40th running of the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races

Bragging rights are on the line as these canoe racers get ready to see who can paddle the fastest in a straight line to the finish. Not only is the Gunflint Canoe Races a great event for participants, it raises money for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. This year the goal is to raise $20,000. The races will be held July 19 at Gunflint Lodge.

In 1976, friends and neighbors on the upper Gunflint Trail organized the first Gunflint Trail Canoe Races to raise money for worthy causes benefiting all on the Trail.

Since then only one year was cancelled – 1999 – when the great BWCA blowdown occurred just a few days before the scheduled races.

This year, therefore, marks the 40th “Running of the Races” at the Gunflint Lodge on the south shore of Gunflint Lake, Wednesday, July 19 beginning at 4:30 p.m. The goal is to raise more than $20,000 to support the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD).

“Last year,” said GTVFD Chief Jim Morrison, “we used a good portion of the money raised by the Canoe Races to get more Automated External Defibrillators (AED) so that first responders have an AED with them rather than having to wait for the ambulance. We now have 12 EMTs and four EMRs, including five new members. We really appreciate the hard work of the volunteers at the races that helps us improve the department every year.”

There’s something for everyone at the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races! . Sixteen (16) canoe races for multiple ages and abilities and plenty of space to cheer on your favorites from Trail resorts and campsites. . A food tent with the traditional Canoe Races sloppy joes, plus hot dogs, veggies and homemade desserts. Food service starts at 4:30 p.m. . More than 100 raffle items donated by folks up and down the Trail and in town. Tickets just $2 on site or at local resorts. . Auctions – both silent and live. All for fun and lots of hand-made treasures along with bigger-ticket items. . A commemorative T-shirt is available on site and at Trail Center on weekends before the races. . All-in-fun activities for children and adults who are not racing. . Last but not least a lucky $5 raffle ticket holder will win a bright yellow Current Designs Solara 120 kayak, worth $900! Winner to be announced just after the concluding fun-to-watch gunnel canoe race.

The kayak will be on display at Trail Center for several weekends prior to the races. Raffle tickets are available at numerous resorts and volunteers.

An active committee of the Gunflint- Seagull- Saganaga Property Owners Associations with as many as 100 volunteers work on the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races. This year’s chairman, Arden Byers of Gunflint Lake, notes, “the Races are a true expression of how the Gunflint Trail community works together to make living in the wilderness better and better each year, for residents and visitors alike.”