Join the Fun-Filled Festivities!
Northland Area Federal Credit Union and the Thunder Bay River Center present the Third Annual Northland Challenge!
Join us on Saturday, August 2nd, starting at 9:00 AM for fun-filled festivities.
Kayak Races 
Arts & Craft Show 
Duck Park Doggy Derby 
Food Trucks
Kayak Races 
This year, we are introducing two divisions: Sport and Recreational.
Alpena Duck Park - 1510 W Chisholm St. Alpena MI 49707
Sport Division Race begins at 9:00 AM, Recreational Division begins at 9:15 AM
$25 early registration, $35 day of registration, $20 discounted registration for EMTs, First Responders, Healthcare Workers, and Veterans, Linemen, and Bay Athletic Club Members.
Northland Partners with Bay Athletic Club
Northland is excited to partner with Bay Athletic Club for the Third Annual Northland Challenge Kayak Races. If you're a BAC member, you'll get a special discount on race registration. Just pick up your form at the BAC Gym or Urban Fitness, then return it to BAC to be entered for a chance to win a free kayak! Plus, the BAC Gym will be offering special fitness classes to help you train for the challenge.
A huge thank you to Bay Athletic Club for their awesome collaboration! Northland is thrilled to bring this exciting event to our community here in Alpena, Michigan, and can't wait to see everyone out on the water!
Kayak Race Prizes
Sport Division:
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $750
- 3rd Place: $500
Recreational Division:
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $250
- 3rd Place: $100
Pictured is Northland's 2024 Kayak Sprint Winners.
Race Course 
Kayakers launch into the river at Duck Park and then paddle upstream toward the Alpena County Fairgrounds. Racers will turn around at Sytek Park Bagley Bridge, paddle downstream, and pass under the bridge at the Alpena Duck Park to the finish.
Arts & Craft Show 
Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Duck Park 1510 W. Chisholm Street, Alpena, MI 49707
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
We are seeking vendors and crafters to participate!
$40 for 10x10 spots
For questions regarding event details, vendor applications, and payment, please email reelfunnorthlandchallenge@gmail.com.
Dog Park Doggy Derby 
Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Duck Park 1510 W. Chisholm Street, Alpena, MI 49707
$10 registration fee
Race Times
- 0-15 lbs: 11:00 AM
- 16-30 lbs: 12:00 PM
- 31-45 lbs: 1:00 PM
- 46-60 lbs: 2:00 PM
- 61+ lbs: 3:00 PM
All proceeds benefit the Alpena Animal Control.
Supporting Our Community 
All proceeds benefit the Thunder Bay River Center and the Alpena Animal Control.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Bay Athletic Club • Bedrock Construction • Keystone Rentals
Roar Salon • Smokey's Bar & Grill • The Mountain Bar & Grill • HPC Credit Union
Sunrise Gardens & Grains • Bahama Breeze Salon • Alpena Supply Co.
Race Rules