Spartan River Races are Saturday, July 17.

Spartan River Races are Saturday, July 17.

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central Schools in partnership with Mason County Press.

SCOTTVILLE — The 2021 Spartan River Races are underway with the in-person event taking place this Saturday, July 17. The event is a fundraiser for the Mason County Central Educational Foundation. 

The canoe/kayak race includes four different races on the Pere Marquette River: Scottville to Ludington, individual triathlon and team triathlon and Custer to Scottville. 

Entry fee is $25 per participant for all races. Registration and other information can be found at www.mccedfoundation.org or here.

Those wishing to participate virtually have until Friday, July 16 to record their times. 

 The following general rules apply to all events. 

• • • • Must be 16 years of age or older.
      • Vessels may be a single or tandem canoe, single or double
      • Kayaks will be limited to 14 feet.
      • Participants are responsible for getting their vessels to the starting area and from the finish line.
      • Racers are responsible for their own personal flotation device, paddle, and vessel.
      • Canoes must be propelled with a single blade paddle; Kayaks with a double bladed paddle, bent shafts are permitted.
      • Singles will be allowed as well as co-ed vessels.
      • Each participant will receive an event shirt and a finisher medal.
      • Participants must wear a USCG approved PFDs at the start of the race. NoCushions to be used as PFDs
      • Absolutely no alcoholic beverages allowed during the races.

Race details are as follows: 

Race Number 1: Scottville to Ludington by canoe or kayak. Approximately 12 river miles. Start: 10 a.m. 

Racers will start at Scottville Riverside Park. Time will begin when they cross under the Scottville Road Bridge. Time will end when they reach the boat launch on the South Branch of The Pere Marquette River near Pere Marquette Highway. There will be no support from the MCC Educational Foundation for this event. 

Race Number 2: Individual Triathlon. Start: 9:45 a.m. 

Racers will complete a bike ride, run, and paddle on PM River. Participants will bike 12 miles on a course of their choice, then run to the Custer Boat Launch (approximately 4 miles) on a course of their choice.  For the final leg of the triathlon participants will paddle on the Pere Marquette River from Custer Road Bridge to the finish line banner at Riverside Park in Scottville (approximately 4.7 miles).

Race Number 3: Team Triathlon. Start: 9:45 a.m.  

Racers will need to complete a bike ride, run and paddle from the Custer Road Bridge to the finish banner at Scottville Riverside Park. There will be no support from the MCC Educational Foundation for this event. Participants will bike 12 miles, then run to the Custer Boat Launch (approximately 4 miles) and Paddle to Scottville Riverside Park (approximately 4.7 miles). 

Race Number 4: Canoe/Kayak from Custer to Scottville. Approximately 4.7 miles. Start: 10:30 a.m.

Racers will start at Custer Road boat access east of Custer Road Bridge. Time will start when the participant crosses under the Custer Road Bridge. Time will finish when the participant crosses under the finish line banner in Scottville Riverside Park. Register at Scottville Riverside Park and then proceed to Custer to launch.

Proceeds from the event will be used toward post-secondary scholarships for graduating Mason County Central students. Questions may be directed to Gary Andersen, 231-690-0633 or gandersen@mccedfoundation.org.

See interview with Gary Andersen of the MCC Educational Foundation on MCP’s Full Court Press sports and recreation webcast here:

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