The 35th annual Adirondack Canoe Classic, a 90-mile canoe, kayak and guideboat race, pushed off this morning in Old Forge and continues through Sunday on the way to the finish line in Saranac Lake.

Paddlers will follow the historic chain of lakes, rivers and ponds from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. Today’s route travels from Old Forge to Blue Mountain Lake, with Saturday’s race picking up in Long Lake and finishing at the “Crusher” boat launch on state Route 3 outside of Tupper Lake. The final day Sunday starts at Fish Creek campground and finishes on Lake Flower in the village of Saranac Lake.

Hosted by the Adirondack Watershed Alliance, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Central Adirondack Association, the 90-Miler has again attracted a full contingent of solo, tandem, four-person and eight-person Voyageur canoes, solo and tandem kayaks and one- and two-person guide boats.

More than 600 people from 22 different states will enjoy the scenic splendor of the Adirondacks from the seats of their vessels.

The AWA works with local municipalities, tourism agencies, volunteer groups and local businesses to host paddlers for this iconic North Country event. 

Civic organizations working with the AWA generate more than $10,000 for local projects during the 90-Miler. The towns of Webb, Long Lake, Inlet, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake house, feed and gas up paddlers and their support crews.

The 90-Miler community is represented by a large contingent of local participants and paddlers from as far away as Texas, California, Michigan, Canada and Hong Kong. More than 50 people are members of the Gold Canoe Club: people who have finished the 90-Miler at least 20 times in their paddling career. Paddlers range in age from 10 to 84 years young. 

There will also be more than 50 college students representing several regional schools paddling, and more than 150 first-time 90 Miler paddlers in the event this year.

For more information, including a list of participants, the various boat classifications, frequently asked questions and links to the various supporters and sponsors who make the 90-Miler happen, visit macscanoe.com or call the canoe race hotline 518-891-2744.