By LAURA JAMESON ljameson@lockhaven.com

LOCK HAVEN - Clinton County is about to play host to a wide range of states, and even a few countries, when it welcomes participants in the United States Canoe Association's (USCA) National Canoe & Kayak Marathon Championships.

This will be the second time the county has hosted the event, the other being in 2014.

The event is set to take place along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from Wednesday, Aug. 10, to Sunday, Aug. 14.

According to race coordinators Dan and Deb Glover, they have individuals from 18 states, along with Australia and Germany, already signed up to take part in the races.

"And they're still coming in," Deb said of the registration.

The Glovers, who are kayakers themselves, have taken part in the national event in other states over the years since they became interested in the sport in 2010.

The couple was chosen to direct the race due to their familiarity with the river. The Glovers said they often kayak along this stretch of the Susquehanna.

The races will be hosted at the Lockport Boat Launch, with the USCA's headquarters based out of a camper, courtesy of Bill's Happy Camper RV.

Deb said registration for the races will be accepted up until the day before Aug. 10. They will not be accepting same-day registration, she said.

Participants will be able to sign in at 9 a.m. each morning, with races expected to begin at 9:30 a.m.

According to Dan, water levels will play a role in how long the course is and if the races will be good to go.

"So far the river is lower, but still okay for races," he said.

Wednesday's races - which aren't part of the USCA's overall events - will take place in the evening and include a biathlon at 5 p.m.

Deb said this race is open to the general public and will feature a 2-mile run and a 2-mile paddle. Registration for the event will begin at 4 p.m.

At 6 p.m., Dan will be offering kayakers a tour of the river, giving racers an opportunity to get a feel for the track before Friday's races.

Thursday's races will feature a 250 meter sprint for all ages. Deb noted the youngest signed up for this event, so far, is between 6 or 7 years old.

Thursday will also feature a 3-mile course for kids at 9:30 a.m. Deb said volunteers will paddle along with the kids as they make their way up the Susquehanna River towards Queens Run. So far, six kids are registered for the mini-race.

At 3 p.m., the kids may also take part in Orienteering - a scavenger hunt that will send them along the river in search of clues. According to Deb, they'll be given a map and 90 minutes to solve clues and get a punch card filled.

"It's a scavenger hunt that's been done in years past. We're trying to have a comeback," she said.

Friday will see the start of the adult races - part of the USCA's championships.

Dan said the course will be roughly 12 miles total and see kayakers and canoers travel up the Susquehanna River to the Queens Run area and back. There will be single-person races and team races.

Races will continue Saturday and Sunday at the same time.

Deb said awards ceremonies will be held following the races each day, at roughly 1 p.m. This gives her and other volunteers time to calculate times and determine top finishers.

Throughout the event, volunteers from Avis Fire Company and Citizens Hose of Lock Haven will be on the water to ensure the safety of kayakers and canoers.

The Glovers said they were approached by Clinton County Commissioner Jeff Snyder about directing the race. Snyder, who chairs the county Recreation Advisory Committee, assisted in bringing the race to Clinton County.

Snyder said in 2021 he and his father-in-law, Jeff Bailey, who was the city's former summer recreation director, traveled to Warren, Pa., to throw the county's hat in the ring to host the national event.

"I made it clear I'd be the catalyst for the event," he said, explaining why he searched out experienced, local kayakers to direct the event.

Snyder said the county's Tourism/Promotion Director Julie Brennan, the recreation committee and many others were instrumental in securing the races.

"Deb, Dan and Julie were instrumental in putting the bid in," he said. "We're really excited. It's a really great opportunity."

The volunteers are also working with businesses, organizations and more to ensure visitors get out and enjoy all Clinton County has to offer, as well.

Snyder said the Dunnstown Volunteer Fire Company will host a spaghetti dinner on Friday night.

And, the race directors are teaming up with the Clinton County Arts Council to encourage visitors to check out the annual LH Jams Music and Arts Festival, which will have events each day from Thursday through Saturday.

Deb noted some kayak and canoe dealers, among other vendors, will be onsite to showcase their products.

Redneck Foods will also be there to serve breakfast and lunch each day.

Snyder thanked the Woodward Township Supervisors for their cooperation.

Deb noted there are a large number of sponsors, both local and out of the area, for this year's races with the Clinton County Recreation Advisory Committee serving as its main sponsor.

Other sponsors include: Clinton County Government, Woodward Township, Clinton County Visitors Bureau, Truck-Lite, UPMC, APC International, Ltd., Tres Rios Sports, Stellar Kayaks & Surf Ski, First Quality, ElliptiGo of Southwest PA, Muncy Bank & Trust Company, Murray Motors, Roberts Miceli, LLP, Susquehanna Transit, Central PA Auto Auction, Best Western Lock Haven, Bobby Maguire, Leonard and Maribeth Long, Dan and Deb Glover and Family, Walmart, Avis Fire Company Station #8, Lock Haven Fire Company Station #6, YMCA of Lock Haven and McDonald's.

Deb noted area businesses will also be providing stickers or other items in their welcome bags. So far, It is What It Is and Bald Birds Brewing will take part.

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