Registration & Rules/ Safety

Read all rules and safety information before registering. Both Online Registration and Mail-in Registration information is available at the bottom of this page.

Rules and Safety on the Course

• There will be a mandatory safety briefing prior to each event.

• All racers must sign a waiver prior to starting the event. 

• Participants will be provided a number for the boats at registration. This number must be affixed to the left side of the bow, well above the water line.  This number will be used to verify each craft as it passes by mandatory pass points on the river.

• Water and energy snacks will be available every 4 to 5 miles at access points.

Mandatory Pass Points and Cut-off Times

• There are 4 mandatory Pass Points for the 30 Mile Challenge and 1 mandatory Pass Point for the 15 Mile Challenge. Spotters will be on-land at these locations and will check that the boats cross the points by visually and verbally verifying each boat number.

• Failure to pass and verify boat number with on-land spotters at these points by either the racer or support crew will result in disqualification.

• The Finish Line needs to be reached within nine (9) hours for 30 Mile Challenge and seven (7) hours for 15 Mile Challenge.

Mandatory Equipment

• Each participant must wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on the water

• Each boat must have one pea-less signal whistle, either securely affixed to a life vest or the boat in a manner which allows quick access

• Cell phone or 2 way communication device

• Method of carrying at least 1 1/2 gallon of fluid per person at all times

Recommended Equipment

• Spare paddle(s)

• Water shoes

• Sun block

• Snacks

• First Aid Kit (no specifics)

• Rain jacket (your choice, a garbage bag will also be sufficient)

• Warm clothing that stays warm when wet

• GPS and/or Transponder (like SPOT)

Competitor Class (30 Mile Challenge)

• This Class is geared toward the competitive marathon canoe racer. Previous marathon canoe racing experience is recommended.

• Must be age 18 or older.

• No Watercrafts of any kind permitted under 14' in length.

Adventure Class (15 Mile Challenge)

• This Class is for the paddler who is in it for the challenge and adventure. If you are an adventure racer, recreational paddler or new to paddle racing then this is the class for you. If you are competitive in nature but don't have a race boat then this class is for you. Adventure Class boats include, but are not limited to: aluminum, plastic, abs or fiberglass canoes, touring kayaks, surfskis, sea kayaks and sit on tops. Inflatable's & Rowing sculls are not allowed and boats must be paddled with either a canoe or kayak paddle.

• Single Class age 18 or older.

• Tandem and Coed Classes can have two adults age 18 and older or one adult and one youth age 14 -17.

• All Watercrafts must be under 16' in length. 

Race Support

• While it isn't mandatory to have bank support, it's strongly recommended. Any public access points on the river may be used for this purpose.

• Support is defined as any assistance given to the participant outside of substituting boats or paddlers. This includes, but is not limited to, water and food hand offs, trash removal and encouragement.

• For those wanting to travel without race support, they may self support by using any one of the several river pull outs that line the course. 

Age Requirements

• Any solo participant must be age 18 and older.

• Tandem participants in the Competitive Class must be age 18 or older.

• Tandem participants in the Adventure Class may consist of an adult age 18 and older and a youth age 14 through 17.

• No participants under the age of 14.

Additionally

• The organizers of this event reserve the right to revise any prior rules or regulations as a result of conflict, hazard, or unforeseen incident.

• In the case of a cancellation of the race due to natural disaster we will refund each entrant. 

Registration

There are two ways to register for the challenge:

1. Mail-in - Cut off date for mail-in registration is August 17th, 2024. 

2. Online - Online registration ends at 11:59 AM on August 22, 2024. Please note there is an online registration fee. Register HERE

To use Mail-in Registration, print, fill out the registration below and mail it along with your check to Visit Mercer County PA, 50 North Water Avenue, Sharon, PA 16146.  Checks should be made out to Mercer County Tourist Promotion Agency. If you have any issues viewing the form, call us at 724-614-2769.