Rogue River Gauntlet

Come join us for the first-ever Rogue River Gauntlet in Rockford, MI! Over $2,000 in cash and prizes.

A canoe race on Rockford’s Rogue River — C2 race April 18 and C1 race April 19 — bringing elite paddlers, outdoor adventure, and community together

Early-bird pricing- $30 entry fee per C2 team if pre-registered (shirts will be included). $40 entry fee per C2 team day of event, if not pre-registered. $10 C1 entry fee if pre-registered and $20 registered on the day of.

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – C2 Race 
Registration: Register early to secure a t-shirt below. Race opens at 9:00 AM at the table set up near the canoe landing north of the Rockford Dam.

Safety Briefing: 9:30 AM (mandatory for all participants).

Race Start: 10:00 AM, with competitors launching from the north side of the Rockford Dam.

Course: Paddlers will head upstream on the Rogue River to a turnaround buoy near Friske Road/12 Mile. Competitors will round the buoy clockwise before paddling back downstream to finish at the Rockford Dam.

Distance: 10 miles round trip.

Awards Ceremony: 1:00 PM at the finish line area.

Sunday, April 19, 2026 – C1 Race 
Registration: Register early below to secure a t-shirt. Race opens at 9:00 AM at the table near the canoe landing north of the dam.

Safety Briefing: 9:30 AM (mandatory for all participants).

Race Start: 10:00 AM, with competitors launching from the north side of the Rockford Dam.

Course: Paddlers will travel upstream toward Summit/12 Mile Road. Just before the road, there is an island—competitors must stay to the right side of the island, circle around it counterclockwise, and then return downstream to the Rockford Dam for the finish.

Distance: 4 miles round trip.

Awards Ceremony: 1:00 PM at the finish line area.

Directions-

From US-131 North or South: Take Exit 97 for 10 Mile Road/Rockford.
Head East: onto 10 Mile Rd NE.
Continue to Downtown: Follow 10 Mile Rd for roughly 1.5 to 2 miles into the city of Rockford. Turn left on Main St. and then left on Courtland Dr. 
Destination: Parking lot will be at the end of Courtland drive to the right. North of the Beer City Bread restaurant. The river runs along Main Street in the downtown area. 

Camping options

Detach Campground  3.8 miles

Cedar Springs RV Resort  7.1 Miles

Duke Creek 10 Miles

Wabasis Campground 10.1 Miles

Hotels

Hotel Rose Rockford .2 miles

Holiday Inn and Express Cedar Springs 10.2 Miles

Tru by Hilton Comstock Park 10.2 miles

Comfort Suites Comstock Park 10.2 Miles

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront 12.9 Miles

Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Rogue River Gauntlet would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to local endurance racing and community events helps us provide a safe, competitive, and memorable experience on the Rogue River.

Please support the businesses that support this race!

Interested in supporting the Rogue River Gauntlet? Your contribution helps fund race safety, operations, and athlete prize support.  Donation to Rogue River Gauntlet

Sponsors-

• Foot and Ankle Specialist of West Michigan (Boulder Creek Location)
• West Michigan Eyecare Associates
• Kent County Parks Foundation
• Gazelle Sports

Product Sponsors

• GU
• Tailwind
• SPIZ
• Third Nature Brewing