The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is looking forward to welcoming paddlers and spectators for the 51stannual Raisin River Canoe Race being held on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
“So far we have 319 paddlers pre-registered for the race,” says Lissa Deslandes, RRCA’s Canoe Race Coordinator. “It is amazing to see so many people participate each year.”
First held in 1973, the Raisin River Canoe Race is one of the longest in eastern Ontario, challenging hundreds of participants to paddle through a 30-kilometre racecourse from St. Andrews West in South Stormont to Williamstown in South Glengarry while being cheered on by enthusiastic shoreline supporters.
“While flows on the Raisin River are currently slower than usual for this time of year due to early snowmelt, the recent snowstorm and forecasted rain this week may lead to increased flows on Race Day,” says Deslandes.
Paddlers and spectators are invited to fuel up with a hearty breakfast served by the Knights of Columbus from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the St. Andrews Parish Hall, across from the starting line at St. Andrew’s Catholic School. The first boats head out at 10:30 am.
From 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., a dinner will be served by volunteers from St. Mary’s Community Centre at the Char-Lan Recreation Centre near the Race’s finish line. An awards ceremony will be held at the Centre at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Paddlers not yet signed up can pre-register at rrca.on.ca/CanoeRace until Apil 10 at 11:59 p.m. In-person registration on Race Day may be available from 9:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, cash only, at St. Andrew’s Catholic School.
Any changes to the Race will be shared with paddlers in advance and updates will also be announced via the RRCA’s social media channels. For more information, visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca
