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This is my first kayaking marathon, and I encourage everyone to tag along :)

What are you getting yourself into?
Before you ask, check out this quick video from the 2025 race:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8ueEd9PmZQ
2026 marks the 69th year of paddling the beautiful Des Plaines River! 🌿

  • 18.5-mile Marathon: Starts in Libertyville, IL, and ends near Mount Prospect, IL (a few of us have already signed up for the 18-mile marathon)
  • 5.25-mile Minithon (added in 2014): Starts at Potawatomie Woods and finishes at the same location

This is one of the oldest races of its kind—happening Sunday, May 17—and it’s truly more about camaraderie than competition. No experience needed, just go with the flow (literally) and enjoy the ride with fellow paddlers from across the country.

Marathon Basic Information:
Race Starts Here
Race Ends Here
Water Levels Here
Rules and Safety Here

Sign-Up Details
Register here: https://www.canoemarathon.com/

  • Current price: $45 (as of May 3rd)
  • Price increases by $5 in a couple of weeks

To join our team on the day of the marathon:
Please note: we kayak for fun! During registration, add this note in the field notes section:
👉 “add to the same start wave as Magdalena Szumlakowska”
The site doesn’t support team registrations, but I’ve coordinated with the organizers—this note will ensure we all paddle together

Kayak Shuttle Services
When checked with organizers, this is what they provided:
The shuttle service detail is here: Race Day Shuttle Info
The simple story is:

  • Drive to the start line
  • Drop your boats
  • Drive to the finish line and park
  • Ride the shuttle bus back to the start line
  • Paddle to your cars, waiting for you at the finish.

We are planning to shuttle before the race, then flow down to where the car is parked. That means during the registration process, you should choose the following option when asked about a complimentary shuttle "Yes, I plan to shuttle BEFORE the race"

Questions?
Drop them in the chat—I’ll share what I know!
For detailed questions, feel free to email the organizers (they’re super responsive):

Not convinced yet?
Come and join us as a volunteer and wave us from the shore! Be part of the energy, support the paddlers, and enjoy a day by the river with a great crew. Volunteering info is linked here.

I hope you’ll join me for this slightly wild, definitely fun, and totally memorable adventure.

Happy floating!

Related topics

Events in Libertyville, IL

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