Grayling, Michigan, is a small dot on some maps. The quaint tourist town is best known for its fly-fishing history and for being the epicenter of "up north" in the Midwest. Its other claim to faim: hosting a popular event that claims to be "the world's toughest spectator race."
The Au Sable River Canoe Marathon wrapped its 69th running the weekend of July 30. At 120 miles, it is the longest nonstop canoe marathon in the United States. Approximately 100 teams compete in the 14-plus-hour challenge, which starts at 9 p.m. Only masochists need apply.
This year, photographer Erik Olsen found himself in the muck with spectators as the group followed the racers downriver through a hot and humid night on the Au Sable River.
Photo: After an all-night canoe watch, spectators sleep whenever and wherever.