Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities Canoe Marathon
- Date Fri 23rd May 2025
- Time 5:00PM EST
- Location Gladwin, Michigan
- Price Free - $32.80
- Races 5 races
- Distances 1 Mile, Sprint
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating weekend at the Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities Canoe Marathon on Friday, May 23, 2025! This exciting 12.5-mile canoe marathon takes place on the picturesque Cedar River, showcasing the community's commitment to preserving natural resources and promoting outdoor recreation. After overcoming challenges in the river's accessibility, the community has come together with local partners to create a navigable waterway that balances recreation with ecological health.
Join us for this Memorial Weekend celebration filled with paddling opportunities suitable for all skill levels, along with local vendors, educational sessions, crafts, and activities. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just looking to enjoy the festivities, there's something for everyone. The race kicks off at Gladwin City Park and concludes at Beaverton's Ross Lake Park, offering a chance to either participate or cheer on the racers. By taking part in this event, you’re not only embracing a fun and competitive atmosphere but also supporting vital efforts to protect and enhance our beautiful natural environment. Come and celebrate the splendor of Gladwin County's rivers and parks with us!
Join us for this Memorial Weekend celebration filled with paddling opportunities suitable for all skill levels, along with local vendors, educational sessions, crafts, and activities. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just looking to enjoy the festivities, there's something for everyone. The race kicks off at Gladwin City Park and concludes at Beaverton's Ross Lake Park, offering a chance to either participate or cheer on the racers. By taking part in this event, you’re not only embracing a fun and competitive atmosphere but also supporting vital efforts to protect and enhance our beautiful natural environment. Come and celebrate the splendor of Gladwin County's rivers and parks with us!
Organiser's Description
This 12.5-mile canoe marathon on the Cedar River is more than just a race, its a tribute to the communitys dedication to our natural resources and outdoor recreation. Until recently, this stretch of the Cedar was unnavigable due to downed trees and debris obstructing the waterway. The community and local partners have since rallied with the Gladwin Conservation District to transform the Cedar River into a navigable waterway that balances recreation with ecological health.
During this 2-day Memorial Weekend celebration there will be paddling opportunities for all skill levels, local vendors and organization booths, educational sessions, crafts and activities, and of course, a chance to spectate or participate in the 12.5 mile canoe marathon starting at Gladwin City Park and ending at Beaverton's Ross Lake Park.
By joining us, youre supporting not only a fun and competitive event but also the ongoing work to protect and enhance our natural environment. Events like this highlight the importance of preserving resources like rivers, parks, and wildlife habitat for future generations to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing the community on race day as we come together to paddle, celebrate, and appreciate the beauty of Gladwin Countys natural resources!
During this 2-day Memorial Weekend celebration there will be paddling opportunities for all skill levels, local vendors and organization booths, educational sessions, crafts and activities, and of course, a chance to spectate or participate in the 12.5 mile canoe marathon starting at Gladwin City Park and ending at Beaverton's Ross Lake Park.
By joining us, youre supporting not only a fun and competitive event but also the ongoing work to protect and enhance our natural environment. Events like this highlight the importance of preserving resources like rivers, parks, and wildlife habitat for future generations to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing the community on race day as we come together to paddle, celebrate, and appreciate the beauty of Gladwin Countys natural resources!
Races
-
RRTC Kickoff Fun Run/Walk
Fri 23rd May 2025 (5:00PM EDT)
Free
OPENS SOONThis event will start 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
OPENS SOONThis 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
OPENS SOONThis 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
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 24th May 2025 (7:30AM EDT)
$32.80
OPENS SOONThis 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
OPENS SOONNot 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 Canoe Marathon