Gladwin County sits almost right smack dab in the middle of Michigan’s palm, but most people would be hard pressed to name something about the rural county.
That could change with the inaugural run this month of the Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities. The event celebrates the natural resources and outdoor recreation in north-central Michigan county. The 12.5-mile canoe and kayak marathon highlights one of those natural resources: the Cedar River.
“It’s extremely exciting for the county,” says Tristan C. Hewitt, who is executive director of the Gladwin County Conservation District. “Our vision is to continue to build on this and get the word out each year. We want people to come out and celebrate the natural resources in Gladwin County, spend time with each other and get out on the river on a beautiful day. Community focus is a big part of this.”
What’s happening: The first-ever Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities takes place Saturday, May 24. The race is a 12.5-mile canoe/kayak marathon along a stretch of the Cedar River from Gladwin City Park to Ross Lake Park in Beaverton. Sprints will be held on Ross Lake. A kickoff celebration is set for Friday, May 23, and includes a fun run/walk/float, and a sunset/glowstick float. The event is being organized by Friends of the Gladwin County Conservation District and the Gladwin County Conservation District.
“There’s nothing at all like this county,” says Diana Blue, who is a member of the Friends of the Gladwin County Conservation District. “It was decided to have the race on Memorial Day weekend because there is not really a strong traditional event in the county on Memorial Day. We hope it’s a big draw and brings people into the county … this is really bringing the community together.”
The backstory: The idea of a river race evolved after cleanup efforts began on the river, stretches of which had once been popular with water enthusiasts. The 29-mile-long river flows through Clare and Gladwin counties. Over the years, downed trees, debris, eroding banks made a once-popular stretch of the river impassable for canoeists and kayakers. Thanks to grants from the Gladwin County Community Foundation and the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network and help from other community groups, the river has been cleared of debris. Maintenance has continued.
“It’s been incredible since the river has been opened again, for the first time in 20 or more years,” Hewitt says. “The community has really rallied behind this. It’s cool to bring the community together for something like this and to be able to use the river again for recreation.”
About the two cities: The reference to two cities includes Gladwin and Beaverton, located at either end of the river race. The cities also are the trailheads of The Trail of Two Cities, an eight-mile-long, non-motorized all-seasons trail for walking, running, rollerblading and biking, and in the winter for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and fat-tire biking. Much of the race will parallel the trail.
Race response: So far, about 20 people have registered for the race. Community and business groups will join the activities at Gladwin City Park on Saturday morning. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Blue says, noting organizers have been promoting the event among surrounding townships and community gatherings. “It’s interesting – when you tell people about the race, they’re surprised. They’ll say, ‘‘Nothing much happens here … There’s a race?’ It’s exciting.”
About the conservation district: Stewards of natural resources, Michigan’s conservation districts – like the Gladwin County Conservation District – provide education about natural resource conservation. The Friends of Gladwin County Conservation District was founded last year to support the district’s efforts.
What’s next: Organizers plan to make the race an annual event. “Our vision as we continue to build this and get the word out is that this will be a staple event,” Hewitt says. “When you think of the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, they get people from all over. Community focus is a big part of this but that is our long-term goal.”
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