Adirondack Canoe Classic, Canoe marathon competition in Adirondacks, US
The Adirondack Canoe Classic is a three-day paddling competition spanning 90 miles through lakes, rivers, and waterways from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, held each September. The course connects multiple daily start and finish locations and crosses various water routes throughout the Adirondack region.
The race started in 1983 and follows traditional water routes that early settlers and guides once traveled through the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. These historic paths have been paddled for generations and form the foundation of the modern course.
The event draws paddlers from around the world, including university teams and multi-generational families competing in different boat divisions. This diversity creates a gathering place where people with a shared passion for long-distance paddling come together.
Participants must wear Coast Guard-approved life vests and should organize support crews to transport their equipment between daily start and finish points. Water levels and weather conditions can change from day to day, so it is important to be flexible and prepare for varying paddling conditions.
The competition includes approximately 5.25 miles of carrying sections where athletes must transport their boats across multiple portage areas. These required land crossings break up the paddling and demand strength and endurance both in the water and on shore.
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