2026: Sixty-Nine Years Paddling the Des Plaines River

Race day is May, 17, 2026

Registration and all other information at: canoemarathon.com

The beautiful course runs 18.5 miles on the upper Des Plaines River in northern Illinois. The race begins in Libertyville, IL and ends in Cook County, IL (near Mount Prospect).

Added in 2014, the 5.25 mile Minithon ends at the same finish line as the longstanding 18.5 mile Marathon. The Minithon begins at Potawatamie Woods and ends in Cook County, IL (near Mount Prospect).

We wish you abundant enjoyment and success with your preparation and participation.

The race is …(almost always) the Sunday before Memorial Day weekend.