Teams Compete In 120-Mile Au Sable River Canoe Marathon

GRAYLING, Mich. (AP) -- The 69th running of the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon takes place this weekend in northern Michigan.

The 120-mile race starts Saturday in Grayling and follows the river to the finish line Sunday in Oscoda. Organizers say 95 two-person teams have entered. The teams deal with darkness, river obstructions and often difficult summer weather as they battle exhaustion to compete.

The course includes portages around six hydroelectric dams. The top teams vie for a share of the $50,000 in cash and prizes.

New this year, the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon Radio Network will carry live race reports from 6 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday. Fans can also follow the event online, with race tracking updated throughout the race.

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