GLADWIN COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Gladwin County River Race of two cities

gladwin city park - ross lake park

May 23-24, 2025

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River Race of Two Cities Events Schedule

Friday, May 23rd (All events are free, including entrance to the park!)
5-8pm:
  • Gladwin HS Travel Club Concessions Fundraiser
  • ​River Race Silent Auction
  • Vendors and Non-profit booths
  • Gladwin Area Artist Guild Craft Station
  • ​City Park Conservation Stations
  • Live music with Coleman Road
5pm
  • 1 mile River Race Fun Run/Walk/Float starting at Gladwin North Park, ending at Gladwin City Park
    • Kayak rentals available on-site with Cedar River Outfitters
6pm
  • Watershed Health Education Presentation with Little Forks Conservancy and Chippewa Watershed Conservancy
8pm
  • Sunset/Glowstick Float starting at Gladwin City Park, ending at Ridley Trailhead (1.5 mile total)
    • Kayak rentals available on-site with Cedar River Outfitters​
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Saturday, May 24th (All events are free except for the race admissions)
8-11am @ Gladwin City Park
  • Gladwin County Boy Scouts Breakfast Fundraiser
  • Vendor and Non-profit booths 
  • Gladwin Area Artist Guild Craft Station
  • City Park Conservation Stations​
8am
  • River Race Marathon Check-in begins
9am
  • Gladwin County American Legion Honor Guard Ceremony & National Anthem featuring Mariah Hewitt on violin
9:30am
  • River Race Marathon Heats Begin!
11am
  • River Race Marathon Participants are all on the Cedar
  • Celebrations transition to Buckeye Trailhead and Cedar River Chapel Checkpoints
  • Celebrations begin at Beaverton's Ross Lake Park!
11am-4pm @ Beaverton's Ross Lake Park
  • Beaverton Farmers Market 
  • River Race Marathon Finish at Ross Lake Park Boat Launch!
  • Clean Boats Clean Water Boat Wash with Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
  • Giveaways with MyMichigan Health
  • Beaverton Branch Library Book-for-a-Bike
  • Crafts & Activities for all ages
1-4pm
  • 0.5 mile ​Ross Lake Sprints at Ross Lake Park Boat Launch
5pm
  • River Race of Two Cities Awards Ceremony at Ross Lake Park
6pm 
  • Downtown Beaverton Block Party Activities
The River Race of Two Cities is more than just a 12.5-mile canoe/kayak marathon on the Cedar River, it’s a celebration of the natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities in Gladwin County. Until recently, this stretch of the Cedar River was unnavigable due to downed trees and debris obstructing the waterway. The community has since rallied with the Gladwin Conservation District to transform the Cedar River into a navigable waterway that balances recreation with ecological health.

Join us this Memorial Day Weekend to support a fun and competitive event as well as the ongoing work to protect and enhance our natural environment. Events like this highlight the importance of preserving resources like rivers, parks, and wildlife habitat for future generations to enjoy.
​

We look forward to seeing the community on race day as we come together to paddle, celebrate, and appreciate the beauty of Gladwin County’s natural resources!


Registration is open for the Kickoff Fun Run/Walk/Float, Sunset/Glowstick Float, Ross Lake Sprint Races, and of course, the 12.5 mile Canoe/Kayak Marathon!
​
Sign up at www.runsignup.com/riverraceoftwocities

Vendor Opportunities

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​Calling all local organizations and vendors!

The Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities has a spot for you during our celebrations on Friday, May 23rd and Saturday, May 24th!

Join the festivities to help us send paddlers 12.5 miles down the Cedar River and support natural resources and outdoor recreation in Gladwin County!
​
Sign up your booth at the link below:
https://forms.gle/huZ7cXpt81eab9VY7
​

Or fill out a physical copy, available HERE

Please email [email protected] with any questions!

Thank you for being a part of the Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities!

Sponsorship Opportunities

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Help us bring the Gladwin County River Race of Two Cities to life and support conservation and outdoor recreation in Gladwin County! 

Sponsorship donations should be made out to the Friends of the Gladwin Conservation District, located at 750 M-18, Gladwin, MI.

The River Race of Two Cities aims to bring together the Gladwin County community and uplift up local businesses and organizations. If anyone would like more information about how to get involved through sponsorship, volunteering, or participation, please reach out to [email protected].

Volunteer Opportunities

    River Race of Two Cities Volunteer Sign-up
    More details will be given as we get closer to the event. Thank you for your support in celebrating Gladwin County and our natural resources!

    If you would be interested in volunteering at an aid station along the race route, we are looking for individuals with a current CPR/First Aid Certification. If you do not have a current certification or would not be interested in this role, leave this blank.
    Let us know if you have something specific you'd like to help with, general race day volunteering, or would like more info!
Submit
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Thank you to our current sponsors! Your support creates outdoor recreation opportunities in Gladwin County!

City of Gladwin
Members First Credit Union
Gladwin Business & Professional Association
​Riverwalk Place
Myers for Tires
Helping Hands Mission
Cedar River Outfitters
​Gladwin County Rotary Club

Family Farm & Home
​Gladwin County Democratic Party
​Constance Thurlow-White
​Coleman Road
Protocol Design
Mason's Milling
Flynn Lumber
Alward Electric, Plumbing & Heating
Jamison's Party Rental

Don't forget our operational partners! Their cooperation makes this event possible!
​

City of Gladwin
​Gladwin County
Gladwin County Chamber of Commerce
Gladwin Public Schools
​Cedar River Outfitters
Little Forks Conservancy
​Cedar River Chapel
City of Beaverton
​Beaverton Area Business Association

​MyMichigan Health EMS
​Beaverton Public Schools
​Protocol Designs
​Chippewa Watershed Conservancy
Gladwin County Trails Recreation Authority

Sign up for River Race of Two Cities events at: www.runsignup.com/riverraceoftwocities
Keep up with the Event on Facebook!
For more information please contact [email protected] or call 989-256-3147
We look forward to celebrating with the community very soon! We hope to see you there!

Contact Info:
750 M-18 Gladwin, MI 48624
989-256-3147
Keep up to date with us on Facebook!
Office Hours: 
Monday-Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
*We are a field office,
​hours may vary
Office Staff:
Tristan Hewitt, Executive Director
[email protected]
​
Zach Bates, Conservation Outreach &
Education Specialist

[email protected]

Ken Wawersik, MAEAP Tech
Isabella (989-772-9152, Ext. 3)
[email protected]
GLADWIN CD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER, EMPLOYER
  • Home
  • About
    • Board of Directors/Meetings
    • Meet Our Staff!
    • Newsletter
    • Partners >
      • NRCS
    • FOIA
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Services
    • Soil Erosion
    • Forestry >
      • Qualified Forest Program
      • What's in a Name?
      • Qualified Forester List
      • Job Referrals - Forest Professionals
      • Gypsy Moth
    • Planting Assistance >
      • No-Till Drill Rental
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Conservation Photo Contest
  • Education
    • Invasive Species
    • Pollinator Habitat
    • Gardening & Farming
    • Mind Spill Monday Video Series
  • River Race of Two Cities
  • GCD Community Garden
  • Gladwin County
    • Cedar River
    • Recreation
    • Gladwin City Park Project