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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EDITOR’S NOTE: COMPLETE ENTRY LIST,
MAP GRAPHICS (.jpg & .pdf), PHOTOGRAPHS AND MORE ARE AVAILABLE TO THE MEDIA
AND THE PUBLIC AT: http://www.ausablecanoemarathon.org
60th
Weyerhaeuser AuSable River
Canoe Marathon
Final Entry List
Largest
Field Ever-76 Teams Entered as of July 25, 2007
Low
Water Levels in the Upper AuSable River
Could Slow Early Race Pace
July 25, 2007-Grayling MI
Seventy-Six
(76) teams have entered North America’s Richest and
Toughest Canoe Race. This is the largest field ever in history of the 60th
Weyerhaeuser AuSable River Canoe Marathon to be held Saturday Night July 28, 2007. Race organizers are pleased
with the number of entries “We (the race committee) have discussed the future
of the canoe marathon and the growth of the sport. Based on the number of
entries this year, the race will be in good shape for years to come” said Joe
Wakeley, longtime committee member. This is also a transition year for the
canoe race, only two past champions will be in this year’s field of 152
paddlers. “Last year we had new champions and again this year a new champion
will be crowned, this is a great opportunity for some of the young teams to
make their mark on the event” continued Wakeley.
One issue that only
Mother Nature can cure is the water level on the upper AuSable River. “Because of
the high level of competition and typical water levels, experienced teams will
have an advantage knowing where to go and separate themselves from the pack.
Once the teams hit the lower stretches of the river, where there is deeper, the
pace of the race should pick up” according to Steve Southard, owner of Ray’s
Canoe Livery and home of the start of the race. The short term forecast is
calling for some rain and seasonally mild temperatures, the rain will not be
enough to make a difference and the temperatures will be comfortable for
paddlers. Overnight spectators and paddlers should find the temperatures in the
low to mid 50’s.
Time Trials for Saturday Nights race will be held Thursday from 4 to 8pm and Friday 2 to 5:30pm at Penrods
Canoe Livery. Competitors will paddle a looped course to determine starting
position. A good sprint time and run to the river will be essential to a great
start.
The Weyerhaeuser Au Sable River Canoe
Marathon is widely recognized as the “Longest, Richest and Toughest Canoe Race
in North America”. Competitors paddle an average of
fifty paddle strokes per minute to finish this grueling race. The race course
runs from Grayling to Oscoda Michigan, covering over
120 miles of the world famous Au Sable River.
For additional information on the
Weyerhaeuser AuSable River Canoe Marathon visit: www.ausablecanoemarathon.org