When you travel to the Thousand Island region, boat racing is still kept alive. When you pull up to a gas station, you are not asked a question like "is that a spaceship" but asked " is that a B class or C class hydroplane". The locals know all too well about the sport and the history is kept alive because of several factors. One being the Antique Boat Museum, which is located in Clayton, and home to such boats at the Miss Detroit VII, Miss Canada II and other historical race boats. Clayton was also host to the Antique Race boat Regatta, where collectors and racers could display their prized possessions and have a chance to run them on the famous Saint Lawerence river, which was sanctioned under the APBA Vintage and Historic Division. First held in 1992, it was a major draw from all around the world.
Another reason the region is famed is for the Thousand Islands International Marathon. Once upon a time, Marathon racing was not just a special event added on the sanction. Boats weren't just dusted off once a year to head to Indian River but marathons were run all over the country. One of the most famous being the Thousand Islands International Marathon. Once described as the Venice of America, it was predicted that Alexandria Bay would become the capitol of Stock Outboard Racing. In 1949, the Fishers Landing Racing Club was formed by Gerald Reed and several other racers. As racing grew more popular, the idea of the 100-mile marathon came about and it was first held in 1954. Drawing racers from all over the United States as well as Canada. Racing for glory, trophies and cash. It was noted that the marathon had the largest cash prizes on the entire circuit. In 1954, $5,000 in cash and prizes were available to the winners. Such prizes included Mercury motors, Samsonite luggage, Longine watches, and ornate silver serving pieces and accessories.
While the race was held for many years, it was stopped in 1972 due to the Saint Lawerence Seaway shipping traffic picking up and more and more pleasure boats being on the water. All that is left from the races, are pictures and great memories of one of the greatest races to ever take place. Currently on display in Alexandria Bay is a boat and motor used by Doug Reed to win the marathon.
While many of us in the Northeast would love to have the marathon back on our yearly schedule, it is just impossible due to the boat traffic and large ships who use shipping channel daily. The history is surely kept alive by those who live in the Thousand Island region and those who still continue to race the marathons held in various place in the country. For those who have an interest in marathon racing, the Top O Michigan marathon is held every August around the second weekend. Over the two day race, drivers make their way through 87 miles of Michigan’s inland waterways. For more information visit www.tomorc.org.
The 1000 Island Marathon was one of my favorite races to participate in. My best finish was a fifth place in AU. I still have the inspection tags and the course map that I taped to the deck of my boat. The river traffic was very interesting to navigate. At one point I was passing a huge ore boat traveling up river from its stern. I crossed the wake with caution not knowing what was going to happen a few hundred feet ahead. I did not see the bow wave but I sure knew there was one when I was launched for ride out of the water for what seemed like minutes.