Welcome to the Thirteenth Annual Two Harbors Kayak Festival.Featuring: GRE 18-Mile Kayak and Canoe Marathon and Betty's Pies 5-Mile Race August 6-8, 2010
We offer four separate kayak races: Youth Races, Emma Challenge Tandem Sprints, Betty's Pies 1/4 Marathon, and finally the Great River Energy Kayak & Canoe Marathon, all with various age groups and boat categories. In addition to the four races there are local exhibitors, kayak & outrigger equipment demos, stand up paddle boarding demos & classes, beginning level instructional tours, kids kayaking and climbing wall, live music, food and fun, and more! There is something for everyone at this one of a kind Festival. The racing portion of the THKF has grown steadily and is the oldest and largest open water race on the Great Lakes. It is well known for its challenging course, stunning scenery and its superb orginization. Some great rivalries, stories and friendships have evolved over the years. In 2007 a new 18 Mile (GRE) Kayak & Canoe Marathon - Men’s Unlimited Racing Kayak Class record was set by Eric Borgness, 2:18:55, besting his prior record setting effort in 2004 of 2:19:26. The women joined the 18 Mile Marathon Unlimited Racing scene in 2004 with Megan Kleinschmidt’s 2:55:10 pace setting effort. 2008 was the first year an “unlimited tandem” showed up on the course, Daniel Sikora and Chris VanMeter paddled their double surf ski to a 2:32:12, easily eclipsing the old tandem mark. 2004 saw a new 18 Mile GRE Marathon Men’s Production Sea Kayak record set by Robert Kinderman, 2:43:18, followed by Mike Brumbaugh, 2:47:26, both improving on a great 2001 effort from Ron Deters, 2:47:27. That same year (’04) the 18 Mile Marathon Women’s Production Sea Kayak class featured Gail Green, who established a new course record of 2:58:12, topping her previous personal best of 3:05:19. Everyone is looking to improve their personal best time. It’s a great feeling when it happens and it’s a significant accomplishment to finish the marathon! The best times for the 5 Mile Betty’s Pies 1/4 marathon were established on the course that turns around at the mouth of the Stewart River. In the Composite Sea Kayak class it was John Radle, 55:34 in 2004, and Cindy Little, 1:01:24 in 2008, setting course records. While racers primarily come from the Upper Midwest (Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, illinois, Indiana, Michigan) and Ontario, Canada we do have racers come from the Dakotas, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, Utah and even a few southern & eastern states. In the last few years we have also added outrigger and Voyaguer canoes to the mix. Due to the unpredictable and often bumpy nature of Lake Superior, which is truly an inland sea, we do not allow open/marathon canoes or ICF style racing Kayaks. Please browse our website. You may find something of interest. We feel that this year's festival has opportunities for everyone, from those who have never stepped into a kayak to seasoned paddlers. Hope to see you at the Festival!  Mail In Registration Full Brochure
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