14 Hours at the World’s Toughest Spectator Race

People arrive hours before the start to grab their favorite spot and watch the mad dash to the water.

The essentials of survival. The official spectator packing list includes a music player, lawn chairs, binoculars, insect repellent, soap, towel, toothbrush, toilet paper, pillows, alarm clock, rain gear, food, flashlight, and a portable scanner that can tune in to live updates of team times throughout the race.

Teams wear their pride on shirts that show off their team names. Pictured are Jacob Roetter and Alex Lulias of boat number 44.

The marathon-style start happens in downtown Grayling. All the competitors carry their boats in a mad dash to the water.

A building mural depicts the race’s course map. Grayling residents truly love this event and their river.

Last-minute preparations at the starting line in downtown Grayling.

Fans cheer on the start of the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon as racers dash into the river.

The lodges and resorts dotting the river host spectators eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite teams.

Feeders mingle with spectators as rain begins to fall on the river. Feeders deliver nutrition to teams as they pass by.

Trolls and timers: Spectators and volunteers record split times hang out below bridges at all the crossings.

2 a.m.: The Mio Dam is a crowd favorite—a narrow trail through the dark woods culminates in a climb onto the dam and your first view of oncoming racers. Headlamps are a must.

Racers arrive out of the dark and leap into the light. There is a jolting flurry of action as a team runs back into the dark on this challenging portage.

Nutrition is key to keeping up with sleeplessness and continual action. Caffeine and sugar in high doses appear at sunrise.

Home is where you park it. Spectators bring food for themselves and sometimes competitors as well, like Gatorade and coffee in homemade hydration systems for sipping.

The finish of the 69th Annual Au Sable Canoe Marathon. In first place was canoe number two, paddled by Christophe Proulx and Ryan Halstead, with a time of 14:29:26.