2022 Race the Red Canoe & Kayak Race

Three Flag Races: Choose your distance, 1.5, 3.5, or 6 miles. Participants will paddle up river to a designated turnaround point, grab a prize, and return down river to the finish.

The Course: All races begin and end at the south boat ramp at Dike East (100 2nd Street South in Fargo). The first half of each race is upstream. There are awards for 1st place in each category for each distance.

Fees: Early bird fee is $20/person. Entry fee goes up to $25/person at 5 p.m. on May 31. Eventbrite sales end on June 12 at 5 p.m. A limited number of canoes, single kayaks, and tandem kayaks are available to rent for $15. 

Unloading and Parking: Allow plenty of time when unloading right before the race. Drop off your vessel near the Midtown Dam South Boat Ramp, then park. Carpooling is suggested.

Early Vessel Drop Off: Drop off your vessel between 12-4 p.m. to help with traffic congestion and receive a small prize. River Keepers staff will be on site to ensure security.

Categories:

• Canoe: Solo, Male Team, Female Team, Co-ed Team    
• Solo Kayak: Male, Female    
• Tandem Kayak: Male Team, Female Team, Co-ed Team    
• Non-traditional (rowboat, hydrobike, SUP, peddled)

Participant Prizes:

• Awards for 1st place in each category for each distance
• Prizes at turn around points
• Prize for Best Decorated winner

Best Decorated:

Sign up to be in the Best Decorated contest. Each vessel will have their photo taken and posted on River Keepers Facebook and Instagram. Please arrive early to have the photo taken. The picture with the most likes by June 14 at noon will receive an award. All decorations must be securely fastened. If anything comes off, you must collect it immediately.

Rules to Remember

• Fun is the primary intention of this event.
• PFDs must be worn and fastened at all times.
• All vessels must be manually propelled.
• No tipping, bumping or splashing others.
• Alcohol is not permitted.

Family and friends can bike/run along the entire course on the Fargo Park District’s trail system, to watch their paddlers.

Precautions: The Red River is on MN DNR’s list of infested waters for zebra mussels. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) or Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are non-native species that can harm our natural resources. To prevent the spread of these unwanted species, boaters need to clean and drain their vessels. To remove or K*ll hard-to-see aquatic invasive species before moving to other water bodies, spray with high-pressure, very hot water and/or dry boats and water-related equipment for at least five days.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Start/Finish Line Sponsor - $1000

• Logo on the Race the Red brochure
• Company mentioned in news releases, social media and River Keepers E-news.
• Logo on River Keepers website with a link to company website
• Opportunity to have a company banner at start/finish line
• Opportunity to provide company swag to all participants and attendees
• Opportunity to have employees volunteer at start/finish
• Opportunity to provide an activity, demonstration or display at the start/finish

1.5 mile Turn Around Sponsor - $750. All racers either turn around here or go by this location.

• Company mentioned in Race the Red social media
• Opportunity to have a company banner at the 1.5 turn around site or River Keepers will provide an 11x17 sign.
• Opportunity to have employees volunteer at the 1.5 turn around site to hand out turn around prizes and take pictures
• Opportunity to provide an activity, demonstration or display at the start/finish

3.5 Mile Turn Around Sponsor - $500. This is the most popular turn around, about ½ of our participants turn around here.

• Opportunity to have a company banner at the 3.5 mile turn around site or River Keepers will provide an 11x17 sign.
• Opportunity to have employees volunteer at the 3.5 mile turn around site to hand out turn around prizes and take pictures
• Opportunity to provide an activity, demonstration or display at the start/finish

6 Mile Turn Around Sponsor - $250. This turn around see the most serious competitors.

• Opportunity to have a company banner at the 6 mile turn around site or River Keepers will provide an 11x17 sign.
• Opportunity to have employees volunteer at the 6 mile turn around site to hand out turn around prizes and take pictures
• Opportunity to provide an activity, demonstration or display at the start/finish

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