Legends Never Sleep
Presented by the Solstice Foundation
By Stephen Leppard, Brandon Gerardy and Lynne Witte
The “Paddling For Josh Award” was established in 2025 to recognize an AuSable River Canoe Marathon paddler or race team that exemplifies the values of community in marathon canoe racing.
Paddling For Josh originally began through the efforts of the Solstice Foundation, a group of physical therapists including Iron Paddlers Brandon Gerardy and Stephen Leppard. Over the past decade, marathon fans have seen Brandon and Steve race all 10 of their AuSable River Canoe
Marathons with “Paddling
For Josh” displayed proudly on their boat. In 2024, they became an official “Iron Team,” completing all 10 marathons together.
Throughout those 10 races, Brandon and Steve used the AuSable River Canoe Marathon as a fundraising platform to help make college a reality for Josh, a young man with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. What began as an effort to support one individual grew into something larger, a reminder that marathon racing can be about more than just competition. It can also be about using the platform of the Marathon
(continued on page 20)
“The very first race – I watched that,” Hall said. “Watching all these people crossing the finish line, I thought, ‘Man, that’s the greatest (continued on page 11)
The Paddling For Josh Award Spectator Guide
Steve Leppard, Josh and Brandon Gerardy
By Stacy Smale
It was 1947 when Stan Hall knew he would race in the AuSable River Canoe Marathon.
CASH PRIZES
AuSAble RiveR CAnoe MARAthon 2026
Prizes
North America’s Richest Canoe Race! Over $75,000 in Cash & Prizes! Pos. Prize Pos. Prize (USD) (USD)
1st
$6,000 21st $580
2nd $4,000 22nd $560
3rd $2,900 23rd $540
4th $2,300 24th $520
5th $1,700 25th $500
6th $1,500 26th $480
7th $1,400 27th $460
8th $1,300 28th $440
9th $1,200 29th $420
10th $1,100 30th $400
11th $1,050 31st $380
12th $1,000 32nd $360
13th $950 33rd $340
14th $900 34th $320
15th $850 35th $300
16th $800 36th $290
17th $750 37th $280
18th $700 38th $270
19th $650 39th $260 20th $600 40th $250
Finishers from 41st position will receive Finisher’s Prizes only; no cash prizes
Over $8,000 in Finisher’s Prizes to be awarded to AuSable River Canoe Marathon Finishers
Checks for Bonus Prizes are mailed to the appropriate contestants after the race results have been reviewed and declared official.
BONUS DIVISION PRIZES
Women’s (Two Female Paddlers)
Sponsored by Northbound Outfitters Pos. Prize (USD) 1st $350 2nd
Mixed (One Male, One Female Paddler)
Sponsored by Zaveral Racing Equipment
(USD)
Rookie (Both Paddlers’ 1st Marathon)
Sponsored by Confluence Hydro
(USD)
All-Michigan (Both Paddlers Live in Michigan)
In Memory of Michael Taggert
Masters
Paddlers 40+ Years
Seniors (Both Paddlers 50+ Years Old)
Sponsored by Grayling Restaurant
Veterans (Both Paddlers 60+ Years Old)
Sponsored by Grayling
Youth-Adult (One Teenager, One 35+ Years Old)
by Northbound Outfitters
Note: Seniors & Veterans teams do not qualify for the Masters Bonus. Veterans teams do not qualify for the Seniors Bonus.
LEADER’S BONUS
Leader’s Bonuses totaling $1,400 have been established. Fastest team pointto-point wins $50. Also, the fastest split time wins $50 for each of the fourteen (14) official timing checkpoints. A team is not required to complete the Marathon to be eligible for these bonuses.
Point to Point Sponsor - Sponsored by Ole Dam Rd. Party Store
Split Time Sponsor - Sponsored by Ole Dam Rd. Party Store
BREAK THE RECORD BONUS
Sponsored by Jansen Insurance
If the winning team in the Marathon breaks the current time of 13:54.09, the team will be awarded a $1,400 bonus, to be increased by $100 until broken.
Harry Curley Paddle to the Finish - Sponsored by RE/MAX of Grayling
Patrick Madden
Owen Triebold
00 01 02 03
Adam Gelinas
Team sponsors: Consumers Energy
Patrick Madden, 46, Scotia, NY
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 8th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Roger Henry asked me to race with him
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with 9 time champion Brett Stockton
Adam Gelinas, 44, Leominster, MA
Site Reliability Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 9th
Attracted to the Marathon by: I keep coming back as an excuse to see all my Michigan friends
Memorable Marathon experience: Getting hit in the face by a goose in the dark
Gaston Jones Jake Crotser
Team sponsors: Nate Lull Podcast, Table Rock Fitness
Gaston Jones, 53, Martindale, TX
GIS Analyst Most recent ARCM: 2024
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 14th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Great event
Memorable Marathon experience: Sunrise on the pond
Jake Crotser, 28, Moncks Corner, SC
Police Officer Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 7th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching my uncle, Mike Packard, for years
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing my first marathon with my late uncle, Mike Packard
Sam Baudoux
Team sponsors: Lee Designs, Ole Dam Party Store
Owen Triebold, 21, Grayling, MI
CMC Maintenance Tech Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 22nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Through my family, friends and the thrill of the race
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling alongside my grandfather, Turbo Tim Triebold, in my first marathon in 2024
Sam Baudoux, 21, Grayling, MI
Production at ARAUCO
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Having friends in the sport already. Thanks Jake and Owen
Memorable Marathon experience: Seeing Owen and Andy portage Mio Dam
Morton Forrest Grenat
Team sponsors: JBS Contracting, Rowe Professional Services
Eric Morton, 36, Grayling, MI
Land Surveyor
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: The time my now wife brought me to Grayling for the marathon and witnessing the start for the first time
Memorable Marathon experience: Just getting into the racing scene and doing more paddling than swimming.
Forrest Grenat, 32, Mancelona, MI
Professional Surveyor
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: How do you not wanna jump in a canoe and give it everything you got after watching it
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing this one
10 11 Joe Leusby Benjamin Tarbutton
Team sponsors: Michigan Gutters, Inc., Tarbutton Legal PLLC
Joe Leusby, 42, Traverse City, MI
HR Executive Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 16 Finishes: 12 Best finish: 25th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The process and preparation
Memorable Marathon experience: Having my two sons waiting for me at the finish line
Benjamin Tarbutton, 41, Mancelona, MI
Teacher/Athletic Director Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 16th
Attracted to the Marathon by: New challenge to train for other than running
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first marathon
14
Team sponsors: Hall Construction
Dodd Yeager, 32, Seguin, TX
Merchant Marine Officer Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 12th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Fast teams and cold water
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with man, myth and legend Billy T in the 2025 marathon.
Bill Torongo, 64, Grayling, MI
Unemployed Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 40 Finishes: 36 Best finish: 2nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Fun
Memorable Marathon experience: Figuring out the registration.
Jacob Cramer
Team sponsors: Gallagher’s Sports Bar & Grill, Handrichs Tree Service
Mickey Kimsel, 52, Bay City, MI
Sheriff’s Deputy Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 71st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Brother racing
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling through the fog last year and coming up on a log jam full of boats
Jacob Cramer, 31, Pinconning, MI
Appliance Repair Tech Most recent ARCM: 2024
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 87th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge and beauty of the river
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first Marathon in 2024
Louis-Simon Pruneau Kyle
Stonehouse
Team sponsors: Five Buds Cannabis, ZRE
Louis-Simon Pruneau, 28, Shawinigan, Quebec
Federal Worker Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 8th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The excitement around the race
Favorite place to paddle: Beau-Rivage
Kyle Stonehouse, 32, Grayling, MI
Grass Salesman
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 12 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 6th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Competition
Favorite place to paddle: Canoe Camp
Travis Mecklenburg Logan Mynar
Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS Black Diamond Broadcasting, Kodiak Group
Travis Mecklenburg, 23, Grayling, MI
Design Engineer
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 1st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Feeding for my dad in 2021
Memorable Marathon experience: Seeing family and friends at the finish line
Logan Mynar, 35, New Braunfels, TX
Attorney
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 3rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition and the devoted fans.
Memorable Marathon experience: First top-five finish with brother, Kyle.
Team sponsors: AuSable Inn, JDL Excavating
Logan Lammi, 24, Oscoda, MI
Plumber
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 59th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Living in Oscoda and watching the finish
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first marathon with one of my best friends
Caleb Watson, 24, Oscoda, MI
Michigan State Police Trooper
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 30th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up watching the finish line in Oscoda
Memorable Marathon experience: Coming across Mio pond witnessing shooting stars in 2023
Team sponsors: DuBois Lumber, Northbound Outfitters
Mikaela Ashton, 29, Grayling, MI
Northbound Outfitters ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: I can’t remember a year in my entire life in which I wasn’t chasing a boat (or boats) down the river on Marathon Weekend!
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching my dad come in third place in 2009 was such a memorable moment for me!
Matthew Ashton, 47, Grayling, MI
Dubois Lumber Most recent ARCM: 2015 ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 3rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: It runs through our front yard.
Memorable Marathon experience: All the long hard training runs with family and friends.
Team sponsors: Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, Plummer Cousin Squad
Peter Mead, 45, Traverse City, MI
Teacher
Most recent ARCM 2025 ARCM starts: 25 Finishes: 21 Best finish: 3rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon was always a part of the community. Watching the paddlers, hearing the stories and seeing the dedication and determination of the competitors inspired me from a young age.
Memorable Marathon experience: My most memorable Marathon experience was finishing the race with Al …crossing the finish line together was a moment of pride, accomplishment, and relief.
Renaud Flageole, 19, Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Quebec
Financial Security Advisor Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 10th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The crowd and the distance
Memorable Marathon experience: First finish with my dad
Theo Kolka, 28, Grayling, MI Industrial Maintenance
ARCM
Memorable
Team sponsors: Proprio Direct Yves Boisvert, Coffrage Pelletier Eric Gagnon, 47, Shawinigan, Quebec MecBat Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 7th Attracted to the Marathon by: Best race in the world
Memorable Marathon experience: All of the Marathon
ARCM
Adelaide Rolls, 18, Wimberly, TX
Student
Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 66th
Attracted to the Marathon by: My dad
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with my dad
Virginia Parker, 47, Martindale, TX
Executive Director, San Marcos River Foundation Most recent ARCM: 2021
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 37th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenging race with fabulous people
Memorable Marathon experience: Winning women’s with Kaitlin in 2021
Mickey Kimsel
Mikaela Ashton
Matthew Ashton
Logan Lammi Caleb Watson
19 Ryan Newberry
Christopher Frederick
Team sponsors: Soggy Bottom Laundry, Jiffy
Ryan Newberry, 33, South Rockwood, MI
Cable Rigger/Puller
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: The community
Christopher Frederick, 36, Flatrock, MI
Police Officer
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching it in person THURS. 6:48
Shadley Alan Putnam
Team sponsors: Horizon Overhead Door, Control Net
Rob Shadley, 42, Cass City, MI
Entrepreneur
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 16th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The physical challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: Having my family and friends here cheering me on
Alan Putnam, 40, Linden, MI
Building Automation
24
Austin Henchey
Joseph Allison
Team sponsors: TFI (Track & Field Installers), 1Slice New York Cannabis Company
Austin Henchey, 37, Otego, NY
Toyota Sales Professional Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 24th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The stories I heard from the late Mike “Pacman” Packard about the race’s history, the great athletes who came before us and the obstacles they overcame
Memorable Marathon experience: Being able to finish my first AuSable with a brother that brought me into the canoe world, Jake Crotser.
Joseph Allison, 44, Morris, NY
Molder, Amphenol Aerospace Most recent ARCM 2025 ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 37th
Attracted to the Marathon by The competition, good people, and the challenge Memorable experience: Crossing the finish in my first marathon
28 Connor Landick
Steve Landick
Team sponsors: Verlen Kruger Legacy, Red Leaf Designs
Connor Landick, 36, Ishpeming, MI
Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 12th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Racing with my dad
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with my dad
Steve Landick, 73, Marquette, MI
Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 17 Finishes: 16 Best finish: 4th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The fun of it
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with my son
Lauren Langley
Carrie Montgomery
Team sponsors: P&L Development, JDL Excavation & Services
Lauren Langley, 24, Oscoda, MI
English Teacher at Alpena High School
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: My why has always been “do hard things!” I was attracted to the challenge of it all!
Carrie Montgomery, 56, Mikado, MI
Retired Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 22 Finishes: 22 Best finish: 16th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching my brother
Phil Trudgeon and Tim Krey compete in the AuSable Canoe Marathon in 1980
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing
William
Orr Matthew Orr Jackson Tucker Colin Hunter
Team sponsors: Happi Burris, HomeWaters Real Estate
William Orr, 17, Kingsbury, TX
Ranch Hand
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 53rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: The Issendorf family
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing
Matthew Orr, 16, Kingsbury, TX
Ranch Hand
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 27th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: Flipping at Camp 10 Pond and finding a log in the middle to turn the boat back over in the middle of the lake.
Case Kittel
Ross Kittel
Team sponsors: Apex Clean Energy, Huron River Watershed Council
Case Kittel, 31, Dexter, MI
Civil Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 58th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The pain, the glory, and the look on friend’s faces when you tell them you paddled 120 miles straight
Memorable Marathon experience: Singing “Happy Birthday” to my brother in the boat as the clock struck midnight on his birthday during our rookie Marathon
Ross Kittel, 34, Lake In the Hills, IL
Civil Engineer
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 58th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Sounded like a good idea at the time
Memorable Marathon experience: My brother singing “Happy Birthday” to me in the middle of the night
Mecklenburg Guy Rousseau
Team sponsors: Paddle Hard Brewing Company
Dan Mecklenburg, 64, Grayling, MI
Retired research engineer at OSU
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 17th
Attracted to the Marathon by: This is where the competition is and the river is awesome
Memorable Marathon experience: Sitting in a vice clamp when my seat broke in half at the start
Guy Rousseau, 63, Trois-Rivières, Quebec
Retired
Most recent ARCM: 2024
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 6th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: 2004 – the fog year !
Team sponsors: Gaylord Community Funeral Home, Penrod’s AuSable Canoe & Kayak
Anthony Fisher, 22, Grayling, MI
River Rat at Penrod’s Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 57th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Being local in Grayling and seeing all the paddlers making it look easy
Memorable Marathon experience: My first ever finish. Will never forget that feeling.
David Smith, 42, Gaylord, MI
Assistant Principal & Athletic Director
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 19th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The opportunity to push the body and mind to its limit
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing strong passing 4 boats from Foote pond on
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 53rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: The Issendorf family
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing
26
Dalman
Team sponsors: Spiz, Grand River Plumbing
Douglas Dalman, 51, Coopersville, MI
Plumbing Contractor Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 13th
Attracted to the Marathon by: I wanted to see if I could finish it
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling in the fog is always challenging and a memorable experience
Brad Wilson, 44, Rockford, MI
Teacher
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 18 Finishes: 17 Best finish: 14th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling and the challenge of the race
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing at 15 years old
Kevin Ornatowski Terry Curley
Team sponsors: Dr. Michele Stockton Tawas Chiropractor Center, Trans Auto Glass Oscoda
Kevin Ornatowski, 68, Tawas City, MI
Retired
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 28th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Frank Smutek
Memorable Marathon experience: Finish with Joey Kimsel
Terry Curley, 66, East Tawas, MI
Retired
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 28th
Attracted to the Marathon by: My family
Memorable Marathon experience: Having my family as feeders
Team sponsors: Grayling Restaurant
Michael Garon, 68, Washington Twp., MI
Retired Clinical Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 30 Finishes: 30 Best finish: 19th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge of an allnight race
Memorable Marathon experience: The 2004 marathon, the year of the fog, it was so foggy you could not see your partner. Becoming the Senior and Veteran division champs with my partner Doug Gillin in 2009 and 2019
Doug Gillin, 67, Adrian, MI
Carpenter Most recent ARCM: 2022
ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 13th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The river, the challenge, the people associated with the race
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing with my grandson in 2022
Team sponsors: Abe’s Concrete,
Certified Tile Installers of West Michigan
Jackson Tucker, 29, Grand Rapids, MI
Tile Installer
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 14th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The beauty of the AuSable River Valley
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching Mike Schlimmer projectile vomit in the last 25 minutes of last year’s race
Colin Hunter, 45, Grayling, MI
Judge
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 25 Finishes: 25 Best finish: 6th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Blisters
Memorable Marathon experience: Every. Single. Finish.
27
Team sponsors: Donovan Sheet Metal, Dirigo Earthwork
River Robertson, 34, North Berwick, ME
Construction Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 51st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: Ooohhhhyaaaaa
Shane MacDowell, 38, Somersworth, NH
Cross Country Ski Coach
Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 4th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The adventure of racing through the night
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with Pete Mead and being attacked by ducks in the middle of the night
Team sponsors: Grayling Restaurant, Woodland Motor Lodge
Greg Zophy, 69, Saint Paul, MN Dog Sitter
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 14 Finishes: 12 Best finish: 30th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Wanted to be a part of this great event. And eating at Grayling Restaurant every day
Memorable Marathon experience: The stars and night and all the friendships made Deb Brax, 64, DeRuyter, NY
Retired Kindergarten Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 39th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The energy, excitement and enthusiasm from not only the racers, but also the spectators
Memorable Marathon experience: Spotting a muchneeded abandoned campfire, blazing at a riverside cottage after flipping on a very cold, foggy night somewhere between Mio and McKinley back in 2018
Rebecca Davis
Mandy Trudgeon
3:16
Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, Redleaf Designs
Rebecca Davis, 36, Homer, MI
Farmer
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 12 Finishes: 12 Best finish: 9th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching family and friends race.
Memorable Marathon experience: Getting to race with both of my parents
Mandy Trudgeon, 45, East Lansing, MI
Registered Nurse Most recent ARCM: 2017 ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 13th
Attracted to the Marathon by: My family and the challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling with and racing against so many different family members
Greg Zophy
Deb Brax
Anthony Fisher
David Smith
Michael Garon Doug Gillin
Matthew Wigton
Brigid DeLeo
Matthew Wigton, 52, Gaylord, MI
Catholic Priest
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 70th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Love of the outdoors and exercise
Memorable Marathon experience: Completing the first Marathon
Brigid DeLeo, 54, Gaylord, MI
Nurse Practitioner
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 70th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: All of them, but my first was most memorable
43
Mike “Buzzy” Hartman
Zac Rochette
Team sponsors: Rolling Oak Brewery
Mike “Buzzy” Hartman, 50, Grayling, MI
Special Education Supervisor
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 22 Finishes: 21 Best finish 14th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Racing through the night was the first thing that got me interested in racing in the Marathon
Memorable Marathon experience: Every finish is amazing, whether my best race or one that didn’t go as planned; finishing is something special.
Zac Rochette, 35, Grayling, MI
Equipment Operator Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 26th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up watching the race
Memorable Marathon experience: Crossing Mio Dam for the first time
47 Jeff DeFeo Peyton Zigila
Jeff DeFeo, 71, Montgomery, MA
Home Builder Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 25 Finishes: 23 Best finish: 34th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Survived the Clinton in 1996 and decided to try the Marathon
Memorable Marathon experience: The fog and cold of 2004
Peyton Zigila, 30, Grayling, MI
Army Occupational Health and Safety Officer
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: I have fed for 7 years and figured I might as well give it a shot
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching friends cross the finish line
52
Owen VanDeVen
Todd VanDeVen
Team sponsors: Ideal Electric, Sandy Moore
Owen VanDeVen, 17, Grayling, MI
Student
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: My dad having done the Marathon and wanting to race with him
Memorable Marathon experience: I haven’t raced it yet, but running with Liam Mahaffy as a feeder at Alcona
Todd VanDeVen, 54, Grayling, MI
Retired Active Duty Military Most recent ARCM: 2010
ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 16th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling, and my neighbor, Jim Corlew, did it.
Memorable Marathon experience: My partner, Eric Swander, and I were the first all 15-year-old team to finish in 1987
Charles Darchen
Gabriel La Rose
Team sponsors: The E, Grayling Insurance
Charles Darchen, 33, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Quebec
Operator, Aluminium Factory
Most recent ARCM: 2019
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 18th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Accomplishment
Memorable Marathon experience: 2019 with Jon Webb
Gabriel La Rose, 30, Shawinigan-Sud, Quebec
Dentist
Most recent ARCM: 2016
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 29th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Test my limit
Memorable Marathon experience: Crossing the line even if I had been sick for the last eight hours
44
Ethan Kucharek Flash Marsh
Team sponsors: Borchers Canoe and Kayak, Esch’s Septic Service
Ethan Kucharek, 20, Grayling, MI
College Student
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 44th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up and watching it every summer
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing with my dad last year
Flash Marsh, 49, Mio, MI
Teacher
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 18 Finishes: 18 Best finish: 18th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Feeding the Smuteks back in 1998
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling in the fog in 2004
48 Luke
van der Veur Zachary Craft
Team sponsors: Alro Steel, Saab
Luke van der Veur, 30, Warnerville, NY Forester
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Looks awesome and a great way to test my endurance. I’ve completed the 70 several times.
Zachary Craft, 24, Unadilla, NY Land Survey Technician
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
53 Sean Brabant Mason Hodnett
Team sponsors: Skye High Gymnastics Center, St. Helen Realty
Sean Brabant, 36, Roscommon, MI
Pharmaceutical Sales Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 23rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in the area and witnessing the tradition
Memorable Marathon experience: Seeing the finish line bridge and knowing all the work was worth it
Mason Hodnett, 17, Roscommon, MI
Student Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 61st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Being a feeder
Memorable Marathon experience: A goose trying to eat my dad
Fred Mills
Brady Lineman
WED. 4:28 P.M.
Team sponsors: Goldfish Swim Schools, Literati Bookstore
Fred Mills, 72, Roscommon, MI
Builder Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 28 Finishes: 27 Best finish: 12th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Camping trip Grayling to Oscoda when we were little and dad told us about the race.
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing with my brother, Tom Brady Lineman, 62, Grayling, MI
Retired State Trooper Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 92nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: The excitement of watching the start of the race for several years and eventually meeting Fred
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing and paddling through the night
45
Alan Hamel
Mick Lovely
Team sponsors: Jack’s Fruit and Meat Market
Alan Hamel, 60, Spring, TX Retired
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Friend recommended
Mick Lovely, 60, Spring, TX Retired Teacher
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: My parents use to own Carlisle Canoes and would watch the race every year and cheer on all my favorite paddlers, Butch, Big John and Jeff
Memorable Marathon experience: Following the race online and seeing Jeff and Serge win the race by seconds
50 Bill Mahaffy Jr. Meghan Flack
WED. 6:12 P.M.
Team sponsors: CanoeRaceWorld - The Podcast Bill Mahaffy Jr., 45, Grayling, MI
Minnow Farmer Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts 9 Finishes 8 Best finish: 49th
Attracted to the Marathon by: There’s like 120 miles of prime minnow farming water. So many minnows. So, so many minnows
Memorable Marathon experience: In 2023 I tipped in between McKinley and 4001 when we hit a rock. For a brief moment, I was underwater looking at all the glorious minnows. And I guess, finishing the marathon with my son in 2025
Meghan Flack, 23, Needham, MA
Student Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 82nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Peer pressure
Memorable experience: Getting to follow Bruce Barton through the stump field last year, absolutely legendary.
54 Doug DeLeo Lynne Witte
Team sponsors: Penrod’s AuSable Canoe & Kayak
Doug DeLeo, 53, Gaylord, MI
Parole Agent Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: When my daughter fell asleep and flipped us
Lynne Witte, 72, Cheboygan, MI
Dog Musher/Retired Teacher
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 45 Finishes: 43 Best finish: 4th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge myself
Memorable Marathon experience: Many years, many amazing partners. Paddling under moonlight then dense fog to find our way to Alcona Dam using my compass and river knowledge
42 Dana Henry Joe Manns
Team sponsors: Fick & Sons, Holiday Inn Express, Oscoda
Dana Henry, 51, Plymouth, MN
Project Manager
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Fellow paddlers
Joe Manns, 61, Maplewood, MN
Sewer Engineer Most recent ARCM: 2024
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 25th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Initially it was the challenge of such a long race, but after doing it, what stands out the most now is how involved the community is in the event
Memorable Marathon experience: Having our light die just before the Mio cuts
46
Travis S. VanDeCasteele
Travis P. VanDeCasteele
Team sponsors: Weyerhauser, Archie’s Social House
Travis S. VanDeCasteele, 22, Grayling, MI
Operator at Weyerhaeuser
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: My older brother asked me to be his partner
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching all of the boats come and go while feeding for my older brother
Travis P. VanDeCasteele, 29, Grayling, MI
Police Officer Most recent ARCM: 2021
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 72nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Grew up in Grayling
Memorable Marathon experience: Foote Pond waves in 2021
51 Pam Fitzgerald Neal Sand
Team sponsors: Kodiak Group, Suburban Bolt
Pam Fitzgerald, 65, Scotia, NY
Athletic Trainer
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 51st
Attracted to the Marathon by: The thrill of paddling at night
Memorable Marathon experience: Seeing a bear
Neal Sand, 61, Milton, VT
Athletic Trainer Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 25th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Racing through the night
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling in the fog in 2004
55 Mike Davis
Guillaume Blais
Team sponsors: 98.5 WUPS, Zaveral Racing Equipment
Mike Davis, 35, Homer, MI
Hog Farmer
ARCM starts: 15 Finishes
Most recent ARCM: 2025
Attracted
Memorable
Guillaume Blais, 40, Saint-Boniface, QC Director of Maintenance and Mobile Fleet
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 1st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge Memorable Marathon experience: Winning with Mike in 2024
Yvon Dufour
Jon Webb
WED.
Team sponsors: Rose City Chiropractic Clinic, Vinnie’s AuSable Hardware of Oscoda
Yvon Dufour, 62, Grayling
Retired from State of MI
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 56th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling under the bridges with the deafening cheers of spectators
Jon Webb, 66, Mio, MI
Retired teacher Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 30 Finishes: 29 Best finish: 15th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge of paddling all night and into the next day to complete the Marathon
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling into the darkness with our lights off and witnessing a lighting storm in front of us in the distance
62 Spencer Oppermann
Brennan Berkshire
Team sponsors: Duch Electric, Vision Source of Gaylord
Spencer Oppermann, 23, Gaylord, MI
Musician Most recent ARCM: 2024
ARCM starts 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 70th
Attracted to the Marathon by: As a kid I grew up watching the Marathon so I always looked up to the paddlers. Now, I am drawn to the physical and mental challenge of the race as well as the beauty of the river
Memorable Marathon experience: Longtime marathon volunteer Mark Sloan yelling “Spencer you’re an animal” as I pulled up to Mio Dam in my first-ever Marathon
Brennan Berkshire, 22, Gaylord, MI
Student Most recent ARCM: 2022
ARCM starts 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 70th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The fans
Memorable Marathon experience: Crossing Mio Dam my first marathon
66
Ted Kenyon
Theo Kenyon
Team sponsors: Billy Goat Boats, Forward Energy
Ted Kenyon, 54, Montville, CT
Private H.S. Administrator Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 51st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Its reputation as one of the most challenging and respected endurance paddling events in the country. I am also drawn to the tradition and community surrounding the race…
Memorable Marathon experience: My most memorable Marathon experience was completing the race last year with my son, Theo.
Theo Kenyon, 17, Montville, CT
Electrical Apprentice Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 60th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Chance to race against the best paddlers in the most prestigious race
Memorable Marathon experience: Slipping at Foote
Dam and dropping the canoe on my head last year
70
René Joly
Patrick Armstrong
Team sponsors: Kodiak, Local 85
René Joly, 70, Lac-à-la-Tortue, Quebec
Retired Most recent ARCM: 2018
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3
Memorable
Construction
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 4th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Long race
Memorable Marathon experience: Finish on sprint at my first year
Chandler
Brenda Carlson-Brown
Team sponsors: Clearwater Drilling, Lost Arrow Sports
Mari Chandler, 50, East Tawas, MI
Landscaper
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 89th
Attracted to the Marathon by: I wanted do the race that I have heard about my whole life
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing last year’s Marathon
Brenda Carlson-Brown, 65, Grayling, MI
Well Driller
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 19th
Attracted to the Marathon by: A good friend asked me to race with her
Memorable Marathon experience: Last year with partner, Mari. Had so much fun after taking 25 years off from the Marathon
63
Ryan Zaveral Matt Meersman
Team sponsors: ZRE, Infinity Ski Poles
Ryan Zaveral, 33, Grayling, MI
Carbon Fiber Paddle and Ski Pole Composite Tech
Most recent ARCM: 2024
ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 2nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: I got into racing because of my dad
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing second place with Weston. We had a fun and rewarding race
Matt Meersman, 49, South Bend, IN
Storyteller
Most recent ARCM: 2024
ARCM starts: 17 Finishes: 17 Best finish: 1st
Attracted to the Marathon by: The opportunity to paddle all the way to Oscoda while being followed and supported by friends and family.
Memorable Marathon experience: Being surprised by my mom in the morning at my first Marathon
67
Roy Sowersby
Nickie Owens
Team sponsors: Regen Trucking, Bigfoot Endurance Sports
Roy Sowersby, 65, Dearborn Heights, MI
Retired Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 44th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Paddling in the dark
Memorable Marathon experience: Finish line
Nickie Owens, 48, Gaylord, MI
RN/Firefighter/AEMT Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 12 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 56th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling and watching it every year
Memorable Marathon experience: Hearing my kids yelling “Go mom” from the bank
David Hawkins
Rebecca Sutter
Team sponsors: Craig Hinkle, Re/Max of Grayling
David Hawkins, 44, Grayling, MI
Sales
Team sponsors: Kirtland Community College
Michael “Jason” Cade, 54, San Marcos, TX Engineer
Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 43rd Attracted to the Marathon by: Seems like a good time. Maybe
Memorable Marathon experience: Went in a big circle on Loud in 2021
Shawn Boyett, 53, New Braunfels, TX Finance
Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 43rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: The love of canoe racing
Memorable Marathon experience: Dragging a bottle by the hose for a mile unknowingly
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 32nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first Marathon
Rebecca Sutter, 57, Jay, NY
Teacher
ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 35th
61
Sylvain Doré
Patrice Deslauriers
Team sponsors: Munson Healthcare, Grayling
Sylvain Doré, 61, Ferme-Neuve, Quebec
Professeur
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Patrice Deslauriers, 66, Mont-Laurier, Quebec
Retired
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Most recent ARCM: 2025
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and the community of canoe racing
Memorable Marathon experience: It’s all a blur at this point WED. 4:20 P.M.
64
Frances Hiscox
Sarah Lessard
THURS. 5:36 P.M.
Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, Zaveral Racing Equipment
Frances Hiscox, 41, Newton, MA
Supervisor Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best finish 37th
Attracted to the Marathon by: It seemed like racing it could be another great bad idea
Memorable Marathon experience: There are too many to choose from! Sunrise on the race course, fog at the start, hitting a flock of geese in the night, the sheer madness of the start
Sarah Lessard, 38, Les Cèdres, QC
Physical Education Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 16th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Jeff DeFeo talked to me about the event and now I’m addicted to it
Memorable Marathon experience: The best Marathon memories are always made the week before the actual race when I get to hang out with my Michigan family
68
Jason Hatfield Sean Casey
Team sponsors: Deer Camp Coffee of Mio, Kodiak Group
Jason Hatfield, 48, Grayling, MI
Truck Driver
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 19 Finishes: 19 Best finish: 8th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing all my Marathon partners
Sean Casey, 48, Grayling, MI
Video Editor Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 22 Finishes: 19 Best finish: 12th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching the race while growing up in Grayling
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing with Al Widing Sr.
73
Andrew Benkovsky
Townsend Montgomery
Team sponsors: MOO-ville, Elite Property Professionals LLC
Andrew Benkovsky, 33, Nashville, MI
Manager MOO-ville Creamery
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Townsend Montgomery, 32, Grayling, MI
Construction
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Spectating in 2025
Memorable Marathon experience: The Le Mans start
Attracted to the Marathon by: Challenge, do the Triple Crown one time in my life
65
Chris Ecker
Team sponsors: Outdoor Equipment Co. of
Houghton Lake, Camping World of Houghton Lake
Jeff Knaus, 46, Oxford, MI
Teacher
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0
Most recent ARCM: 2025
Attracted to the Marathon by: Beautiful river, beautiful boats
Memorable Marathon experience: Pile up of boats after a log broke loose and blocked one of the cuts
Chris Ecker, 62, Houghton Lake, MI
Finance Manager Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 46th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition, the camaraderie and the feeling of accomplishment
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling alongside Lynne Witte my rookie year
Jerry Killingbeck
Team sponsors: Troy Martin at Garber Chevrolet Saginaw, Barnacle Bills in Tawas
Bryce Martin, 33, Grayling, MI
Oilfield Worker Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 36th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Friends who had competed in it
Memorable Marathon experience: My son watching me cross the finish line in a top 40 spot for his firstever marathon experience.
Jerry Killingbeck, 57, East Tawas, MI
Machinist Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 19 Finishes: 14 Best finish: 31st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Friends and family
Memorable Marathon experience: Hoping to make it this year
74 Seth Miller Stephen Miller
Team sponsors: Oscoda Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Seth Miller, 59, Norwood, MA
PCA
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 25th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition
Memorable Marathon experience: High water year
Stephen Miller, 61, Groton, MA
Engineer
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 25th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: The quiet on the road just before the start
Jeff Knaus
Jacob Crowell, 39, South Boardman, MI
Controls Engineer
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Personal goal
Memorable Marathon experience: The boat length finish a decade ago
Scott Stewart, 39, South Boardman, MI
Automation Engineer
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: I’ve spectated for years and always wanted to do the race. This is the year!
Memorable Marathon experience: It’s been a great adventure training, practicing and learning
82
Travis Kent Wade Binion
Team sponsors: Cabin UpNorth, LLC
Travis Kent, 50, Alleyton, TX
Criminal Investigator Most recent ARCM: 2014
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 22nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Family tradition
Memorable Marathon experience: My first Marathon with my uncle, Clark Kent, and paddling with Frank Smutek during his last marathon in 2014
Wade Binion, 47, College Station, TX
Building Consultant
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 16th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The competition and scenery
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling with family and friends
86
Chris Kucharek Garrett Ziegler
Team sponsors: Borchers AuSable Canoe & Kayak, Ferrigan Construction
Chris Kucharek, 48, Grayling, MI
Science Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 24th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Family tradition. As a kid I grew up feeding for my uncle, Hank Feldhauser
Memorable experience: Finishing and winning the YouthAdult Division for the 2025 Marathon with my son, Ethan Garrett Ziegler, 42, Grand Rapids, MI
Community Food Systems Educator Most recent: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes 4 Best finish: 21st
Attracted to the Marathon by: I loved the uniqueness of the race and the challenge of paddling through the night….
Memorable experience: Pulling over in Foote Pond so my partner could get out and pee. Just happened to be right in front of about 20 pontoon boats. He got a loud cheer for getting emptying his bladder.
90
Austin Weiler
Lydia Huelskamp
Team sponsors: 98.5 UPS, Moore’s Automotive - NAPA Auto Parts
Austin Weiler, 34, Roscommon, MI
Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 11 Best finish: 11th
Attracted to the Marathon by: It’s been part of my family since before I was born
Memorable Marathon experience: Waving to my daughters just after Foote Dam
Lydia Huelskamp, 34, Williamsport, PA
Dir. of Outdoor Leadership and Education
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 18th
Attracted to the Marathon by: All the other Texans hyping it up
Memorable Marathon experience: Hearing my dad yell “Go Ste, Genevieve!” whenever he’s cheering me on
78
Michael Schlimmer
Eve Chamberland
Team sponsors: Zaveral Racing Equipment, Paddle Hard Brewing
Michael Schlimmer, 40, Cortland, NY
Pushing Buttons
ARCM starts: 17 Finishes: 17 Best finish: 3rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Hearing about it from friends and family
Memorable experience: Passing a lot of boats in the last few hours of the race to get 10th a few years ago.
Communications Advisor
Most recent ARCM: 2025
Eve Chamberland, 34, Shawinigan, Quebec
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 4 Finishes 4 Best finish: 10th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The hype around the event
Memorable experience: Seeing my partner, Mike, puking his power gels. Then, passing five boats from Foote to finish with the second best split time for that leg and an overall top 10! THURS.
83
Josh Ball
Michael Hodnett
Team sponsors: St. Helen Realty, Safety to Life
Josh Ball, 39, Roscommon, MI
UPS Manager
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0
Most recent ARCM: 2022
Attracted to the Marathon by: I have a deep love of the river and enjoy showing my children we can do hard things
Michael Hodnett, 43, Roscommon, MI
Healthcare Administrator
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 61st
Attracted to the Marathon by: The local fun
Memorable Marathon experience: My first finish with my kid in 2024
87 Jacob Hartman Mike Hale
Team sponsors: Mimi & Pipi’s Casa Italiana Restaurant, ZRE Racing Paddles
Jacob Hartman, 20, Grayling, MI
Electrician
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 57th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up in Grayling
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing with my good buddies
Jacob Hartman, 42, Grayling, MI
Owner, Ole Dam Party Store
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 19th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up and living in Grayling my entire life
Memorable Marathon experience: My first top 20 finish in 2022 with Buzzy Hartman
Medina
91
Team sponsors: AuSable Eye Care, Lost Dog Motorcycles
Daniel Medina, 32, Roscommon, MI
Logistics Coordinator Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 16 Finishes: 14 Best finish: 3rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching Jeff and Serge as a kid
Memorable Marathon experience: Starting pole position
Cecili Bugge, 26, Roscommon, MI
Optician Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 22nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: All my friends were doing it
Memorable Marathon experience: Getting to race next to my friends all night long
79
Jonathan George Jason Sharpe
Team sponsors: Two Rare, Five Buds
Jonathan George, 36 , Frederic, MI
Bandit
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 26th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The unending Challange
Memorable Marathon experience: Racing the Marathon with Fred Mills, passing 37 boats through the night.
Jason Sharpe, 38, Roscommon, MI
Self-Employed
Most recent ARCM: 2025
Andy Hall
Bridget Hall
Team sponsors: Red Leaf Designs, F&V
Andy Hall, 54, Arlington, MA
General Contractor
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 6 Best finish: 19th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling down from Mio with no light and no other boats around when our light failed in 2019. The sky was amazing. Or perhaps, the amount of water that was coming out of Five Channels Dam in 2021…
Most recent ARCM: 2022
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 30th WED. 5:56 P.M.
Phill Millspaugh
Paddi Thornburg
Team sponsors: Top Knot Grooming, Drake’s Fly Shop
Phil Millspaugh, 41, Farmington, NY
Veterinarian
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 11 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 12th
Attracted to the Marathon by: It looked like fun
Memorable Marathon experience: Helping a team fix their headlight to then be left behind once they could see
Paddi Thornburg, 63, Athens, MI
Pet Groomer
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 63rd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching the start
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching the falling stars below Mio
88
Eric Dittenber Bryan Bearss
WED. 4:00 P.M.
Team sponsors: Rolling Oak, Morgan Robinson NextHome Up North Eric Dittenber, 49, Traverse City, MI
Statistical Analyst Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 12 Finishes: 9 Best finish: 27th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching my godfather, Doug Killingbeck, race in the 80s and 90s, trying to stay up all night to watch him and his partner, Jessie Gordon, race. I was sold right away
Memorable experience: My 1st finish in 2008 with Frank Taber. But anytime you cross the finish line in this race is special
Bryan Bearss, 49, Grayling, MI
Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 41st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Adventure and competition on the river I grew up on.
Memorable experience: Making lifelong friends through racing and training.
Team sponsors: River Ranch Campground, Headquarters Ranch
Joel Truitt, 42, Marana, AZ
Strategic Category Mgr.
Most recent ARCM: 2017
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 32nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: I have raced the Texas Water Safari, and it is always on my radar
Memorable Marathon experience: Paddling across Mio in a pack
Gwen Truitt, 42, Marana, AZ
Paralegal
Most recent ARCM: 2021
ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 24th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Family tradition/Growing up in Grayling - Related to the Kolkas and my late father, Joseph Seifert raced when I was younger. I got dragged to all the races and got hooked by association
Memorable Marathon experience: 2016 - Nate Winkler and I carried some of my Dad’s ashes with us the whole way
Bridget Hall, 24, Arlington, MA
Student
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: I was looking for a new challenge to train for. Plus I was dragged into it a little bit by my dad ;)
Sylvie Nadeau
Gloria Wesley
Team sponsors: Northbound Outfitters, Treasure Title Service
Sylvie Nadeau, 51, Saint-Jérôme, Quebec
Police Officer
Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 34th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge of the night race
Memorable Marathon experience: My first finish with Ken Kolonich
Gloria Wesley, 66, Pittsfield, MA
Retired
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 17 Finishes: 17 Best finish: 15th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The adventure
Memorable Marathon experience: Breaking point to point records with Holly Trudgeon in 2013
89 Rich Lauth Mary Schlimmer-Willoughby
Team sponsors: Schlimmer Paddle Sacks
Lauth, 53, Grosse Ile, MI
Engineering Design Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 13 Finishes: 13 Best finish: 8th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The great outdoors Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first one
Mary Schlimmer-Willoughby, 35, Traverse City, MI
Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 10 Finishes: 10 Best finish: 4th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching my brothers race
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching “Turbo” Tim turn on the turbo from Foote to finish
Team sponsors: Finley’s Riverside Cabins, Grayling Pharmacy
Judson Steinback, 45, La Crosse, WI
Landscaper Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 31st
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge, the competition, the beauty of the river, the history and the community of incredible paddlers
Memorable experience: Surfing waves on Foote with Dan Goltz
Maria Schilling, 53, Minneapolis, MN
H.S. PE/Health Teacher Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 29th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The people, the competition, the challenge, the love of the sport
Memorable experience: In 2025, Jess Kozarek and I paddling through Cooke and Foote with Craig Stolen and Allie Rykken after both having between a 20 to 45 minute unplanned pause in our respective races
Judson Steinback
Maria Schilling
Austin Poland
94 Rodney Elliott
Team sponsors: North Star Auto Wash, DoTERRA
Rodney Elliott, 59, Grayling, MI
Construction Most recent ARCM: 2024 ARCM starts: 8 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 49th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Looked fun and someday will go with my daughter
Memorable Marathon experience: Hitting a huge rock a few miles before 4001
Austin Poland, 27, Oscoda, MI
Golf Simulator Installer Most recent ARCM: 2023
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 58th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Family members competing
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing the Marathon for the first time
99 Weston Willoughby Dane Trudgeon
Team sponsors: Woodland Homecare, Traverse City Firefighters Local 646
Weston Willoughby, 35, Traverse City, MI
Firefighter Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 12 Finishes: 12 Best finish: 1st
Attracted to the Marathon by: Initially the challenge, since then the competition and community have kept me coming back
Memorable Marathon experience: I’ve had a lot of special experiences, and being the first team to cross the finish line is hard to beat, but getting to Oscoda with Dane during his first Marathon is still my favorite. Dane Trudgeon, 19, Grayling, MI
Lawn Mower Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 6th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Family
Memorable Marathon experience: Foote to finish in 2022 with Weston
95 Wally Werderich
George Werderich
Team sponsors: Illinois Aviation Academy
Wally Werderich, 53, Yorkville, IL
Luchador
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 35th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The beauty of the river and the fierce competition of the race
Memorable experience: Competing and finishing with my son in his first Marathon with my family assisting as our crew. The race was truly a family effort, and it was amazing how we all worked together to have a great Marathon effort. Now we all are hooked on the ARCM
George Werderich, 21, Yorkville, IL
Fabricator
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 3 Best finish: 65th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The tradition, excitement and competition the race brings
Memorable experience: Crossing the finish line after my first Marathon, it was the most rewarding feeling I’ve ever felt
101
Dan Harazin
Kris Kalbfleisch
THURS. 6:32 P.M.
Team sponsors: Connected Soles, M&C’s Dock Service
Dan Harazin, 29, Watervliet, MI
Accounting & Finance
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 79th
Attracted to the Marathon by: I wanted to prove to myself that I could go the distance
Memorable experience: Finishing second-to-last in 2024
Kris Kalbflieisch, 42, Mio, MI
Most recent ARCM: 2025
Heavy Equip. Op.-Michigan Army National Guard
ARCM starts: 5 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 58th
Attracted to the Marathon by: It was either rapping or paddlin’, and I ain’t going platinum
Memorable experience: Getting his partner Dan Harazin to finish in only his second marathon, one hour and six minutes faster than his previous year
96
Evan McKenzie Kyler McKenzie
THURS. 7:00 P.M.
Team sponsors: Kirtland Agency, Industrial Magnetics
Evan McKenzie, 26, Elmira, MI
Software Developer ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge, something about pushing yourself to see what you can accomplish. And the prestige of being able to say (God willing) that you completed it
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching my dad portage Mio Dam in his first-ever race, seeing how determined him and his partner were after (in my childlike sense of time) an eternity in the boat and disappearing back into the darkness. Definitely inspiring Kyler McKenzie, 24, Lewiston, MI
Insurance Agent ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Grew up going to the Marathon
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching through the night
Tyler McClanahan
Ryan Anderson
WED. 5:08 P.M.
Team sponsors: Tooman Estate Planning, Morgan Robinson Realty
Tyler McClanahan, 30, Grayling, MI
Bartender Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 77th
Attracted to the Marathon by: My love for the AuSable
Memorable experience: Finishing my first race
Ryan Anderson, 25, Grayling, MI
PE Teacher at GMS
Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 77th
Attracted to the Marathon by: As a local I have always loved watching the Marathon, but seeing it through the lens of a feeder drove me to compete in this awesome race myself
Memorable experience: Finishing my rookie race with my partner last year, and seeing all the support from my loved ones!
97 Noah VanderVeen
Carson Burmeister
Team sponsors: Zaveral Racing Equipment, RE/MAX of Higgins Lake
Noah VanderVeen, 29, Tawas City, MI
Production Manager Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 4 Finishes: 4 Best finish: 15th
Attracted to the Marathon by: My wife, Josie, initially convinced me to give it a chance and the competition plus the community has kept me coming back.
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing my first Marathon with my wife, Josie VanderVeen
Carson Burmeister, 29, Skandia, MI
Business Banking Officer Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 9 Finishes: 8 Best finish: 5th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Growing up along the river and following the race as a young kid with my dad
Memorable Marathon experience: The next one
William Eisert, 27, Clarkston, MI
Digital Marketing Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best Finish: 99th
Attracted to the Marathon by: A friend and a dream to finish
Memorable Marathon experience: Spending hours on the river with my dad
Ryan Eisert, 52, Clarkston, MI
Advertising Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best Finish: 99th
Attracted to the Marathon by: My son
Memorable Marathon experience: Finishing in 2025
Team sponsor: Confluence Hydro, Halstead Game Processing
Stahl Urban, 49, Driftwood, TX
Land Managment
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Many of my paddler buddies in Central Texas highly recommend the race and the great people of Grayling, so we thought we would opt out of the Texas Water Safari this year and head north.
Welch Urban, 15, Driftwood, Tx Student
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Some of the Texas/ Belizean canoe racers love it
Team sponsors: Big Gator Painting, Grayling Baptist Church
David Burr, 24 Grayling, MI
Painter Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 3 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 46th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Chasing it through the night as a child
Memorable Marathon experience: Being apart of a massive prayer circle at the start with my family, friends and competitors
Nate Peer, 21, Roscommon, MI
Facility Management Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 46th
Memorable Marathon experience: My first marathon finish
Team sponsors: Quality Excavators, Solar Mounts Joey Tatar, 26, Marshall, MI
Director of Operations Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 72nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: I’ve been spectating the Marathon since I was a kid. Competed and finished our first Marathon last year, and had to come back for more!
Memorable Marathon experience: Crossing the finish line for the first time in 2025 with tons of friends and family there to support us
Cael Brennan, 27, Battle Creek, MI
Project Manager at Solar Engineering and Manufacturing Company Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 72nd
Attracted to the Marathon by: Fed for Braden and Dawson Cook 2024
Memorable Marathon experience: Navigating through the fog and darkness in the upper stretch of the river 2025
Team sponsors: Ford Motor Company, GSI Technology
Dane Dobleske, 25, Columbia, SC Law Student Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0
Attracted to Marathon: Grandparents live near Grayling and have followed the race for many years
Memorable Marathon experience: Unfortunately, not making the time cut
Jim Dobleske, 55, Tega Cay, SC Chair and CEO, Ford Motor Land Development Corporation Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching the start of the race and saying...one day I am going to do that!
Memorable Marathon experience: The start of the race is always the most memorable part of the race
Bruce Daman, 57, Fife Lake, MI
Nurse Practitioner Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 6 Finishes: 5 Best finish: 44th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Leather and lace
Memorable Marathon experience: Glowing orb above the river below Burtons
Katie Daman, 46, Fife Lake, MI
RN Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 67th
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching my husband compete in the marathon
Memorable Marathon experience: Having a great race with my husband last year THURS. 5:12 P.M.
Follow the Marathon
Joey Tatar Cael Brennan
Dane Dobleske Jim Dobleske 112
Bruce Daman
Daman
Team sponsors: Hendersonville Eye Health & Vision, Vision Source
Corbin Garnsey, 17, Castalian Springs, TN Student
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: To finish this time
Memorable experience: Sprinting across Mio Pond … watching as we passed huge stumps and logs that looked like the tentacles of a kraken…
Joshua Garnsey, 41, Castalian Springs, TN, Optometrist Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Family history in the race (4 generations long) and the love of paddling
Memorable experience: Our rookie year, my uncle told my son and I at Parmalee Bridge we were not on pace to make the Mio cutoff. As a Tennessee team, we pushed hard and did not miss any Mio Cuts. Then just after Camp 10, we hit a vertical post in the weeds so fast and hard that I almost fell out of my seat. However, we did not flip. …We made it with only 4 minutes to spare. THURS.
Team sponsors: Fischer Contracting, Burkkart-Presidio Insurance
Steve Servinski, 56, Midland, MI
Oarer
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: 98.5 the race on the radio
Memorable Marathon experience: About to find out
Mitch Willis, 54, Midland, MI
Customer Service Rep
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Years of watching with my brother and a list of people from my hometown, Homer, that have raced for years
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching with my brother and friend
L. J. Bourgeois
Team sponsors: AuSable Inn
L. J. Bourgeois, 49, Greenbush, MI
Aircraft Maint. Training Mgr. Most recent ARCM: 2024
ARCM starts: 7 Finishes: 7 Best finish: 45th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The grit of the competitors
Memorable Marathon experience: At the start another canoe lost control and jammed us into a sea wall. I broke my paddle and did a quick paddle change without missing a beat. We got away from the boat and back into the chaos of the start. That other boat didn’t finish but we did.
Scott Johnston, 39, Lowell, MI
Aviation Maint. Technician Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 46th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge and adventure of paddling through the night to Oscoda Memorable Marathon experience: Having my daughter cheer me on last year as she followed her first full Marathon through the night
Devin Wolever, 27, Traverse City, MI
Marketing Operations Mangager
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: My friends, Cael and Joey
Memorable Marathon experience: Feeding for Cael and Joey their rookie year
Barrett Bishop, 27, Traverse City, MI
Builder
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: A friend convinced me to hop in a canoe and it was just too much fun
Dan Stevens, 39, Ubly, MI
Lawn and Landscape Most recent ARCM: 2012
ARCM starts: 1 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 38th
Attracted to the Marathon by: My love for the river and learning how to evade swans during training sessions
Memorable Marathon experience: When Daniel Medina III and I passed six boats on Foote Dam and then two before Foote before finishing my first Marathon and his best (at the time)
Cody Whitman, 40, Topinabee, MI
Nubs Nobb Kitchen Mgr. ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Numerous years of watching the start from my uncle‘s yard, and following
Ethan Habasco, 29, Ellsworth, MI
Landscaper ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Was asked by a friend to try. Had never heard of it before.
Memorable Marathon experience: Training
Elliot Crouch, 20, Rapid City, MI
Building Automation Engineer
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Watching it as a spectator and being apart of a feeding crew felt like I had to get in on the action
Memorable Marathon experience: Chasing teams down the riverbanks in the dark of night. There’s something special about the chaos of headlights, paddlers, pit crews and everyone moving down river together. It really shows how much of a team effort
Team sponsors: Clouse’s Ace Hardware, Roger’s Family Foods
Ryan Clouse, 35, Oscoda, MI
CFO - Clouse Family Ace Hardwares
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Race fever from watching Logan Lammi finish ARCM77
Marley Watson, 20, Oscoda, MI
Cosmetologist
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: Feeding for my brother, Caleb Watson
Memorable Marathon experience: Watching Mio Dam portage
Team sponsors: Tee Pee Motel of Roscommon, Woodland Motor Lodge
Terrance Foley, 41, East Jordan, MI
Director at EJ
Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 100th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge Memorable Marathon experience: Family and friends cheering late in the race last year
Michael Kogelman, 46, Grayling, MI
Manager Most recent ARCM: 2025
ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 1 Best finish: 100th
Attracted to the Marathon by: The ability to be one of the tallest people competing in the Marathon
Memorable Marathon experience: A massive trout jumping out of the water when we crossed the finish line last year as the first triple digit boat to cross the finish line in 100th place
Corbin Garnsey
Joshua Garnsey
Steve Servinski
Mitch Willis 115
Team sponsors: Tomahawk Trails, Ubly Family Dentistry
Dan Stevens Cody Whitman 118
Ethan Habasco Elliot Crouch 119
Ryan Clouse Marley Watson 120
Terrance Foley
Michael Kogelman
THURS. 4:04 P.M.
Team sponsors: Vic Bond Sales, S.O.S. Landscaping
Isaac Strong, 22, Linden, MI
Machine Operator
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: To finish it with my buddy, whose grandma loved the race and recently passed away
Aiden Miller, 22, Linden, MI
Machine Operator
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: My granny! She introduced me to the Marathon! She passed last year so we’ll be doing it in honor of her
Team sponsors: Weyerhauser
Dan Swallow, 31, Easton, ME
Environmental Consultant
ARCM starts: 0 Finishes: 0
Attracted to the Marathon by: To be the best, you have to race the best. Killing comfort everyday. Represent northern Maine!
Memorable Marathon experience: Just the 70 miler solo in prep for this race
Ashton Mabee, 22, Bangor, ME
Carpenter Most recent ARCM: 2025 ARCM starts: 2 Finishes: 2 Best finish: 51st
Attracted to the Marathon by: The challenge
Memorable Marathon experience: When River convinced the team we were drafting with that he was my dad
Good Luck Paddlers
Isaac Strong Aiden Miller
Dan Swallow Ashton Mabee
Legends Never Sleep
Spectators keep AuSable Marathon traditions alive
thing I’ve ever seen in my life.’”
With his dad, Clarence, in Boat 44, the 11-year-old lived close to the finish line in Oscoda, and was excited to meet up with friends from the area.
“There was a bunch of us kids down there, buddling around the river, and we were there to watch the race come in. The whole gang from here was there, all us kids,” Hall said. “It was the greatest thing I’d ever seen at that age.”
At the time, Marathon spectating wasn’t the sport it is today, with the first fans gathered and cheering at the finish line.
“It was still amazing to watch them, all the canoes coming in,” Hall said. “At that time, they said it was 240 miles. It really wasn’t. But I thought it was. And I thought, ‘That’s forever… 240 miles.’”
With the race now officially 120 miles, Stan said it’s “still a long way.”
Although his dad didn’t finish the First Annual Marathon, Hall was filled with excitement along the finish line, and knew he would race someday. After following the race for more years than he can count, it was finally his turn in his late 20’s.
“I wanted to race, and I wanted to win it, and I finally did,” he said.
Stan Hall’s name became legendary in Marathon history, placing second in 1962, 1963, and 1965 before being on the winning first place team with Ralph Sawyer in both 1967 and 1968. Coincidentally, Hall was 31 when he first placed at the top, the same age his dad was during that very first marathon.
After Hall’s back-toback victories, no race was held the following year. However, Hall returned to the leader board in 1973 to take second place one more time.
“To win, you gotta say, ‘I can win this.” Instead, some paddlers say, ‘I’m happy if I can finish it,”
(continued from page one) “It’s
For Scott Johnston, the Marathon also serves as a time for his family to come together. “This is me going by the house during my first race. Pretty cool experience. It was better than crossing the finish line. The race has always been a force that brings our family together. It’s hard to describe what it represents. They come from all over to be here every year, even following the passing of my grandparents over the last couple years. They will be out there cheering on every team that comes by, from first to last,” Johnston wrote.
Stan’s wife, Eileen Hall, said. “Well, Stan was never happy if he could finish it; he was happy when he won it.”
According to the Halls, spectating has changed a lot since Stan’s racing days.
“We had more access in those old days than they do now,” Eileen said. “It’s really organized now where it wasn’t so much then. There’s a lot more control of where you can go now, while before you just could go any place to watch it.“
Although Eileen did not get in the water to feed, she prepared the food for Stan and his racing partner.
“The best thing I ever had to eat on the race was a milkshake in the middle of the night,” Stan said. Eileen followed along the river during races with Stan’s brother, Leroy, who was his main feeder.
“At one stop, Leroy asked what I wanted to eat at the next stop, and told him a hamburger,” Stan said. “I’m asking for this in the middle of the night, like two o’clock, three o’clock, and there’s nothing open. Where was he going to get a hamburger?”
Somehow, Leroy managed to find a hamburger.
