RRCA Hosts Record-Breaking 50th Anniversary Raisin River Canoe Race

The 50th anniversary edition of the Raisin Region Conservation Authority's (RRCA) Raisin River Canoe Race on Saturday, April 15 saw the largest turnout on record, with 485 paddlers of all ages in 290 boats participating in the immensely popular springtime event.

"We're just blown away by the sheer number of paddlers from near and far who participated in today's historic race," says RRCA Board of Directors Chair, Martin Lang. "We also had the special privilege of being joined at the start line by several veteran canoeists from years past, including Bruno Major, who took part in the first Raisin River Canoe Race in 1973."

Over the past 50 years, Raisin River Canoe Race paddlers and onshore supporters have experienced everything from snow squalls and frosty weather to sunny skies and t-shirt weather. This year's paddlers were treated to sunshine and a balmy temperature which reached 75 degrees Fahrenheit/24 degrees Celsius.

The Raisin River water levels peaked a week before the race, giving paddler riding lower levels as they piloted the 30-kilometer course from St. Andrews in South Stormont to Williamstown in South Glengarry. The slower flows of 630 cubic feet per second permitted the safe opening of the Martintown Dam, where brave paddlers shot through its narrow opening while the crowd cheered and yelled for them.

"We couldn't have asked for a better race," says RRCA Race Coordinator, Lissa Deslandes. "The

Raisin River Canoe Race holds a special place in the hearts of both residents and visitors to the

region. It's RRCA's biggest annual event, and it really serves as a celebration of our area's

watersheds. We're so grateful for the support from local organizations, sponsors, partners, and our safety committee and volunteers who have helped us coordinate this race throughout the decades."

Two Akwesasronon took the challenge and finished the race, Annie (Lesley) Cree and Colleen Burns paddled together in the Short Kayak (female) category finishing 11th in their category and 242/243 respectfully. Bruce Boots competed in the short Kayak (male) category finishing 18th in his category and 128th overall. The fastest time down the Raisin River was the Pro Boat Tandem of Mike De Abreu, Arnprior and Ryan Stepka, Cantley in a time of 2:21:04.

Full interim results are available at rrca.on.ca/results.