The Red River Paddle Challenge is a 45 kilometer (~28 miles) long distance paddling race on the Red River beginning in Winnipeg, Manitoba and ending down river in Lockport, Manitoba. We welcome all types of paddling craft, including kayaks, canoes, surfskis, outrigger canoes, stand up paddleboards, or other craft. If you don’t see your preferred boat/board class listed here, please contact us.
All racers are required to attend a safety briefing at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning, which will also offer time for questions. The race starts at 9 a.m. sharp. Racers must check in at two checkpoints on the route. The checkpoints are for supply, support and logistics and they also have cut-off times. All checkpoints are rolling: Racers need not exit their boat, but they are responsible for assuring checkpoint staff have recorded them. All competitors choose one of two classes for entry into the event:
Adventure Class racers include first-time long distance racers and paddlers who do not regularly race competitively.
Competitive Class is for racers who have more experience. Racers include experienced long distance paddlers and any paddlers who regularly race competitively.
These guidelines are somewhat flexible. Racers with experience who would prefer Adventure may sign up in that class. Newcomers are encouraged to enter as Adventure Class, but may sign up as Competitive if they desire. Adventure class and Competitive class racers are scored and ranked separately.
Categories include men’s and women’s singles, men’s, women’s and mixed tandems, and open class solo and teams that have three or more paddlers in one boat (not relay).
The priority of our event is safety. The unpredictable prairie weather and the river itself will provide ample challenge. Our other goals include making the race challenging but welcoming to competitors of many skill levels. Spending time on the Red River is rewarding and we hope our event reminds all who take part the true importance of this waterway. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Early bird price is $25.00 per paddler.
Early bird registration ends August 31, 2019. After that, it's $35 per paddler.
Registration closes September 7, 2019.
More information is available on our website. To purchase a ticket, please follow the link.