30am at Gladwin City Park. Tandem heats begin at 9am, solo heats begin at 10am. This is not a wide-open river race, the Cedar River is a woodland river and a technical but obstruction-free race route should be expected. There will be aid/spectator stations positioned along the route for racer safety. Divisions will be further split by age, gender, and paddling experience with winners in each category. The race will end at the second festival hub, Beaverton's Ross Lake Park, roughly 12.5 river miles south. When you cross that finish line the party at Ross Lake will be waiting for you. Celebrate your adventure down the Cedar with food, music, the Beaverton Farmers Market, activities, and more! -
Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities Canoe Marathon Solo Class
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 24th May 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$32.80
This is the mainstage event of the festival! Registration sign-in begins at 7:30am at Gladwin City Park. Tandem heats begin at 9am, solo heats begin at 10am. This is not a wide-open river race, the Cedar River is a woodland river and a technical but obstruction-free race route should be expected. There will be aid/spectator stations positioned along the route for racer safety. Divisions will be further split by age, gender, and paddling experience with winners in each category. The race will end at the second festival hub, Beaverton's Ross Lake Park, roughly 12.5 river miles south. When you cross that finish line the party at Ross Lake will be waiting for you. Celebrate your adventure down the Cedar with food, music, the Beaverton Farmers Market, activities, and more! -
RRTC Ross Lake Sprint
Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 24th May 2025 (5:00PM EDT)
$16.90
Not everyone is a marathon paddler, some of us like to go out fast and beat the clock! The Ross Lake Sprints are exactly that! Starting and finishing at Ross Lake Park in Beaverton, this 0.5 mile out-and-back race will be performed in small heats to provide that competitive edge and test your paddling skills! Divisions will be further split by age, gender, and paddling experience with winners in each category.
Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities
