2024 MCRA Membership is now online!

Due to popular demand, you can now pay your dues online!
Visit 
https://runsignup.com/Club/MI/EastLansing/MichiganCanoeRacingAssociation

Be sure to select the correct membership type, and to click on SignUp (Not Renew).

Dues can still be paid by mail or in-person. 

Mail in your 2024 Membership Dues

Both paddlers must be current on dues to receive MCRA points and prize money.

Renewal dues mailed after April 1 will be assessed a $15 late fee.

 

The Klondike Challenge is a collaboration between the ARICM and Michigan Canoe Racing Association (MCRA). The race, held annually in the late winter or early spring, is open to C-1 and C-2 canoes and kayaks. The race marks the “Season Kickoff” for the Michigan canoe racing season and serves as a friendly, spirited event before the MCRA’s annual Spring Membership Meeting. The race starts at 1:00pm with the C-2s. Once they are on the course the C-1s will be started.
The course is approximately 4.25 miles (2.75 miles upstream, 1.5 miles downstream). The race starts at the mouth of Van Etten Creek (where it meets the AuSable River), heading upstream to Van Etten Dam, then has a counter-clockwise buoy-turn, and then returns downstream to finish just after the F-41 bridge near Huntington Bank. Racers finish the course in approximately 45 minutes.
The event is open to paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Non-racing canoes and non-racing kayaks are allowed. You must provide your own cold-weather gear and safety equipment, such as life jackets/PFD’s. Please take cold-weather and cold-water precaution!
USGS Water Data for Van Etten Creek
You can also pay your membership dues at the Klondike to the MCRA membership chair, Mary Schlimmer-Willoughby
Race Contact
OSCODA RACE COMMITTEE
oscoda@ausablecanoemarathon.org
 

 

 

B.I.G. Canoe Race - Bellaire

B.I.G. (Lake Bellaire, Intermediate River, Grass River) starts and finishes at the Fisherman's Paradise Boat Launch, 5925 Fisherman's Paradise Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615.


Schedule:
Saturday April 27
6:00 PM C1 Race Start

Sunday April 28
10:00 AM C2 Race Start

Parking and race start/finish will be located at Fisherman's Paradise Boat Launch in Bellaire Michigan.

The C1 race will start in Lake Bellaire and travel downstream on the Grass River, to a counterclockwise buoy turn at the Grass River Nature Preserve Dock, and repeat the course back to the start/finish line.
​
The C2 race will follow the C1 course, starting on Lake Bellaire, downstream on the Grass River to a counterclockwise buoy turn, back upstream, past the start/finish line to the Ohio St. Boat Launch where there will be another buoy turn, and paddle back to the start/finish line. 
 

 

Tentative 2024 Race Schedule

This tentative schedule is subject to change.
Klondike – April 6 (Non-points) & Membership Meeting
Spring Fling – April 20 (Non-points)
Bellaire “BIG” Race – April 27 & 28
Roscommon Canoe Classic – May 4 & 5
Kawkawlin – Tentative – May 18 & 19
Huron River Canoe Challenge – June 1 Mixed Bonus
Newaygo Power Paddle – Tentative – June 8 & 9
Betsie River Race – June 15 C1 State Championship
Muskegon River Throwdown – June 22 & 23
Paddle Hard River Rampage – July 6 & 7 Women’s Bonus
Curley Memorial Canoe Race – July 13 & 14
Spike’s Challenge – July 20-21
Soo Race – August 17
Mio “First Dam” Challenge – August 24 & 25 Expert 2 State Championship
Tahquamenon Wilderness Canoe Race – September 14 &  End of year awards
Monument Ceremony – September TBD

Thank you to our sponsors!