Please join us for our annual event commemorating the Heward party's 50 mile "sprint" down the Grand River on April 24, 1790. This event originated from the challenge first put forth by Jim Woodruff to Verlen Kruger. 

The challenge will cover a 50.6 mile stretch of the Grand River, beginning at Dimondale and traveling through Lansing, Grand Ledge, the Portland State Game Area and on into Portland. The finish will be at the Thompson Field canoe landing, at the site of the future Verlen Kruger Memorial Statue!  

Start Time is at 7:00 am sharp at the park behind the Dimondale Fire Station, 300 W. Jefferson St. Dimondale Michigan. Marathon racers start at 9:00 am.
 
Not ready for 50 miles? Come out and put in for a shorter day. 
Try the 1/2 Hugh, start at the Grand Ledge dam in Fitzgerald Park at 11:30 for a 25 mile day.
Try the 1/4 Hugh, start at Charlotte Hwy bridge at 1pm, 4 road miles south of the town of Portland Michigan, for a 13 mile day.

Not into paddling, but you still want to take part? Come out and help paddlers get over the 3 portages, 2 in Lansing and 1 in Grand Ledge and hang out at the finish to cheer in the Challengers.

Maps of the route will be provided the morning of the event. Certificates of completion will be presented to those finishing the entire 50 mile course. Chile Dinner provided for all Challengers at the finish line. 

Pre-Registration encouraged, please use the form provided below. If you have any further questions please contact Keven Krause at hughhewardchallenge@gmail.com or call at (517) 285-6210.
 
You will need to arrange your own shuttle for this event. Include your spouse, parent or friend to help get you dropped off at the start or picked up at the finish or both. It's always fun to have a friend on land for help at the portages and to cheer you on!