Hungry Jack and Tuscarora win bragging rights in 2024 Trail Cup

Kirsten Wisniewski | July 18, 2024

The Gunflint Trail Canoe Races took place on the evening of Wednesday, Jul. 17. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department, and a chance for the lodges, camps, and outfitters on the Gunflint Trail to engage in some friendly competition.

While individuals can also register for the races, many businesses organize a team of employees to represent them at the race. Participants can opt to compete in a general registration race, or a heat that contributes points towards the Trail Cup. Points are accumulated by the top three finishers in Trail Cup designated heats. Paddlers could chose from a range of races to earn points for their team: long distance (1 mi), tandem races divided into women’s, men’s, and mixed, and both solo paddling and gunnel pumping for men and women.

After a fierce evening of competition in a strong wind, the Trail Cup went to the combined team from Hungry Jack Outfitters and Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters. Paddlers from the team identified themselves as the “Hungry Tusk Rats.” That team scored a total of 40 points, over 25 more than the next closest team.

Trail Cup Results

1st place Hungry Jack Outfitters + Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfitters
2nd place Wilderness Canoe Base
3rd place Seagull Outfitters
4th place Chik-Wauk + Border Lakes Tour Company
5th place Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
6th place Gunflint Lodge

According to race organizers, both Clearwater Lodge and Bearskin Lodge participated in the event, but didn’t place in the top three for any race. Race organizers said that both lodges had small teams.