Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities

The 2026 Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities celebrates outdoor recreation and the natural resources that define Gladwin County. Highlighting years of conservation efforts by the Gladwin Conservation District and local partners, this event will showcase the revitalization of the Cedar River and the ways that outdoor recreation can bring people together!

This event is made possible by a number of local partnerships and the Gladwin County community. We welcome spectators and participants far and wide to share in the festivities and experience Gladwin County.

• Friday is the official River Race kickoff celebration at Gladwin City Park!
  • Starting at 5pm, the evening will have live music featuring Coleman Road Band, vendors, concessions hosted by Gladwin HS Travel Club, and crafts and activities for all ages!

• Saturday is Race Day!
  • The competition will begin with an Honor Guard Ceremony in tribute to Memorial Day at 9am with race heats beginning around 9:30am at Gladwin City Park.
  • There will also be concessions hosted by Gladwin Boy Scout Troop 779, crafts and activities, music, and vendors to help us start Race Day off right! 
  • The main event is a 12.5 mile canoe/kayak marathon that will take racers from Gladwin City Park to Beaverton's Ross Lake Park along the recently cleared Cedar River!
    • Aid/Spectator locations include Ridley Trailhead on S River Rd, Buckeye Trailhead (2242 S River Rd, Beaverton, MI), Cedar River Chapel (2766 S River Rd, Beaverton, MI), and of course, Ross Lake Park (358 Ross St, Beaverton, MI). Cheer on your favorite paddler and then welcome them across the finish line with festivities at Beaverton's Ross Lake Park!
  • After all racers are on the water, the River Race festivities will transition from Gladwin City Park to Ross Lake Park around 11am.
    • Ross Lake Park will have concessions, games and activities for all ages, the Beaverton Farmers Market until 4pm, and plenty of local organizations and partners!
    • There will also be a 25 Yard Dash Cardboard Boat Race in Ross Lake for those who still want to compete but aren't quite up for the 12.5 mile adventure (there's always next year)! These boat races will be a time trial to see who comes out on top as the fastest dasher of cardboard on Ross Lake! 
      • Costumes are highly encouraged 
      • The public will have the chance to vote on their favorite cardboard boat and costumes. Winners will receive a prize and a chance of standing on the podium!
  • Award ceremonies will happen throughout the day as racers complete the course. We want to honor our participants up on the River Race Podium and award them with custom engraved paddles!
  • After our awards are presented and Ross Lake activities are wrapping up, the celebration will continue in downtown Beaverton with food and drink specials, yard games, bonfires, and music!