Rollin' On The River

Rollin' On The River

Gamaliel Lions Club River Race enters seventh year

BY JEN CALHOUN

Pictured: Competitive kayaker George Birge

When the Gamaliel Lions Club organized its first River Race back in 2012, there weren’t too many kayaks in the region, says Donnie Peden, the club’s president and one of the race’s organizers.

But as the race enters its seventh year on June 8, that’s all changed. “Now, anytime you go out in the summer, every pickup truck has a kayak on it,” Peden says. “People realized how much fun it is.”

The first year, there were about 40 teams of paddlers in the timed event, which kicks off on the East Fork Creek, a tributary of the Barren River, and winds 5 miles down the Barren. Last year, about 80 teams competed, Peden says.

HOW IT WORKS

Paddling teams of two in kayaks and canoes set off about every 30 seconds. Electronic timers record teams from start to finish. Classes include a women’s kayak division, a men’s kayak division and a mixed-gender canoe division. Each team is made up of two paddlers, and no motorized boats are eligible.

Winners divide the total prize offering of $1,500, and prizes are based on the number of participants in each race class. For example, if the women’s division has 50 teams, the men’s division has 25 teams, and the canoe division has 25 teams, half of the $1,500 will go to the women’s team winners, a fourth will go to the men’s division, and a fourth will go to the canoe division.

LAZY RIVER DAY

Those who aren’t racing can still come for the family-friendly party that takes place during the races, Peden says. “We set up a picnic area with barbecue in a spot where kids can play in some real easy, calm water,” he says. “They can take their inner tubes or floats and drift around. There’s plenty of water and plenty of room to play. It’s kind of like a lazy river ride.”

The Gamaliel Lions Club River Race happens on Saturday, June 8. Entry fee is $25 per vessel, which can be a canoe or kayak with paddles only. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. the day of the event. Put-in is at East Fork Creek off Highway 87 in Gamaliel, and volunteers transfer vehicles to the finish line. Look for the signs. The race starts at noon, and lunch is from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 270-427-7429.