15th Annual Huron River Canoe Challenge

June 3th, 2023 @ Gallup Park, Ann Arbor

Registration for all events is at the Benard L. Maas Picnic Shelter

The Huron River Challenge is a sanctioned paddling event of the Michigan Canoe Racing Association designed to bring an exciting day of canoe racing to the Huron River in Ann Arbor.

Event Schedule:

C-1 Professional Race (10:00am)

+ Juniors (10:00am)

The kickoff to the Huron River Canoe Challenge will feature 20 – 30 solo canoes in a 6 mile race around Geddes Pond. This event will begin at 10:00 am with a mass start in Gallup Park and feature 1 large lap between US23 and Furstenburg Nature Area.  Registration begins at 9:00 am at the Benard L. Maas Shelter.

C-2 Professional Race (12:30 pm)

The highlight event of the Huron River Canoe Challenge will feature up to 30 professional canoe racing teams competing in a “marathon style” event. The course is 14 miles long and includes a portage at the Geddes Dam.  This event will begin with a mass start in Gallup Park. Registration is at the Benard L. Maas Shelter.

Awards (After C-2 Race)

Join us for awards following the races.

Directions to:

Gallup Park
3000 Fuller Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI

From North:

(also if coming from East or West along I-96)

I-75 South to US23 South. When near Ann Arbor follow signs for M-14 E/US23 South. Take exit #39 for Geddes Rd. Turn right on Geddes Rd. Continue west approximately 1.5 miles.  The entrance to Gallup Park is on the left just past the Huron Parkway intersection. Continue through Gallup Park to the last parking lot. Registration is at the Benard L. Maas Shelter.

From South:

(also if coming from East or West along I-94)

US23 North to Exit #39, Geddes Rd. Turn left on Geddes Rd. Continue west approximately 1.5 miles.  The entrance to Gallup Park is on the left just past the Huron Parkway intersection. Continue through Gallup Park to the last parking lot.  Registration is at the Benard L.Maas Shelter.

***If the lot nearest the Picnic Shelter is full, please park in one of the other Gallup Park parking lots or at the Gallup Park boat launch.

Gallup Park

Gallup Park is one of the most popular recreation places in Ann Arbor.  However, much of the park is under construction this year and the playground and some sections of the bike path may not be open during this year’s event.  For information and a map of Gallup Park, go to: http://www.a2gov.org/government/communityservices/ParksandRecreation/parks/Features/Pages/Gallup.aspx  

Lodging

The nearest campgrounds are located in Ypsilanti and Brighton. There are several hotels and motels in the Ann Arbor area if you wish to stay overnight.

Event director:

Tim Feldkamp