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Crawford AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Paddlers had to find their way in the dark as they raced down the AuSable River.

One hundred and ninety canoes raced on Saturday in teams of two for more than $50,000 in prizes.

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is a 13-to-19-hour race. Teams start on the road, running with their canoes to the boat launch—where all 95 teams strive to get in at the same time.

Volunteer Colin Hunter said this is considered one of the most prestigious races in the sport—part of a series called the Triple Crown.

"For us in the canoe racing sport, this is the pinnacle, it’s the reason why we all race," Hunter said. "It’s the longest race, a non-stop race, and it’s the only one in Northern Michigan—anywhere in the world—that goes overnight. We start at 9 p.m., paddle all night long, and don’t finish until at least 14 hours. Most of us much longer than that."

Each canoe has a GPS tracker that allows family, fans, and followers to check their progress real-time online at the marathon website.

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