A local boating race, which has generated more than $250,000 the last nine years to help local school and children’s programs, is returning Saturday.
Registration starts at 8 a.m. for the 10th Annual Kayaking for Kids race. The race will begin at 10 a.m.
The registration fee for the race is $20.
Event organizer Amber Owens said as of Monday approximately 17 people had pre-registered for the race and have already filled out their entry forms. Owens noted most people tend to register the day of the race.
Participants should bring their kayaks and supplies and drop those off at the Croley Bend boat ramp and then park their vehicle at the Ballard Ford river access point. A shuttle will be provided between Ballard Ford and Croley Bend before the race.
Race proceeds benefit the children’s activities in Whitley County, and the family resource centers at local elementary schools in Corbin, Williamsburg and Whitley County.
Last year, 45 people turned out for the race, which generated more than $21,000. Proceeds went towards scholarships to Upward Basketball programs in Corbin and Williamsburg in addition to funds for school family resource centers.
This year there will be no kayak rentals available on the day of the race, but Sheltowee Trace has kayaks available for rent that people can reserve for Saturday’s race. Rented kayaks will be delivered to the race site Saturday morning.
To rent a kayak for the race, contact Sheltowee Trace at (606) 526-7238.
Owens said this year’s race is shorter than the 5.6-mile race last year. It will start at the Croley Bend boat ramp and ends at the Ballard Ford river access point.
The idea for the race came about 10 years ago to promote the Cumberland River and activities along the river in Whitley County.
“It has been 10 years since we started this event and Ballard Ford East is where were started the whole thing,” said Owens. She explained that is the reason organizers are ending the race there this year.
Owens noted the only options for boat access on the Cumberland River in Whitley County 10 years ago were the river access point at Ballard Ford East, the boat ramp at Redbird and the boat ramp along First Street in Williamsburg.
Now there are other options, including the river access point at the Whitley County Fairgrounds at Savoy, the Croley Bend boat ramp and the KY 904 river access point.
“Over the last 10 years, we have started at a couple of different places. Now we have some options for shorter or longer distances,” she said. “Our goal from the beginning was really to showcase the Cumberland River and tourism in the area. One thing we really wanted to do was to provide more options to enter and exit on the river. Now, it makes a nice little circuit along the river no matter what your skill level or how long you want to spend on the river.”
For more information about the race, contact Owens at (606) 549-6000.
