County to host USCA National event for third time in August
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LOCK HAVEN -- The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is about to be awash with activity, as Clinton County gears up to host the 2026 United States Canoe Association's (USCA) National Canoe & Kayak Marathon Championships in early August.
This is the third year the event is being held along the river between Lock Haven and Woodward Township and the second time it's being sponsored by the Clinton County Recreation Advisory Committee. The area previously played host to the event, which typically draws over 100 individuals from across the country and some parts of the world, in 2014 and again in 2023.
This year's races are set to begin with a biathlon on Wednesday, Aug. 5 and end on Sunday, Aug. 9.
Race Director Deb Glover said you do not need to be a member of the USCA to take part in the event.
The race, which includes a 5K run and 5K paddle, begins at 5 p.m. at the Lockport Boat Launch -- which will prove to be a hub of activity throughout the multi-day event. Individuals or teams are welcome to take part in the race.
Also on Wednesday, Deb's husband, Dan, will offer a tour of the course used over the following days.
The course is similar to 2023's, sitting at just over 13 miles for the longer course.
According to Deb, the course will involve two loops, with paddlers making their way against the current initially, traveling up the river toward Renovo before looping back around.
She said the two loops were suggested so supporters can see the racers more than at the start and finish.
Stand up paddlers and youth will only be racing on a 6 and a half mile short course.
Deb noted that with many returning paddlers, she doesn't expect the tour to be large, but said it will be offered regardless.
"A lot of the people from 2023 are returning to this year's race," she said.
According to current registration stats, Deb said there are 74 individuals signed up in a variety of age groups. Racers will be coming from 19 different states and as far as Canada and Australia.
Among the participants are 3-time Olympian Mike Herbert from Arkansas and 16-year-old Allan McCracken out of Clearfield who was a member of the United State's White Water Rafting team in the previous summer Olympics.
Deb added there are often last-minute registrants, too, noting she ended up with roughly 8 or 10 individuals traveling from Canada for the races.
"They don't always like to commit too early just in case they aren't able to make the trek," she said.
According to the race schedule, Youth Sprints will kick off the USCA races on Thursday, Aug. 6. Races each day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with awards to be handed out around 12 p.m.
Performance of the National Anthem will also take place before each race.
Marathon events are slated for Aug. 7 through Aug. 9.
Throughout the races, Redneck Foods will be on-site to provide breakfast and lunch.
Also setting up shop is Shoreline Paddlesports, Murry Powersports -- who donated a trailer to store supplies -- and GRBMax.
Deb said the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissioner, Lock Haven's Citizens Hose Fire Company and volunteers will run water safety and man check points throughout the races.
Also during the days-long event is the USCA's annual dinner on Friday, Aug. 7. Deb said it will be hosted by the Dunnstown Fire Company, who will provide spaghetti, meatballs, roll, dessert and drink.
The dinner will be followed by USCA's semi-annual membership meeting.
Deb said she's thankful for the fire company's support among many others who have come together to make this event a success.
In fact, the event went so well in 2023 the USCA has actually chosen to have Lock Haven host the championships again in 2027.
Commissioner Jeff Snyder, who started the advisory committee, the county was more than happy to do so. He said Woodward Township's board of supervisors were also on board.
"The supervisors were quick to give us the okay to use the boat launch. We really couldn't do it without their support," he said, adding they allow paddlers to camp out at Riverview Park.
Snyder said it's exciting the county gets to host the event two years in a row, something extremely uncommon for the championships.
Deb said the USCA is hopeful the consistent location might bring in more youth paddlers.
"The USCA really wants to build the organization among youth paddlers. I have paddlers signed up as young as five and as old as in their 80s but I have more individuals in the 60 to 70 years old range than any other," she said. "The USCA wants to see if keeping it in the same place will build out attendance."
Organizers are also partnering with another local event -- LH Jams Music and Arts Festival slated for Saturday, Aug. 8 -- to bring new folks into the city.
"We met with Steve Getz to make sure we were coordinating with them. He's providing us with pamphlets about the festival to include in racers' goodie bags," he said.
Those bags have proven to be popular, he said, thanks to the event information and simple things like paper towels donated by First Quality.
Both Snyder and Deb told The Express they were surprised at just how excited participants got when they received that roll of paper towels with their items.
"They don't typically get something like that but it's useful," Deb said. "It really is just the little things you do for the competitors that keeps them coming back."
Sponsors for the event include: Clinton County Recreation Advisory Committee, Clinton County Government, Woodward Township, Shoreline Paddlesports, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., GRBMax, First Quality, Murray Powersports, Fletcher/Conti Rentals, Yvonne M. Hughes CPA, LLC, Sons and Daughters of Italy, Keystone Security & Technologies, Inc., Woodlands Bank, Lafayette Lodge #199, Bobby Maguire, Croda, Arby's of Lock Haven, ESS, Weis Market, YMCA of Lock Haven, Citizens Hose Company #6, Dunnstown Volunteer Fire Co. #5, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Lenny and Maribeth Long, Dan, Deb and Jordan Glover, The Bus Stops Here and Restless Oaks.
Both Deb and Snyder emphasized just how important the volunteers are for the event as well.
"The recreation advisory committee is great. A lot of our board members will be here volunteering during the event," Snyder said. "We have a great group.
Deb said many fellow paddlers who don't compete will also be helping ensure things run smoothly.
"My husband and I have a lot of friends we've kayaked with over the years who don't compete anymore that are helping. Many of them will be out on the water at check points," she said. "It's a community that really does get involved."