AuSable River International Canoe Marathon Hall Fame Recipients

2006

Marilyn Wagner - First Female competitor. First Female to finish Marathon (Amateur - August 3, 1968).
Jay Stephan Sr. - Paddled the very first Marathon in 1947. Was in five more and finished first in 1950, 1951, and 1952.

Hugh Bissonette - Paddled in the first Marathon 1947. Marathon champion 1948 and 1949. Set Marathon records both years. Thomas P. Marston Memorial recipient.
Bernie Fowler - Paddled in the first ten Marathons. Marathon champion 1953, 1954, and 1955. First Ironman Paddler Award recipient. July 1986 inducted in the International Paddler Hall of Fame.

Butch Stockton - Champion 1982 through 1986. Promoted Canoe Marathon. Assists current paddlers with repairs to thier canoes.
Harry Curley - Race promoter - never paddled but promoted canoe racing, kept AuSable River Canoe Marathon alive and led to current era.

Ralph Sawyer - Champion 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, and 1968. First Marathon finish in 1953 at age sixteen, and finished second.
Al Widing Sr. - Paddled in thirty-six Marathons and still going. Oldest competitor. Competed in every race from 1987 to 2009.

Oscoda-AuSable Township Fire Department Water Rescue - This group covered everything from staging race to raising funds and providing safety. They have been part of the race since its inception and continue to contribute.
Frank and Peggy Smutek - Frank has the longest career in Marathon history – 58 years and counting. First Marathon in 1952 at age 18. Peggy contributes time and resources including three generations of family. They exemplify generosity and sportsmanship.

Stan Hall - Stan knew he was going to be a paddler when he saw the racers finish in 1947. He entered 11 – finished 7. Champion in 1967 and 1968. He's never missed a race.
John B. Cook - Through diligent and scrupulous record-keeping he has recorded the history of the Marathon for all who love the race.