The Rogue River Gauntlet begins at 9:00 AM on April 17, 2027, in Rockford, Michigan, at 34 S. Squires. This paddle sports event offers 10-mile and 5-mile distances with entry fees ranging from $10.00 to $15.00.
From the Race Organizer
Come join us for the first-ever Rogue River Gauntlet in Rockford, MI! Over $4,000 in cash and prizes. A canoe race on Rockford’s Rogue River — C2 and C1 race April 26 — 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. Sunday, April 26, 2026 – C2 Race Registration: Register early to secure a t-shirt below. Race registration opens at 10:00 AM at the table set up near the canoe landing north of the Rockford Dam. Race Briefing: 10:30 AM (mandatory for all participants). Race Start: 11:00 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 approximately 1/2 mile downstream from friske/12 mile intersection. The bouy will be placed in front of the homes on Valley View Dr. NE. Competitors will round the buoy clockwise before paddling back downstream to finish at the Rockford Dam. Distance: 9 miles round trip. Awards Ceremony: 1:00 PM at the finish line area. Sunday, April 26, 2026 – C1 Race Registration: Register early below to secure a t-shirt. Race opens at 10:00 AM at the table near the canoe landing north of the dam. Race Briefing: 12:30 AM (mandatory for all participants). If you were a part of the C2 race, you do not need to do this again. Race Start: 1:00 PM, 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 counter counterclockwise, and then return downstream to the Rockford Dam for the finish. Distance: 4 miles round trip. Awards Ceremony: 2:30 PM. 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
Course & Travel Notes
The Rogue River Gauntlet starts at 9:00 AM, approximately 2 hours after sunrise at 6:57 AM. Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is located 16.7 miles from the venue in Rockford, Michigan. The race takes place at an elevation of 699 feet. In April, the typical monthly weather normals include an average high of 58°F and average low of 32°F, with measurable precipitation occurring on 43% of days.
⛰️ 699 ft elevation☀️ Typically 58°F / 32°F · 43% chance of rain✈️ Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) — 16.7 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for April 17.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Rockford, MI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Rogue River Gauntlet 2027 — Rockford, MI takes place on April 17, 2027. The race is held in Rockford, Michigan.
Where is Rogue River Gauntlet 2027 — Rockford, MI held?
Rogue River Gauntlet 2027 — Rockford, MI is held at 34 S. Squires in Rockford, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Rogue River Gauntlet 2027 — Rockford, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Rockford. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
