Paddlers - 2011

Welcome to the 2011 Paddler Information Page:  Below are the Entry Packet, Rules, and other information for the Registered Paddler.  Please download the entry packet, read carefully, and complete entirely the two page entry form.  Please make sure your entry is signed and mail to the address at the bottom of the entry form.  The Entry Fee is in U.S. Dollars only.  When your entry has been received and accepted, your information will be placed on this web site in the entry list, so keep checking back.

New for 2011:

• Dash for Cash Tuesday July 26, 2011 in Oscoda, Registered Marathon Contestants only.
• Additional Time Trial night for starting position - Wednesday July 27, 2011 4p - 8p
• There will be no formal Paddler's Dinner on Friday night in Grayling at the Ramada.  There will be food and entertainment at the Old AuSable Fly Shop (Starting Line area).

Entry Deadlines:

Entries postmarked by Friday, June 17, 2011:            $200

Entries postmarked by Friday, July 2, 2011:               $300

Entries received by 12 noon Monday, July 25, 2011:    $400

Check-In Deadlines for All Contestants:

• For participants scheduled to do their Time Trial Wednesday, the check-in deadline is Wednesday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m.
• For participants scheduled to do their Time Trial Thursday, the check-in deadline is Thursday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m.
• For all other participants, the check-in deadline is Friday, July 29 at 12:00 noon.
• Contestants who fail to check in by the deadline will be assessed an additional late check-in fee of $200. They may be subject to an additional penalty at the discretion of the committee.  Contestants who fail to check in by 2 p.m. on Friday will be disqualified.  Refer to Rule #2.

PLEASE NOTE: All participants must check-in prior to the listed deadlines. Check-in begins on Saturday July 23, 2011, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Park Pavilion during the Spike’s Challenge Race check-in. Then from Monday July 25, 2011 at the Marathon office in the Grayling Mini-Mall: Monday—Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Mandatory Events for Contestants:

• Be present for the Pre-Race briefing and qualifying Canoe Inspection, Saturday 12:00 noon at Grayling Middle School Field.
• Be present for the Introduction of Marathon Paddlers at 7:00 p.m. Saturday night during the Pre-race Program.
• Teams which do not attend required events listed above are subject penalty. (see Marathon Rules)

Sponsorship:

Competing teams are expected to recruit their own sponsors for the Marathon. A limited number of $100 paddler sponsorships will be made available by the volunteer organizing committee to teams which are unable to obtain their own sponsors. Priority is given to out-of-state teams.

Time Trial Course Closed to Competitors:

The Time Trial course will be closed to ALL competitors for practice during the Time Trials. Violations will be subject to a 2 minute Time Trial penalty. Time Trial course buoys will be set at least two hours before the event each day. Competitors wishing to look over the course are encouraged to do so at that time. Teams which fail to participate in the Time Trials will start in the back row. 

Official Measuring of Canoes:

Official measuring of the canoes will be available at the Time Trials on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. A decal will be placed on the canoe by the Race Committee if the canoe meets all the required specifications outlined in the rules and entry packet. All canoes must be presented for inspection (life jackets, flares and whistles) following the Pre-Race Briefing at noon on Saturday. Canoes will be presented Saturday in the order of Sprint results-fastest first.

Paddlers Must Provide Their Own Feeders:

Teams are responsible for providing their own feed teams.  Contestants may receive food, water and extra paddles during the race. Teams must carry the canoe, at least two (2) size appropriate life jackets, two (2) pea-less type whistles and at least two (2) paddles through all portages. Feeders may convey any equipment, i.e. paddles, as long as the contestants convey the minimum equipment as listed above.  No one is allowed to help convey or advance a contestant, canoe and/or the specified equipment. Feeders may stabilize a canoe during a feed, however, a “push-off” after feeds or portages and/or aiding the forward motion of the canoe at any time is not allowed. Canoes may be removed from the river by the contestants for repairs or due to illness or injury, but must reenter the river at the point of exit. All repairs must be performed by the contestants.  First time feeders should read the Marathon Guide Book for more information and study the Race Rules.

Cut Off Times:

Teams that do not reach the listed below locations by the posted race time will be disqualified.

Notes To Feeders:

Credentials will be given out at the Paddler Briefing on Saturday.  New for 2011: Due to the large number of entered teams we will limit the number of vehicles and feeders in certain areas, there will be two different colors of wrist bands and car passes.  Only one color will be allowed in certain parking lots and access points.  This will be strictly enforced.