From the Organizer
Formed in 1994, the event was originally known as the Harry Curley Memorial Canoe Race, in honor of “Mr. AuSable Canoe Race”, Harry Curley. The event was renamed in 2003 to the Curley Memorial Canoe Race after the sudden passing of Kevin Curley, a popular Oscoda canoe paddler and avid race organizer. In the years since, the race has come to honor other members of the Curley family involved in canoe racing, as well as all individuals who have contributed to Michigan canoe racing, whether through organizing races, volunteering, or participating. The Curley Awards Picnic, held annually after the C-2 race, gathers donations for the MCRA’s Canoer’s Memorial Monument fund.
There is a C-2 (two-person canoe) race held on Saturday and a C-1 (one-person canoe) race held on Sunday.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
80°
Typical Low
58°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from E Tawas, 11 mi from the venue.
Host City
Nearest Airport
APN
Alpena County Regional Airport · 48 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Curley Memorial Canoe Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Grayling Paddle Club
69 miles away
Great Northern Highland Paddle & Portage
321 miles away
2026 Brookville Canoefest
354 miles away
French Creek Valley Conservancy Summer Sojourn 2026
244 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Kayak, canoe, SUP, and outrigger races on rivers, lakes, and ocean. Sprints to marathon distances, split by craft.
Kayak, canoe, SUP, and outrigger races on rivers, lakes, and ocean. Sprints to marathon distances, split by craft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Curley Memorial Canoe Race
Jul 11, 2026