
Thank You to Our Klondike Challenge Supporters:
The Klondike Challenge originated in the 1970’s as a race on the AuSable River in Grayling, but the event was moved to Oscoda’s Van Etten Creek in 1996. The Klondike marks the “Season Kickoff” for the Michigan Canoe Racing season, and serves as a friendly, spirited sprint event before the MCRA’s Annual Spring Membership Meeting. Paddlers and race fans use the event to catch-up with race friends after a long winter offseason, and to get a sneak peek at the racers for the upcoming season (or to see who has been training during the winter!). Originally a race held in late January or February, it is now held annually in late winter or early spring. In recent years, the Klondike Challenge has become an AuSable River Canoe Marathon fundraising event, incorporating a 5K/10K Run/Walk into the weekend’s festivities. The event is organized by the AuSable River International Canoe Marathon Committee, and hosted in conjunction with the Michigan Canoe Racing Association. Paddlers and runners of all ages and talent levels are welcome to enter. See you there!

Klondike Canoe Champions
Year | C-2 Time | C-2 Winners | C-1 Time | C-1 Winner |
---|---|---|---|---|
1996 | 0:40:20 | Ray Yehl & Dan Gary | 0:48:10 | Daniel Klinkhamer |
1997 | 0:39:08 | Brett Stockton & Bill Torongo | 0:42:52 | Ken Kolonich |
1998 | 0:39:31 | Brett Stockton & Bill Torongo | 0:45:57 | Rick Joy |
1999 | 0:38:02 | Brett Stockton & Bill Torongo | 0:47:39 | Bob Zalewski |
2000 | 0:38:22 | Bruce Barton & Jeff Kolka | 0:43:22 | Daniel Klinkhamer |
2001 | 0:38:21 | Mo Harwood, Jr. & Jim Harwood | 0:42:14 | Bruce Barton |
2002 | 0:38:46 | Bruce Barton & Matthew Rimer | 0:49:02 | Tom Mills |
2003 | 0:37:23 | Andrew Triebold & Bruce Barton | 0:45:00 | Bill Schmitz |
2004 | 0:36:31 | Brett Stockton & Matthew Rimer | 0:40:18 | Jeff Kolka |
2005 | 0:36:09 | Andrew Triebold & Matthew Rimer | 0:44:25 | Jeff Kolka |
2006 | 0:36:31 | Andrew Triebold & Matthew Rimer | 0:44:22 | Bruce Barton |
2007 | 0:34:50 | Steve Corlew & Matt Streib | 0:45:32 | Russ Reker |
2008 | 0:40:07 | Ray Trudgeon & Matt Streib | 0:43:48 | Russ Reker |
2009 | 0:40:01 | Lee Barnett & Ryan Halstead | 0:51:35 | Matthew Ashton |
2010 | 0:37:29 | Cameron McClain & Matthew Rimer | 0:45:21 | Bill Schmitz |
2011 | 0:38:57 | Ryan Foguth & Ryan Halstead | 0:46:39 | Tad Hill |
2012 | 0:38:25 | Mo Harwood, Jr. & Josh Sheldon | 0:40:50 | Steve Corlew |
2013 | 0:36:39 | Josh Sheldon & Ryan Halstead | 0:45:27 | Tad Hill |
2014 | 0:38:53 | Josh Sheldon & Ryan Halstead | 0:48:31 | Shawn Spallinger |
2015 | 0:38:20 | Tim Sheldon & Ryan Halstead | 0:44:44 | Tad Hill |
2016 | 0:38:24 | Josh Sheldon & Ryan Halstead | 0:44:53 | Russ Reker |
2017 | 0:37:31 | Mike Davis & Tad Hill | 0:45:10 | Steve Watson |
2018 | 0:38:44 | Mike Davis & Weston Willoughby | 0:44:27 | Shawn Spallinger |
2019 | 0:38:01 | Wesley Dean & Kyle Stonehouse | 0:42:50 | Daniel Medina |