Start line address:
15545 West Oak Spring Road Libertyville, IL 60048 Finish line address: 756 North River Road Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 Participants can paddle the full 18.5 mile course or choose a shorter distance, the recently added Minithon that spans 5.25 miles. The put-in for the shorter paddle begins at Pottawatomi Woods north of Dundee Road in Wheeling. Cars may be parked in the adjoining lot. A map and further detail on parking and shuttle service will be included in the information emailed to you following registration. Canoes, kayaks and SUPs may all participate in the Minithon. |
The Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Marathon was founded in 1958 by Ralph Frese. This event has the distinction of being the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States. The event course is 18.5 miles on the beautiful and historic Des Plaines River. There are numerous classes to accommodate people of all ages and skill levels. In 2016 a 5.25-mile non-competitive Minithon was added. Everyone is welcome to participate. First time participants, repeat paddlers and serious competitors can all enjoy the excitement, challenge and camaraderie provided by this historic event.
2019 registration forms coming soon |