History of the Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon

51 Years ago, Ralph Frese of the Chicagoland Canoe Base, helped a group of Boy Scouts earn their canoing merit badge by teaching them how to build canoes. As a final test of both the canoes and the boys' skills, Ralph set up a course on the nearby Des Plaines River. 25 canoes, the boy scouts, their fathers, and Ralph participated in the first race. In 2000, Ralph recalled the history of the event in a short essay.

Over the years the course and the event grew in popularity. It grew to become an event larger than one person could handle alone so the Illinois Paddling Council took over. Later, the Des Plaines River Association was formed to run the race and call attention to the river.

Every year proceeds from the race not used for future races are given to an organization related to canoing or the Des Plaines River. A portion of the funds from the 1998 and 1999 races went to the waterfront and canoing programs of the "One Step at a Time Camp" for children with cancer or who have survived a form or cancer. In the past, funds have also been used to help build the canoe launches at Oak Spring Road and at Rt. 60, to post signs warning of dams ahead, as well as many other projects.

The committee gladly welcomes suggestions for future donations.

For reviews and details of past years' races, visit the Past Years page.