“When I got to that
As the last house above the bend before the straightaway to the finish line at Oscoda, Scott Johnston’s grandparents’ house provides an excellent vantage point to host a watch party every year. It also served as a reunion for Marathon racers from the 1950s and 60s, including this gathering in 2014. Pictured with Tip Larson, Johnston’s grandfather (second from left) are (left to right) Larry Clute, Monty Rogers, Tom Gildersleeve and Frank Smutek. Scott said the race would bring them together most years.
there were seemingly no restrictions.
next stop, I didn’t want a hamburger anymore –and you can get a little belligerent after 10 hours or so on the river – so I said, ‘I don’t want that.’ And he said, ‘One more outburst like that, and I’m gonna quit feeding.’ So I had to kind of tone it down.”
During that time, spectators could drive down to the bridges, and
“The drinking along the way, it kind of messed that up,” Stan said. “It was a big party from the start. Not in the river, but on the bank. I went under a bridge one time, and a beer landed right between my legs, and I can still remember the foam coming out. They wanted us to join the party, I guess. You never knew what was gonna happen.”
Paddlers aren’t the only Marathon participants that become
legends, as its nickname implies. Those who watch “The World’s Toughest Spectator Sport” are creating their own lore, enduring sleepless, overnight treks through dense forests and rural roads to follow the grueling 120-mile, non-stop race through the dark.
“It was exhausting. I guess it’s a lot harder in a canoe, but it was hard to follow them all the way down,” Eileen said. “Have you ever watched it when it’s pouring down rain and you’re trying to
get food ready for them?
And if there’s lightning? Nothing, nothing stops it. Yeah, it’s horrible, but we wouldn’t have changed it for the world.”
For Scott Johnston, who began following the Marathon in high school, making it through the night is one of the toughest aspects of being a spectator.
“It’s just a long night; you’re up for whatever length of the race you’re going to follow,” John-
(continued on page 12)
ston said. “Whether it’s the leaders at 14 hours or if you’ve got friends that are finishing at 18 hours, it’s a lot.”
While following along with a particular boat, spectators spent most of their time waiting for the few seconds they get to cheer on their paddlers.
“Making those stretches just to see people for 10, 15 seconds go underneath a bridge... they’re just long, cold nights,” Johnston said. “It definitely takes some desire to do it, but the excitement keeps you going.”
Johnston’s grandfather, Tip Larson, competed in the 50s and was a founding member of the Michigan Canoe Racing Association.
“He was living in Oscoda, so it was a fun family history that brought us in.”
His grandparent’s house has become somewhat of a legend, itself. As the last house above the bend before the straightaway to the finish line, it provides an excellent vantage point to host a watch party every year.
“It’s like our family reunion; the last thing that brings our family together,” Johnston said. “We don’t have huge Christmases or Thanksgivings anymore, but everybody comes from all over the country for the marathon.”
With travelers as far as Florida, the Carolinas, and Maryland, Johnston’s family shows up the week before for Oscoda’s pre-race events and gathers together at the house during the Marathon. With his stepbrother, Ben, grilling and smoking meats, 30 to 40 people are on the lawn, all day, cheering on the paddlers.
“We have this old pump air horn from a pontoon boat, and that’s what my grandpa was always passing around, making the kids do it, too,” Johnston said. “That was a big thing. My grandpa was always sitting out there making sure
that everyone was into the race.”
Friends also reconnect at the annual event, including Larson’s racing buddies.
“The race would bring them back together most years,” Johnston said.
In addition to the legendary, cheering crowd, the house is also famous for its mannequin, perched along the river’s edge.
“That was my grandma’s thing,” Johnston said. “She had a mannequin out there and she dressed it up in a bathing suit – just a mannequin standing with an arm up waving. She would change out the suits every year, and she named her, too.”
The current mannequin is named Maggie, and the previous one was Marguerite, who “aged out,” according to Johnston.
“She’s just always been there,” he said.
Johnston’s grandparents passed away in the past few years, but the “reunion” continues.
“My grandparents were always the core of the family, but we still have the house and it’s what keeps us together now,” Johnston said. “It’s what brings everybody back, even without them, but their spirit lives on.”
Johnston’s family gathering is now a well-known staple of the race.
“I think pretty much any competitor for the last 30 years would know the house,” Johnston said. “There’s always a huge crowd, we have an air horn, and we’re just cheering from start to finish, for every paddler.”
Because the house is located near the finish line, it’s the perfect spot to see the paddlers end their overnight journey.
“It’s pretty exciting near the end. You’re wrapping this whole night up and just get good reactions,” Johnston said. “A lot of people get thank-you’s
In addition to the legendary, cheering crowd, Johnston’s grandparents’ house is also famous for its mannequin, perched along the river’s edge. “That was my grandma’s thing,” Johnston said. “She had a mannequin out there and she dressed it up in a bathing suit – just a mannequin standing with an arm up waving. She would change out the suits every year, and she named her, too.” The current mannequin is named Maggie, and the previous one was Marguerite.“She’s just always been there,” he said.
“We have this old pump air horn from a pontoon boat, and that’s what my grandpa was always passing around, making the kids do it, too,” Johnston said. “That was a big thing. My grandpa was always sitting out there making sure that everyone was into the race.”
from the paddlers, or you just see smiles on faces… if they’re still smiling. Not everybody is.”
The excitement Johnston felt as a spectator motivated him to take on different roles in the race.
“I was just following the leaders at the beginning, and then transitioned into feeding for my buddy in 2014,” Johnston said. “I’ve competed the last two years, and this year will be my third time paddling.”
It’s no surprise that Johnston’s family cheers him on, and his daughter, 11-year-old Haleigh, is one of his biggest fans.
“She’s just overwhelmed with emotion at the start,” Johnston said. “The first time she saw it, she cried. On the spectator side to experience the excitement of it all… it’s a lot to take in.”
Haleigh was able to share her excitement for canoe racing with her father at this year’s Mentor Race, an event that pairs a veteran paddler with a youth paddler, giving the younger generation on-the-water experience.
“We took fifth in that event,” Johsnston said. “It’s just a little 15-minute race, but it’s definitely impacted her.”
While Johnston would love to train and race with his daughter someday, this is exactly what Frank Smutek was able to experience with his children, and even two grandchildren. Smutek’s daughter, Amy Solak, said her favorite Marathon memory isn’t from her childhood in Luzerne; it was finishing the Marathon with her dad.
“The training time on the river, with Al Widing and a lot of the old timers that were still out there paddling, was awesome,” Solak said. “I live in Traverse City, and my dad would work all day and then drive over to me two times a week to train, on top of his drive.”
Solak would then spend her weekends in Luzerne to either race or train.
“Whether or not we were doing the marathon with my dad that year, we would all train together, doing a training run together as a family. The best times were finishing up here at the house, because my mom would time it and have this huge buffet of food out on the counter for us. We’d tell her, ‘You don’t have
to do that,’ but it didn’t matter. She did it, anyway, and there was just all kinds of food sitting out.”
Solak’s mom, a lifetime spectator, opened her house to spectators and feeders, and it became a hot spot on the Marathon’s route. Approximately 20 seconds by boat after Luzerne Park, paddlers spot the totem pole, and many think, “Hey, it’s Peg and Franks’s place.” They relax a bit, knowing their next feed is just a few strokes away at the Smutek house.
“We’re right below the people, paddlers and lights of Luzerne Park. So the feeder crowd kind of thins out a little bit, and then they come right into the beginning of my parents’ property. We always have a bonfire and everybody chooses what little path they’re going to take to feed. Everybody tries to be quiet when a feeder’s there or when a canoe comes in, and then they start cheering once they know they can go. It’s pretty cool.”
Solak remembers being small and driving over to Oscoda, where her dad grew up.
“Ever since I can remember, the Marathon was a thing. My dad made us all little paddles, even though none of us did the marathon until much later in life,” Solak said. “He refinished several wood strip canoes while we were growing up, and he shaped and made wooden paddles for us as we were all growing up. Then, of course, they’d get passed down to the next person, and throughout our lives we each had at least one wooden paddle that my dad had made for us, and maybe even for himself. I can remember going down the river and just calling hups and having no clue what we just called it. We weren’t learning the river or anything, we were just mimicking what we saw racers do. Sometimes we even sat in an innertube while doing it.”
Gathering at the Smutek place started out when Frank raced.
“We used to stand, as tiny little kids, to watch the racers go by on marathon night,” Solak said. “It really became a feeding spot when we all started racing. The first year my dad and my brother, Ted, raced, we had a ton of family be-
(continued on page 21)
The Triple Crown of Canoe Racing
#RoadToTheTripleCrown
Last September in Quebec, Michigan’s Weston Willoughby and Travis Mecklenberg captured the 2025 Triple Crown of Canoe Racing Championship, earning the sport’s most prestigious season-long honor. Finishing second in the Triple Crown standings were the defending 2024 champions, Guillaume Blais of Quebec and Mike Davis of Michigan, while Quebec’s Louis-Simon Pruneau completed the 2025 podium.
Among the year’s standout performances, Quebec’s Eve Chamberland and New York’s Mike Schlimmer successfully defended their 2024 title as the Triple Crown’s top mixed team. Chamberland also finished as the highest-placing woman in the 2025 Triple Crown field.
In all, 29 competitors from five states and provinces completed the 2025 #RoadToTheTripleCrown – remarkable accomplishment in marathon canoe racing’s most demanding season-long challenge.
Among those 29 finishers:
• Seven women completed the Triple Crown circuit, highlighting the continued growth and success of women in marathon canoe racing.
• Seven teams – including four mixed teams – demonstrated exceptional chemistry and commitment by remaining together through all three Triple Crown races.
• Fifteen paddlers showcased their versatility by racing with different partners throughout the three-race series.
The opening stage of the 2026 #RoadToTheTripleCrown began over Memorial Day weekend at New York’s ZRE Racing Equipment General Clinton Canoe Regatta, where 2025 co-champion Travis Mecklenberg of Michigan teamed with Texan Logan Mynar to claim the victory. Their win gives them the early lead in the Triple Crown standings as they prepare to race together in the second leg
of the series – Michigan’s legendary Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon.
Close behind, the formidable team of Mike Davis of Homer, Michigan, and Guillaume Blais of St. Boniface, Quebec, continued their remarkable consistency on the Triple Crown circuit with
well positioned to make a move in the Triple Crown standings during marathon canoe racing’s premier event, setting the stage for the second, and perhaps most pivotal, stop on the #RoadToTheTripleCrown.
As of July 1, 65 paddlers who competed in 70-mile pro race at New
Travis Mecklenberg, of Michigan, teamed with Texan Logan Mynar to claim first place at New York’s 2026 ZRE Racing Equipment General Clinton Canoe Regatta. Homer, Michigan’s Mike Davis, and St. Boniface, Quebec’s Guillaume Blais finished second; Michigan’s Weston Willoughby and New York’s Ryan Zaveral finished third.
a runner-up finish in New York. The pair will reunite for “THE Marathon” in Michigan as they continue their pursuit of another championship.
Rounding out the General Clinton podium were Michigan’s Weston Willoughby and New York’s Ryan Zaveral. Although both paddlers have chosen different partners for the AuSable Marathon, each remains
York’s General Clinton Canoe Regatta were also entered for Michigan’s AuSable River Canoe Marathon. A number of these paddlers will complete the #RoadToTheTripleCrown Labor Day weekend in Quebec at the Classique internationale de canots de la Mauricie. Renowned for its demanding rapids, powerful currents, and grueling three-day, 120-
mile format, the Classique provides a daunting test of endurance, technical skill, and determination. Completing all three races of the Triple Crown is an achievement reserved for marathon canoe racing’s elite and most dedicated competitors. It represents months of preparation, unwavering perseverance, and extraordinary athletic ability. Every paddler
finish in Quebec.
who reaches the finish line at all three events earns a place among a select group recognized throughout the sport for their dedication, resilience, and passion.
No competitor embodies that legacy more than Quebec’s Serge Corbin, who leads the all-time Triple Crown record book with fourteen championships. Fellow Quebec paddler Steve Lajoie ranks second with twelve titles, while Michigan’s Andrew Triebold has claimed ten Triple Crown championships.
To learn more about
the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing – including its history, complete results, championship records, and statistics from all thirty-three years of competition – visit www. TripleCrownOfCanoe Racing.com. You can also follow Triple Crown of Canoe Racing on Facebook and Instagram as the 2026 #RoadToThe TripleCrown continues.
The 2025 Triple Crown of Canoe Racing Champions: Travis Mecklenburg (left), of Grayling, Michigan, and Weston Willoughby (right), of Traverse City, Michigan. The pair kicked off the season with a third-place finish in New York, followed up with a win in Michigan, and concluded with a second-place
Photo by Raynald Morand
Photo – GCCR
Finishing all three stages of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing is a remarkable feat that represents a pinnacle of marathon canoe racing.
Photo by Raynald Morand
Bob and Janet Bradford, Chad Swander to be inducted into Marathon Hall of Fame
Every year since 2006, at least two people have been inducted into the Canoe Marathon Hall of Fame. These are people the committee, as well as the community, believe deserve the recognition; whether it be their accomplishments in the sport or their dedication to improving it. This year the individuals who will join the ranks are Chad Swander and Janet and Bob Bradford.
The husband and wife team, Bob and Janet Bradford, were first introduced to the AuSable River Canoe Marathon in 1981. That was the year they first watched the spectacle that is the Marathon. Their grandson, Mike, was
hooked; and in the fall of 1981, Bob and Janet bought a cedar strip canoe from Butch Stockton and spent the early winter and part of next year training. In July of 1982, Bob and Mike completed their first Marathon together. Bob went on to complete 20 more Marathons, with a best place finish of 13th in 1994. Before she began paddling, Janet fed for Bob in some of the various races and events he did. In 2008 Bob finally convinced Janet to tackle the Marathon. Janet has completed three AuSable River Canoe Marathons, all of them with her husband.
Outside of the 120 miles of AuSable, Bob and Janet have done some other
very impressive paddles, including the Texas Water Safari, Yukon Challenge, an unassisted race in the Everglades, and the entire length of the Mississippi River.
Both love the energy that comes with the Marathon, the high intensity and number of people that come to compete and spectate.
Many people know this year’s second inductee as the owner of Paddle Hard Brewing in downtown Grayling. But, he is more than a local business owner. He’s also a paddler! Chad Swander has completed three AuSable River Canoe Marathons. He has contributed to the
race in many ways since. Chad, along with daughter and co-owner of PHB, Josie, have been feeders for various Marathon teams including top paddlers and 2024 Champions Mike Davis and Guillaume Blais. Chad has also been recognized by the Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year. A new adventure for Chad, and a new way to support the Marathon and paddlers of all types, is his recent ownership of Zaveral Racing Equipment. Chad bought the business from Bob Zaveral in November of 2024. He has moved the prominent company from New York to Grayling.
