GLSC builds on the natural energy of sport and recreation to strengthen the economic vitality, health, and quality of life across northern Michigan. We strive to create global attention, economic growth, talent attraction, and improved quality of life in our great state.    


Great Lakes Sports Commission

The Michigan Outback Relay, formally Great Lakes Relay, is a 3-day relay race across northern Michigan. The total distance varies from year to year, but is typically around 280 miles. The relay team consists of 10 members of your choosing.
Keep in mind that this event is not for everyone, so choose your team wisely. The ideal MOR runner is adventurous, a glutton for punishment, will embrace the elements, and be at one with nature.

Michigan Outback Relay 270M

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon, a.k.a. “The Marathon”, is a non-stop 120-mile, C-2 (two-person) canoe race held annually on the last full weekend in July. The race starts at night with a thrilling LeMans-style running start to the river in Grayling, MI, and ends the next day on the shores of Lake Huron in Oscoda, MI. The marathon is not a recreational canoe float. It is an ultra-competitive race that attracts professional paddlers from across the United States, Canada, and often teams from outside North America. Contestants must be in peak condition to compete in the race within the allotted time and endure the grueling and strenuous physical and mental strains that the marathon demands of the paddlers.



Ausable Canoe Marathon

The MISH Experience is Extreme! Racers will begin the race on a kayak or paddleboard with a 3 mile open water PADDLE. Starting at the Terrace Bay hotel, the route will follow the protected Little Bay de Noc shoreline on Lake Michigan to the Gladstone Beach. Upon arrival at the beach, racers will transition to their bikes staged in Van Cleve Park. The BIKE portion of the race will take riders 13.5 miles through the City of Gladstone and up to Rapid River along Bay Shore Drive. Returning back to Van Cleve Park, racers will dismount from their bikes and finish the last stretch of the race on foot. A 5K RUN will follow the Lake Michigan shoreline along the brand new waterfront non-motorized trail, finishing at the Terrace Bay Hotel. 

Rather Swim than Paddle?
Get the full Lake Michigan experience with a 600M swim in Lake Michigan, 13.5 mile bike finished with a 5K run. The route starts in the protected waters of Little Bay de Noc on the North end of Lake Michigan starting from the Gladstone Beach in Van Cleve Park. The bike and run portions of this race feature scenic waterfront views along a very flat course.

Races will start at 8am.

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