AuSable River Canoe Marathon Hall of Fame
Class of 2006
Marilyn Wagner
Jay Stephan Sr.
Class of 2007
Hugh Bissonette
Bernie Fowler
Class of 2008
Butch Stockton
Harry Curley
Class of 2009
Ralph Sawyer
Al Widing Sr.
Class of 2010
Frank and Peggy Smutek
Oscoda/AuSable Fire Dept. & Water Rescue
Class of 2011
Stan Hall
John B. Cook
Class of 2012
John Baker
Ed Wojahn
Class of 2013
Serge Corbin
Bruce Myles
Class of 2014
Lynne Witte
Jack Kolka
Class of 2015
Larry Kindell
Larry Roberts
Class of 2016
Howard Brubaker
Réjean Huard
Class of 2017
Jerry and Jeff Kellogg
The Gary Family
Class of 2018
Bruce Barton
Solomon Carrière
Class of 2019
Jeff Kolka
Joe Wakeley
Class of 2021
Steven Kolonich
Irvin and Steve Peterson
Class of 2022
Rick Joy
Don Feldhauser
ADDITIONAL 2026 ARC ENTRIES
(See information and rest of entrants on page 29)
#C13 Rhys Challicombe of Byron Center, MI and Tony Challicombe of NSW Australia will be paddling a tandem canoe (C2)
#C14 Jeff Poland of Elkhart, IN will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)
#C15 is a relay team consisting of Frank Taber of Grayling, MI, Gene Taber of Lake Odessa, MI, Judy Taber of Lake Odessa, MI, Jill Taber of Belmont, MI, Brienne Taber of Lowell, MI, Luke Decker of Rockford, MI, Hunter Scott of Grand Rapids, MI, and Rowen Smith of Lowell, MI, they will be paddling a tandem canoe (C2)
Class of 2023
Connie Cannon
Marge and Ed Martella
Class of 2024
Ken Kolonich
Brett Stockton
Class of 2025
Ron Hohman
George Blaha
Class of 2026
Chad Swander
Bob and Janet Bradford
#C16 is a relay team consisting of Tonya Rice of Grayling, MI, Daniel Rice of Grayling, MI, and Logan Fulkerson of Mio, MI will be paddling a tandem racing canoe (C2)
#C17 Joe Schlimmer of Ithaca, NY will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)
#C18 is a relay team consisting of Marina Cox, Mason Cox, James Cox, David Ryder and Alec Ryder, all of Kalamazoo, MI, Cameron Winn of Wyandotte, MI, Matthew Dargay of Clarkston, MI and Anthony Nofs of Port Huron, MI. They will be paddling a tandem canoe (C2)
C#19 Scott Carroll of Duluth, MN will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)
Bob and Janet Bradford
Jake Swander, Josie Swander Krupp and Chad Swander
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.
Follow the Marathon
AUSABLE RIVER CANOE MARATHON COURSE MAP
ROAD CLOSURES DURING THE AUSABLE RIVER FESTIVAL
*ROAD CLOSURE* 100-400 Blocks of Michigan Ave., the intersection of 200 & 300 Block extended down Peninsular Ave. and intersection of 300 & 400 Block.
*ROAD CLOSURE* Ingham St. closed from Business Loop to Maple St.
*ROAD CLOSURE* 200 & 300 BLOCK OF Michigan Ave. north side of Peninsular Ave. to Alle Way, and south side of Peninsular to Post Office Drive.
*ROAD CLOSURE* 100 Block to Norway St./ Crosswalk leave the rest open for county thru traffic, 200 & 300 Block of Michigan Ave. north side of Peninsular Ave. to Alle Way, and south side of Peninsular to Post Office Drive.
*ROAD CLOSURE* 100 Block to Norway St./ crosswalk leave the rest open for county thru traffic, 200 & 300 Block of Michigan Ave. north side of Peninsular Ave. to Alle Way, and south side of
Peninsular to Post Office Drive
*ROAD CLOSURE* Begins at 3 pm Business Loop I-75 from light at Lake St. M-72 East (aka Burger King Rd.) traffic is re-routed down State St./Maple St./aka Back Bridge Rd.
More information can be found online at the AuSable River Festival website at www.ausableriverfest.com
US-23 WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY, JULY 26TH
The safety and well-being of our paddlers and spectators are the most important thing to the Marathon Committee and the townships of Oscoda and AuSable. Over the past several years, there have been many near-miss accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles at the Finish Line. With the help of the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce, AuSable Township and Oscoda Township, we have been able to make the Finish Line area safer for everyone. This year, US-23 will be closed on July
26th from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Northbound traffic will be detoured on Lake Street just before the AuSable Inn Riverview Restaurant. Southbound US-23 will be closed at Park Street just before the Finish Line, cars will be detoured to Lake Street at this point. Trucks traveling south will need to detour to Lake Street at Evergreen Ave. just before Furtaw Field. While we understand that this will be a slight inconvenience, we hope that you understand safety is our main concern.
Workers will be located near the detours to assist traffic. Volunteers will be at the north end of the closure to allow paddlers with a car pass in to get their boats from the AuSable Inn.
This year the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce is planning a Finish Line Festival to coincide with the road closure. Festival times are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.. Check out the Chamber website at oscodachamber.com/ for more information.
Leader’s Approximate Arrival Time & Cutoff Times
Service Available on North Down River Road and M-72 to:
Paddles For
Replica wooden canoe paddles turned into one of a kind pieces of art! Proceeds benefit the Marathon Scholarship Program
Cheryl
JoAnn
Consumers Energy: Securing the Grid for Michigan
Consumers Energy completed hundreds of projects in 2025 to put our families, friends and neighbors first by securing the grid.
“We promised our customers a stronger, smarter grid, and we are delivering on that promise while being thoughtful on how we spend customer dollars,” said Greg Salisbury, senior vice president and president of the electric grid. “That’s why we’re focused on practical upgrades that reduce outages today and help avoid higher costs down the road.”
In 2025, Michigan experienced historic ice storms, extreme winds and one of the most active tornado seasons since 1950. While Consum-
ers Energy cannot control the storms, we are doing the work before storms hit by reinforcing equipment, trimming trees near power lines, inspecting infrastructure and installing technology to spot problems earlier.
The investments paid off.
Despite 20 percent more weather driven outage events, Consumers Energy’s investments reduced customer impacts by 130,000 outages at their homes and businesses. Improved storm forecasting and planning generated $15 million in savings, helping crews respond more efficiently and reducing costs over time.
“We know customers are feeling the impact of rising costs on everything from groceries to housing and
insurance,” said Chris Fultz, vice president of low voltage distribution. “That is why we are focused on smart, preventative work that strengthens the grid because avoiding outages and restoring power faster helps reduce customers’ costs over time.”
By the Numbers
In 2025, Consumers Energy completed nearly 2,700 low voltage and high voltage distribution projects, including:
• Built three new substations and completed seven fractionalization projects to divide the electric grid into smaller sections and support growing communities
• 32,173 utility poles installed to replace and upgrade infrastructure
• 26,069 miles of power lines inspected by crews, helicopters and drones and over 12,000line sensors installed to catch issues early
• Trees and limbs cleared from more than 8,000 miles of power lines to prevent outages caused by falling branches, reduce storm damage and improve safety
• Used automated technology to reroute power during outages by creating 31 ATR loops including 96 reclosers to limit customer impact and outage length.
The Paddling For Josh Award
(continued from page one)
to “Lift Others Up.”
Today, the Solstice Foundation and the Paddling For Josh Award seek to recognize racers who do the same. This award celebrates paddlers who raise awareness and support for charitable causes while also competing, continuing the legacy of Paddling For Josh. It recognizes individuals who identify a
need and find meaningful ways to cre-
Good Luck Paddlers
ate lasting impact in their communities.
Last year, the inaugural Paddling For Josh Award was presented to Dwight Walker. Dwight has completed 23 AuSable River Canoe Marathons and has spent numerous years racing alongside Melinda in the Special Olympics Canoe Challenge. In recognition of Dwight’s impact with Melinda and with Special Olympics for the Marathon, the Paddling For Josh Award donated $1,000 in 2025 to support the Area 4 Grayling Special Olympics program.
Brandon, Steve, and their Solstice Foundation have committed $1,000 annually over 10 years to give back to the AuSable River Canoe Marathon and its racers through the Paddling For Josh Award. They would like to pay back the Marathon and fellow racers for their 10 finishes. This new award embodies paddlers who not only
conquer the AuSable, but also lift others up along the way. It is a recognition of character. The marathon is proud to celebrate racers who exemplify what it means to compete with heart, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference in our community. While the race may begin with two paddlers in a canoe, no boat travels the journey alone on the AuSable River.
As racers jump into the waters of the AuSable each year, may the legacy of Paddling For Josh continue to inspire competitors and supporters alike to paddle harder, give back generously, and appreciate the remarkable community that surrounds this historic race.
NOW, who’s next? We have $1,000 for the next AuSable River Canoe Marathon Paddling For Josh Award winner this Summer. How can you impact our paddling community? Lift. Others.
Inaugural Paddling For Josh Award
Dwight Walker
Steve Leppard, Josh and Brandon Gerardy
Melinda and Dwight Walker
Legends Never Sleep
(continued from page 12)
cause my dad was getting back into it. Our house is a feeding spot and a spectator spot, and it’s that for our family, as well. But we will always take a feed when we’re racing, we’ll always come by real slow here and give a shout out to the family on the bank.”
If members of her family aren’t racing, they’re hosting the feeders.
“People from the fast teams all the way back to the middle of the pack feed here,” Solak said, “and a lot of times we stay awake until the very end. I think the paddlers know this is a safe spot, if they have to drop, if someone’s sick, if something’s broken, they know they can stop here.”
At some points, Solak admits the crowd includes some she doesn’t know.
“So many people come in and out. They come and watch if they’re feeders, they feed, and then they take off. Then we have some people that’ll hang out here for a couple hours, because it’s such a great viewing spot.”
The spot seems to be popular for its location, hospitality, and ideal conditions.
“We try to make sure the lights aren’t on and it’s nice and dark down there so it doesn’t shine in the racers’ eyes,” Solak said. “Some people have mistaken this place for Luzerne Park, so we had to start putting some rope up and having a family member at the drive to just say, “Who’s here?” We have so many of the families that know that they’re welcome here, but they’re so courteous that they call and still ask permission.”
Because of her experience in and around the river, Solak empathizes with them.
“It’s very hard to follow the race. It’s hot, and you see
someone come over the wall. You remember how hot it is, and you just want to help their feeders, especially if it’s a new crew. You’ve either been there yourself and felt it, or your feeders have been there, or you’ve been a feeder, yourself. You’ll see people running with water to make sure everybody has water or offering up whatever it is that they need.”
Solak has paddled in 15 races, three with her dad, and knows the importance of having experienced spectators.
“One race, I was really sick. The Swander family, with all their expertise, knew what to do. I had never experienced it. My feed team didn’t know what to do, what to give me. So what can you do? If you were someplace else, you’d probably just suffer. But not with this crowd. Someone’s always there to help you out,” Solak said. “The whole canoe family or racing family, it’s exactly what they are. We might compete against each other, but then we all come together and help each other out.”
Last year, Solak’s mom, Peg, passed away, and many in the community wondered if the Smutek home would continue to be a hot spot along the river come race day.
“My mom was the leader of the band. My brother, Brian, and I decided we’ll host again. We did it last year, which was very emotional, but we did it because my mom would have wanted it for sure, and it was also a little bit of healing,” Solak said. “We can’t imagine saying, ‘No, you can’t feed here.’ It’s a tradition for so many people that feed here and they’re almost like family. Maybe we’ve even raced with them, so it’s different to be on the other side, this side of the bank.”
Solak said it’s difficult for her to explain her love for the
Marathon.
“So many people have said, ‘You do what? You do that race? Are you kidding?’ I’d tell them they have to come and see it.”
But she would sometimes second-guess that invite, thinking that the race might not have the same effect on others who didn’t have it in their blood, or haven’t grown up loving the AuSable.
“Actually, I can’t tell you how many people say, ‘Oh my gosh. I had goosebumps,’ or, ‘I’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t believe it. I’m hooked and am going to be back next year.’ Then maybe they do get into the feed spots, or decide they want to be a feeder. Before you know it, they want to try to paddle.”
For Solak, it’s “kind of the whole circle of it.”
“It’s kind of neat to see the old timers – you always call those guys the old timers, the legends – kind of become the spectators when they stop racing. Either due to health concerns, it’s just too much; you know, you’re older. They do become spectators, because it’s kind of hard to get it out of your blood,” Solak said. “One thing that was really cool for me was paddling with my dad, and legends like Stan Hall and Bob Gillings – those guys would appear upon a bank somewhere and they’re cheering you on. You’d look up and see them telling you to keep going – and just how special is that? That these legendary old timers are up there somewhere cheering? Or I’d get out of a canoe and see that Jack Cole became a spectator. He always gave me a big hug, he and Jayna, at the end of a race. He’d say, ‘Amy, do you have a ride?’” It was just the coolest thing.”
One spectator between Mio and McKinley is also memorable for her.
“I believe he paddled before, but now he stands out there –we’re talking really early morning, nighttime, before it’s light or anything – out in the water with music, loud music just blaring, and he’s cheering every canoe on. I mean, who does that in the middle of nowhere? That’s an ultimate spectator.”
Solak believes there’s many different levels in how people become the ultimate spectator.
“The toughest, and the true, spectator doesn’t take a nap, just like the feeders; they won’t risk not waking up to an alarm or setting it wrong and missing a feed. So, to me, the true, toughest spectator doesn’t sleep,” Solak said. “It’s really hard to stay awake below McKinley, before the sun comes up, waiting, because you’re usually ahead of the crew, for the first guys, getting there, finding your parking spot, being ready, making sure that you have your coffee… I think it’s the toughest because the true spectator doesn’t fall asleep.”
Eileen Hall is, by this definition, the toughest, true spectator, as she stayed up all night to watch the Marathon.
“It’s quite a grueling thing to watch that race,” Eileen said. “I followed it right from the beginning to the end and I would be exhausted. It was always exciting though, always. I enjoyed those years.”
As Johnston prepares for his third race, he reflects on watching the race from his grandparents’ home, and now knows first-hand the impact spectators can have on paddlers.
“As a spectator, I’ve watched Jeff Matthews come right by the sea wall,” he said. “As a racer, I got to come right by there, too, in the same spot on the outside of the bend, and get cheered on.”
In Johnston’s first race, seeing his grandparents’ house
from the river was “better than crossing the finish line.”
“That was the coolest part of the night, just going by there,” Johnston said. “Now, the start of the race – it’s wild and exciting, and the whole experience is just crazy, but to make it to the end and go by there? I got to the three houses right along the river there, my grandparents’ being the last, but I knew all the people there, and it’s like a personalized cheer zone. It was everyone just going nuts. With all the kids, too, including my daughters, cheering me on… it’s just fun to share that and have them get inspired, too.”
While Johnston is racing, Solak will return to her parents’ home.
“I’lll be with my family, my grandkids, here with my dad in Luzerne. We probably will not be dragging him up to the start. We used to all pile in and still go to the start, and things have changed. But we’ll still be here. We’ll still have hot dogs and coffee, plus hot water and any emergency needs for the paddlers. We always have a portapotty outside. We’re ready, no matter what time anybody comes through.”
Spectators, whether they’re first-time viewers or legendary paddlers, will once again return to the AuSable for the 78th Annual Canoe Marathon.
“I have to think that some of those new spectators – those that are new to the sport and maybe never paddled – they still have that connection or spirit of the river in them. Who knows? Who knows what moves them? It’s just something pretty, pretty magical. It’s not always about the race and the guys that are in first place,” Solak said. “And I’ll tell you what, I think it would be hard for some people to finish this race without the spectators along the way.”
Spectators line the path at the Mio Dam during the 2025 Marathon. Photo by Krista Tacey-Cater
A totem pole stands at the edge of the river at the Smutek’s home, near the Luzerne Park. Approximately 20 seconds by boat after Luzerne Park, paddlers spot the totem pole, and many think, “Hey, it’s Peg and Franks’s place.” They relax a bit, knowing their next feed is just a few strokes away at the Smutek house.
2025 Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon Complete Results
1st Travis Mecklenburg, Weston Willoughby (Canoe 99) 14:17:07
2nd Chris Issendorf, Christophe Proulx, (Canoe 13) 14:20:43
3rd Wesley Dean, Logan Mynar, (Canoe 98) 14:31:23
4th Jorden Wakeley, Matt Gabriel Jr., (Canoe 52) 14:33:39
5th Kyle Mynar, Carlos Linares, (Canoe 81) 14:45:07
6th Mike Davis, Guillaume Blais, (Canoe 55) 14:50:27
7th Amado Cruz, Cristian Lopes, (Canoe 04) 14:55:08
8th Louis-Simon Pruneau, Serge Pagé, (Canoe 62) 14:57:20
9th ............ Daniel Medina, Pete Mead, (Canoe 08) .......................... 15:00:56
10th Carson Burmeister, Renaud Flageole, (Canoe 97) 15:03:06
11th .......... Patrick Madden, Colin Hunter, (Canoe 22) ..................... 15:06:44
12th Dodd Yeager, Bill Torongo, (Canoe 14) 15:19:02
13th .......... Kyle Issendorf, Dane Trudgeon, (Canoe 72) ................... 15:21:53
14th Jackson Tucker, Brad Wilson, (Canoe 88) 15:23:23
15th .......... Michael Schlimmer, Eve Chamberland, (Canoe 78) ....... 15:23:28
16th Adam Gelinas, Sarah Lessard, (Canoe 64) 15:30:27
17th .......... Andres Cabb Jr., Wade Binion, (Canoe 92) ..................... 15:31:27
18th Austin Weiler, Lydia Huelskamp, (Canoe 90) 15:31:48
19th .......... Jason Hatfield, Christian Charette, (Canoe 68) .............. 15:32:32
20th Eric Gagnon, Dylan Kirk, (Canoe 30) 15:33:04
21st .......... Kyle Stonehouse, Kaitlin Mynar, (Canoe 07) ................... 15:35:53
22nd Owen Triebold, Andrew Triebold, (Canoe 01) 15:38:47
23rd .......... Vincent Desilets, Joël Lamontagne, (Canoe 117) ......... 15:40:19
24th Austin Henchey, Jake Crotser, (Canoe 03) 15:42:41
25th .......... Noah VanderVeen, Richard Lauth, (Canoe 89) ............... 15:45:33
26th Jonathan George, Zac Rochette, (Canoe 79) 15:51:23
27th .......... Aaron Putnam, Alan Putnam, (Canoe 15) ....................... 15:52:26
28th Benjamin Tarbutton, Rob Shadley, (Canoe 70) 15:52:45
29th .......... Douglas Dalman, Garrett Ziegler, (Canoe 26) ................. 15:56:02
30th Mike Thornton, Shirine Voller, (Canoe 29) 15:57:02
31st .......... Clark Kent, Mike Bradford, (Canoe 82) ............................ 16:00:14
32nd Cecili Bugge, Edith MacHattie, (Canoe 91) 16:01:01
33rd .......... Tad Hill, Caleb Watson, (Canoe 12) ................................ 16:01:45
34th Sean Brabant, Mike Hale, (Canoe 53) 16:02:03
35th .......... Ryan Harris, Drew Moore, (Canoe 69) ............................. 16:02:14
36th Judson Steinback, Dan Goltz, (Canoe 45) 16:03:32
37th .......... Andy Hall, Frances Hiscox, (Canoe 80) ........................... 16:05:45
38th Ryan Stepka, Rebecca Davis, (Canoe 37) 16:08:08
39th .......... Dan Mecklenburg, Jon Webb, (Canoe 57) ...................... 16:10:43
40th Ian Rolls, Shannon Issendorf, (Canoe 16) 16:13:55
41st André Joly, Jérémie Fortin, (Canoe 48) 16:15:55
42nd Mike “Buzzy” Hartman, Joseph Allison, (Canoe 43) 16:19:56
43rd Eric Batway, Jim Harwood, (Canoe 02) 16:22:52
44th Ethan Kucharek, Chris Kucharek, (Canoe 24) 16:22:52
45th Thierry Dufour, David Bournival, (Canoe 71) 16:28:39
46th David Burr, Nate Peer, (Canoe 111) 16:29:15
47th Nathan Tate, Joshua Cosek, (Canoe 49) 16:30:12
48th Benjamin Menk, Jeremiah Menk, (Canoe 42) 16:32:56
49th Phil Millspaugh, Emma Kennedy, (Canoe 96) 16:33:49
50th Dave Flageole, Daniel Gélinas, (Canoe 58) 16:35:11
51st River Robertson, Ashton Mabee, (Canoe 123) 16:35:56
52nd Fred Kueffer, Kira Stolen, (Canoe 31) 16:39:28
53rd Matthew Orr, William Orr, (Canoe 21) 16:41:43
54th Drew Compau, Flash Marsh, (Canoe 44) 16:43:55
55th Carols Martinez, Gérémy Michaud, (Canoe 73) 16:45:15
56th Joe Leusby, Yvon Dufour, (Canoe 10) 16:46:42
57th Anthony Fisher, Jacob Hartman, (Canoe 87) 16:47:43
58th Rylan Teddy, David Teddy, (Canoe 20) 16:48:27
59th Brayden Mallak, Logan Lammi, (Canoe 11) 16:50:08
60th Ted Kenyon, Theo Kenyon, (Canoe 66) 16:50:38
61st Michael Hodnett, Mason Hodnett, (Canoe 83) 16:52:21
62nd John Lucey, Dwight Walker, (Canoe 46) 16:52:25
63rd David Hawkins, Chris Ecker, (Canoe 65) 16:53:29
64th Nate Greeley, Scott Johnston, (Canoe 19) 16:53:42
65th Wally Werderich, George Werderich, (Canoe 95) 16:54:41
66th Joey Kimsel, Carrie Montgomery, (Canoe 34) 15:55:34
67th Bruce Daman, Katie Daman, (Canoe 113) 16:56:11
68th Adam Blanchard, Rebecca Sutter, (Canoe 60) 16:58:48
69th Seth Miller, Stephen Miller, (Canoe 74) 17:01:41
70th Roxanne Barton, Gloria Wesley, (Canoe 85) 17:02:28
71st Doug Heady, Michael Garon, (Canoe 36) 17:04:42
72nd ......... Joey Tatar, Cael Brennan, (Canoe 106) ........................... 17:09:56
73rd Kim Kaiser, Mollie Binion, (Canoe 41) 17:21:32
74th .......... Case Kittel, Ross Kittel, (Canoe 25) ................................ 17:23:22
75th Bill Mahaffy Jr., Liam Mahaffy, (Canoe 50) 17:25:57
76th .......... Greg Zophy, Deb Brax, (Canoe 33) .................................. 17:28:41
77th Tyler McClanahan, Ryan Anderson, (Canoe 103) 17:30:00
78th .......... Augustin Roy, Thina Pham, (Canoe 18) .......................... 17:31:25
79th Dan Harazin, Kris Kalbfleisch, (Canoe 101) 17:40:00
80th .......... Kevin Ornatowski, Jerry Killingbeck, (Canoe 76) ............ 17:41:07
81st Matthew Wigton, Brigid DeLeo, (Canoe 38) 17:42:49
82nd ......... Jeff DeFeo, Meghan Flack, (Canoe 47)........................... 17:44:30
83rd Daniel Wizner, John Langstaff, (Canoe 23) 17:49:26
84th .......... Bruce Barton, Josie VanderVeen, (Canoe 05) ................ 17:54:21
85th Chirs Lotz, Brady Lotz, (Canoe 100) 17:56:04
86th .......... Pam Fitzgerald, Neal Sand, (Canoe 51) .......................... 17:56:34
87th Isaac Wiegman, Andrew Davis, (Canoe 109) 18:06:12
88th .......... Nathan Widing, Al Widing JR., (Canoe 09)...................... 19:10:29
89th Mari Chandler, Brenda Carlson-Brow, (Canoe 59) 18:17:48
90th .......... Craig Stolen, Allie Rykken, (Canoe 86) ............................ 18:22:05
91st Mike Kellogg, Natalie Kellogg, (Canoe 120) 18:22:42
92nd ......... Fred Mills, Brady Lineman, (Canoe 40) ........................... 18:22:47
93rd Dan Gary, Lynne Witte, (Canoe 54) 18:23:11
94th .......... Maria Schilling, Jess Kozarek, (Canoe 93) ..................... 18:27:50
95th Johnny Zacharski, John Zacharski, (Canoe 104) 18:29:30
96th .......... Mickey Kimsel, Ursula Latreille, (Canoe 06) ................... 18:36:19
97th Steve Skillman, Chuck Hewitt, (Canoe 61) 18:38:35
98th .......... Roy Sowersby, David Timmerman, (Canoe 67) .............. 18:42:17
99th William Eisert, Ryan Eisert, (Canoe 107) 18:44:31
100th ........ Terrance Foley, Michael Kogelman, (Canoe 121) ........... 18:48:39
101st Scott Ide, Nickie Owens, (Canoe 17) 18:52:45
102nd Greg Nelson, Terry Curley, (Canoe 32) 18:59:53
103rd Rod McLain, Chip Loring, (Canoe 75) 19:11:17
104th Tim Allen, Peter Heed, (Canoe 56) drop
105th Jeff Knaus, Aaron Lovell, (Canoe 77) drop
106th Sean Casey, Bryan Bearss, (Canoe 39) drop
107th Corbin Garnsey, Joshua Garnsey, (Canoe 114) drop
108th Pierre-Oliver Quesnel, David Smith, (Canoe 35) drop
109th Andrew Weeks, Paddi Thornburg, (Canoe 27) drop
110th Dane Dobleske, Jim Dobleske, (Canoe 112) DQ
111th Cody Sapp, Devin Sapp, (Canoe 84) DQ
112th Alberto Blanco, Miranda Blanco, (Canoe 28) DQ
113th
114th
Doug DeLeo, Josephine DeLeo, (Canoe 00) drop
Enid Hagerty, Neal Johnson, (Canoe 108) DQ
115th Dave Hallman, Dylan Hatfield, (Canoe 115) drop
2026 AuSable River Canoe Marathon Radio Network
2021 AS R U ABLEIVER CANOEMARATHON RADIONETWORK
Ironwood
Thank You 2026 Marathon Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Silver Paddle Sponsors
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Thank You 2026 Marathon Sponsors
Site Sponsors
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Time Trials
Title Sponsor
Associated Event Sponsors
Time Trials
Presenting Sponsor
Time Trials
Contributing Sponsor
Business Relay
Contributing Sponsor
Tip n The Mitten
Tinkers Junction
Springs Window Fashions
Rolling Oak Brewing Co.
Northland Area Federal Credit Union
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Jack Millikin, Inc
Horizon Bank
Hart Motors
Grayling Visitors Bureau
Grayling Promotional Association
Feeny Ford
Farm Bureau Insurance - Katie Olson Agency
ATS Advisors
Thompson & Treusch Law Office
Travis Sanitation
Johnson Napa Oscoda/Tawas
C-1 Express Race
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Contributing Sponsors
Dean Arbour East Tawas/Alpena
Goyette Mechanical
Heritage House Realty (Oscoda)
Hopcroft Law, PLC
Huron Community Bank
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Irish Pub
Real Estate One Northeast
State Farm of Oscoda - Sean Clarke
Huntington Bank, Grayling
Spike’s Keg ‘o’ Nails
Gallagher’s Sports Bar & Gill
AuSable Hardware
Oscoda Septic
Profiles Hair Designs
Branham’s Jewelry
Mary Becker-Heart of Up North Realty
Natural Reflections Flooring
Dash For Cash
Presenting Sponsor
Dash For Cash
Presenting Sponsor
Klondike Challenge
AuSable Hardware
GOC Truck Driving School
Huntington Bank Oscoda
Can Do Contracting
River Road Self Storage
Harry Curley Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Oscoda Canoe Rental
Contributing Sponsors
Desi’s
BC Woodworks
Griff & Son Tree Service
A Curley Contracting
Scott’s Lawn Maintenance
PCS Outdoors
Jennaca Travel LLC
P&L Development
Oscoda Chamber
JDL Excavation
Brother George Printing
Michigan Beef Industry Commission
MaDeeters
Hartman Roofing
Clouse’s Ace Hardware
Alger Apartments
Suburban Bolt
Quality Inn
Rowe Professional Services
Treasure TItle
FitNorth
Vista Lanes
Grayling VIP Area
Oscoda VIP Area
Preservation at the Finish Line
The Rise of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Museum
The AuSable River Canoe Marathon, a grueling 120-mile canoe race from Grayling to Oscoda, Michigan, is hoping to get a permanent home to honor its storied past. Since its inception in 1947, the “World’s Toughest Spectator Race” has become a cornerstone of Northern Michigan culture, and a new dedicated museum project aims to ensure its legacy for generations to come.
A Vision Born from Tourism
The Marathon itself was originally envisioned by Howard Brubaker and Frank Davis as a way to bolster local tourism. The
inaugural race on September 6, 1947, saw forty-six teams start, though only fifteen managed to cross the finish line. The victors, Allen Carr and Delbert Case, set a winning time of 21:03:00 in a unique 16-foot Dowcraft magnesium canoe—the only metal vessel ever to win the event. The proposed museum intends to bring these personal stories and artifacts to life.
Securing a Historic Location
The AuSable River International Canoe Marathon (ARICM) committee has identified the ideal location for the museum at 525 S. State Street in
Oscoda, directly across from the race’s official finish line. This strategic choice will allow visitors to connect the historical exhibits with the very spot where champions are crowned each year.
The development reached a significant milestone in mid2026. A purchase agreement was finalized between the ARICM and property owner Timothy Keppen for a price of $280,000. The agreement includes a due diligence period extending to January 31, 2027, giving the committee time to secure the necessary funding through grants and community donations.
Bringing the Legacy to Life
Plans for the museum are comprehensive and immersive. The vision for the space includes:
Historical Exhibits: Featuring vintage canoes, race memorabilia, and personal narratives from the paddlers themselves.
Multimedia Presentations: Highlighting the Emmy Award-winning documentary AuSable, produced in cooperation with Consumers Energy.
Environmental Context: Exploring the significance of the AuSable River and its environmental importance.
Interactive Recognition: A proposed mural will display the names of donors on representations of the river’s various dams.
Retail Presence: A yearround gift shop offering official Marathon merchandise.
A Call for Community Support
The project is currently in its capital campaign phase, with multiple sponsorship levels named after key locations along the race route, such as the “Mio Dam” and “Foote Dam” sponsors, ranging from $500 to $25,000. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the ARICM is leveraging these contributions to transform the existing commercial building into a world-class tribute.
With the township’s planning commission already approving the permit for the museum’s use, the project is moving steadily from a long-held dream toward a reality that will celebrate “Our River, Our Race, Our Legacy.”
AuSable Marathon Scholarship Winners
Established in 2017, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Scholarship Program now presents four scholarships each year - one to graduating seniors at Oscoda, Mio and Grayling High Schools, respectively. The fourth scholarship is awarded to a Marathon paddler who is currently pursuing a degree or enrolled in a trade school or to the son, daughter or grandchild of a Marathon paddler who is a graduating senior.
The committee solicits donations and holds several fundraisers in order to award the scholarships each year. All applicants must be enrolled in a two-year or four-year college degree program or enrolled to attend an approved trade school. All four awards are equal amounts. The amount awarded depends on the success of the committee’s fundraising activities but will never be less than $250. The scholarship selection is based on a combination of community service and academic performance.
Alex Moore Grayling High School
Alex plans to attend Alma College to study Civil Engineering and plans to wrestle for the Alma Scots.
Luella Whipkey Oscoda High School
Luella plans to attend Ferris State University to study Biology/ Pre-Optometry.
Hailee Shelton Mio AuSable High School
Hailee plans to attend Central Michigan University to study Health Professions.
Since 1989, the Grayling Knights of Columbus has teamed up with the Marathon Committee to conduct the Special Olympics Canoe Challenge. This heartwarming event pairs professional Marathon paddlers with area Special Olympians to paddle a short looped course upstream and back down in an aluminum canoe. It is not a long endurance race like the one held the next day, but to these very special participants, it is far more important. To them, it is more than just a minute or two of fun; it is something they look forward to for a whole year. It is their time to be part of the action! The Special Olympic Canoe Challenge is held each year during Friday Time Trials. If you have not had the opportunity to see the event, you should stop by and cheer on the teams. The huge smiles when the Olympians cross the finish line or receive their participation medals make this a must-see event. Each year the Marathon Committee donates a portion of the Marathon entry fees to the Michigan Special Olympics. To date, such donations have totaled close to $20,000.
Special Olympics Canoe Challenge
July 24 @ 2:45 p.m.
Tierney Hartman Grayling High School Paddler Winner
Tierney plans to attend Michigan State University to study kinesiology.
ARC 120
Back for a fifth running in 2026 is the Consumers Energy AuSable River Challenge 120, also known as the ‘ARC 120.’
Separate from the “main event” of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, the ARC120 is geared toward all types of recreational, touring, and racing watercraft, that are powered by a single or double bladed paddle.
The ARC 120 is a full-length of the AuSable River challenge from Grayling to Oscoda. It is a good opportunity for paddlers of all skill levels to try the mighty AuSable in an organized event to test your abilities and see how you fare against the course.
The ARC 120 is a fundraiser for the Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon C2 main event, and helps support our local emergency responders.
For 2026, the ARC 120 will start at 7 a.m. Friday, July 24th, at Borchers AuSable Canoe and Kayak Rental in Grayling and finish at the AuSable Inn in Oscoda. Teams will have until 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th, to complete the course.
For future race applications, updated entry list, rules and more info about the event, please visit www.ausablecanoemarathon.org/events/ausablechallenge-120/
2026 ARC ENTRIES
#C01 Judy Stepanek of Kewadin, MI will be paddling a solo V8 surfski
#C02 Michael Carson of Rainbow City, AL will be paddling SUP
#C03 Russell Anderson of Ludington, MI will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)
#C04 Aaron Mead of Grayling, MI will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)
#C05 Kevin Couturier of East Tawas, MI and Nate Choate of Clio, MI will be paddling a tandem canoe (C2)
#C06 Kevin Omilusik of Grayling, MI and Gabe Janowiak of Traverse City will be paddling a tandem canoe (C2)
#C07 Jason Sarsfield of Harrison, MI will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)
#C08 Justin Miller of Freeland, MI will be paddling a solo canoe (C1)
#C09 Mark Scherler of Clarkston, MI and Linh Hoang of Shelby Twp will be paddling a tandem canoe (C2)
#C10 will be a relay team consisting of Corey Weigold of Grayling, Kathleen Ravin of Fort Collins, MI, and Albert Carr of Kalkaska, MI, they will be paddling a tandem canoe (C2)
#C11 Cody Sapp of Muskegon, MI and Devin Sapp of Folsom, CA will be paddling a tandem canoe (C2)
#C12 Joe White of Lorain, OH will be paddling a solo racing canoe (C1)
AUSABLE RIVER FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Annual Car & Truck Show Cruise Night, Starts at Northstar Auto Wash, 5:30 p.m. (food and refreshments), 7 p.m. start of cruise. Contact Dan Mygrants at (989) 745-5880 for information.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
40th Classic Car & Truck Show, Michigan Avenue, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., registration 7 to 10 a.m., trophies 2:30 p.m.
Spike’s Challenge C-2 Race Sprints for Starting Position, Grayling City Park Pond, 9 a.m.
Spike’s Challenge Junior, Fledgling, Mentor Races, Grayling City Park Pond, 2 p.m.
Spike’s Challenge Junior C-2 Race, Beginning on Ingham Street to Burton’s Landing, 5:30 p.m.
Spike’s Challenge C-1 Race , Grayling’s Ingham Street to Burton’s Landing, 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 19
Spike’s Challenge C-2 Race, Beginning on Ingham Street to McMasters Bridge, 9 a.m., lunch/awards 2 p.m. at Grayling City Park Pavilion
MONDAY, JULY 20
Marathon Monday , Wear your favorite Marathon shirt, use hashtag #marathonmonday and @ausableriverfestival on social media
TUESDAY, JULY 21
Kid’s Day, Grayling City Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a day of activities in the park.
Da$h For Ca$h, Gilbert’s Drug Store to Finish Line Park, Oscoda, 5:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
AuSable River Canoe Marathon Time Trials Day 1, looped course between Penrod’s Canoe Livery and Old AuSable Fly Shop, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
H.U.P. (Hurry Up & Paddle) or Sink Race, Grayling City Park, 5 p.m. check-in/line-up, 6 p.m. racing
THURSDAY, JULY 23
Food Trucks/Food Vendors, 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
AuSable River Canoe Marathon Time Trials Day 2, looped course between Penrod’s Canoe Livery and Old AuSable Fly Shop, 3 to 7 p.m.
Miss AuSable River Festival Scholarship Program, 5 p.m., Main Stage
AuSable Main Stage performances, 200 Block of Michigan Avenue, all performances free and open to the public; including Yankee Station at 7:30 p.m. and more live music at 9:30 p.m.
Brew Avenue , AuSable Main Stage Area, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Need not be 21 to enter, must be 21 with a valid ID to receive a wristband.)
Business Relays, Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 4:15 p.m.
C-1 Express , Penrod’s to Burton’s Landing, registration 1 to 5 p.m. at Penrod’s, race 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
ARC 120 Challenge, Borchers Canoe & Kayak, 7 a.m. start
Annual Arts & Crafts Show, Grayling City Park, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Vendors and Activity Booths , 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Food Trucks/Food Vendors, 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
AuSable Mainstage performances , 200 Block of Michigan Avenue, all performances free and open to the public, noon to midnight; including The Offbeat at 1:30 p.m., 2nd Hand Entertainment at 5 p.m.
Brew Avenue , AuSable Main Stage Area, noon to midnight. (Need not be 21 to enter, must be 21 with a valid ID to receive a wristband.)
AuSable River Canoe Marathon Time Trials Day 3, looped course between Penrod’s Canoe Livery and Old AuSable Fly Shop, 2 to 4 p.m.
AuSable River Canoe Marathon Special Olympics Challenge, Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 2:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Lumberjack Breakfast , hosted by Grayling Restaurant, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Grayling Recreation Authority 10K/5K , Hanson Hills, 9 a.m. (register at hansonhills.org)
Annual Arts & Crafts Show , Grayling City Park, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vendors and Activity Booths , 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Food Trucks/Food Vendors, 100 Block of Michigan Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Brew Avenue , AuSable Mainstage area, noon to midnight. (Need not be 21 to enter, must be 21 with a valid ID to receive a wristband.)
American Legion Beer Tent , noon to 9 p.m.
AuSable Main Stage performances, 200 Block of Michigan Avenue, 2 p.m. to midnight, including Timberline North at 5 p.m.
Duck Derby, City Park Bridge, 3 p.m.
AuSable River Festival Parade , Downtown Grayling, 4 p.m.
AuSable River Canoe Marathon Pre-Race Program, Old AuSable Fly Shop, 6 p.m.
Introduction of Paddlers , Old AuSable Fly Shop, 6:45 p.m.
Posting of the Colors, Old AuSable Fly Shop, 7:45 p.m.
78th Annual Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon Start , Old AuSable Fly Shop, 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
78th Annual Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon Finish, Finish Line Park, Oscoda, approximately 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information and updates on the AuSable River Festival, visit the event’s official website at www. ausableriverfest.com/
78TH MARATHON OSCODA EVENT LINEUP
TUESDAY, JULY 21
DA$H For CA$H , Finish Line Park, Oscoda, Registration, 4-5:15 p.m., race begins at 5:30 p.m. Also planned are “The Rivalry on the River” and a C-1 event.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
Cardboard Canoe Race and Greased Watermelon Race, Oscoda Canoe Rental, Cardboard Canoe race at 6:30 p.m., Watermelon Race at 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
Kid’s Canoe Costume Contest, Blindfolded Canoe Race, Battle of the Townships Race , Oscoda Canoe Rental, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Confluence Hydro the future owner of Consumers Energy ’s hydroelectric dams - is excited to invest in Michigan.
We are dedicated to continued safe operations of the dams, ensuring they provide safe, reliable and clean power and recreational oppor tunities for generations to come.
Proud Sponsors of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon
DA$H for CA$H
Sprint race to be held in Oscoda on Tuesday night of Marathon week
Oscoda’s 2026 Confluence Hydro Da$h for Ca$h (presented by Gilbert’s Drug Store of Oscoda and Kalitta Air) will be held Tuesday, July 21. The Da$h for Ca$h is a bracket-style, single elimination event. Teams will be competing for a part of a $5,000+ prize pool. Sprints are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in approximately 2-3 minute intervals until a champion is crowned. Prize money will be handed out following the final sprint, and paddlers must be present to collect their prize. Check-in and registration
for the Da$h for Ca$h will be held at Finish Line Park from 4 until 5:15 p.m. Teams are positioned on the bracket via random draw at 5:15 p.m. The event is free to enter for paddlers registered for the Marathon, and the cost is $20 per person for non-Marathon entrants.
Come and watch students from Tawas Area High School and Oscoda High School race for money to help support their athletic programs during the “Rivalry on the River.” This has been a great (and funny) event in the past and we hope
to see some of our young people picking up a paddle and trying out their skills in a boat. Student paddlers compete between the heats of the main event.
This year, we are bringing back the C-1 race following the Da$h for Ca$h. However, new this year, a women’s race will also be held. Men and women will each race for part of a $1,000 prize pool ($500 each). C-1s will line up behind Gilbert’s Drug Store following the main event and race to the finish line.
2026 DA$H FOR CA$H PRIZE MONEY PAYOUT
1st: $500
2nd: $300
3rd-4th: $200
5th-8th: $150
9th-16th: $100
17th-32nd: $50
33rd-64th: $0
Bonus money is awarded to the top two (2) teams with the fastest overall times, from each of the following divisions: (1st-$150, 2nd-$50)
Women’s – Both female paddlers
Mixed – One male, one female paddler
C-1 Express
The 2026 C-1 Express Race, sponsored by Dead Bear Brewing Co., will be held Thursday, July 23, at Penrod’s during a portion of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Time Trials. The C-1 Express Race is a C-1 event open to the general public. Racers line up in the river at Penrod’s and race to the riverend of Burton’s Landing Road, approximately six miles downstream. Event registration is held from 1 to 5 p.m. on the day of the race. The entry fee is $15. The drawing for starting position will take place at approximately 5:45 p.m. at Penrod’s. Cash prizes are awarded at the finish line. The total prize pool is $660 with both men’s and women’s divisions.
Masters – Both racers aged 40+ years
Seniors – Both racers aged 50+ years (Senior teams do not qualify for the Masters bonus)
Veterans – Both racers aged 60+ years (Veteran teams do not qualify for the Masters or Seniors bonus)
Out of State – Both racers reside outside of Michigan
International – Both paddlers reside outside the USA (International teams do not qualify for Out of State bonus)
Continental – One Michigan, one non-Michigan paddler
All-Michigan – Both racers reside in Michigan
