A local boating race that has generated thousands of dollars to help local schools and children’s programs in recent years is returning Saturday.
The Ninth Annual Kayaking for Kids race will take place on Aug. 9. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the race will begin at 10 a.m.
The registration fee for the race is $20.
Amber Owens, an event organizer, said Friday that roughly 20-30 people have pre-registered for the race and have already filled out their entry forms. Also, a group from Wayne County has pre-registered 10 people.
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. Kayak rentals generally range from $20 – $40. 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 before 8 p.m. Friday at the latest. You can also contact Sheltowee Trace at https://reservations.ky-rafting.com/reserve/t130185-upper-upper-cumberland/130185/book to reserve a kayak for the race.
The 5.6-mile race, which includes both kayakers and jon boats, starts at the Whitley County Fairgrounds river access point, and the finish line is at the Croley Bend boat ramp.
Participants should bring their kayaks and supplies and drop those off at the fairgrounds boat ramp and then park their vehicle at the Croley Bend boat ramp. A shuttle will be provided between Croley Bend and the fairgrounds 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 75-100 people turned out for the race, and organizers distributed over $20,000 in race proceeds for scholarships to Upward Basketball programs in Corbin and Williamsburg in addition to funds for school family resource centers throughout Whitley County, Corbin and Williamsburg.
Race sponsors include: Forcht Bank, Forcht Group of Kentucky, Firestone, Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Grace Health, Renfro, H5 Construction LLC, Whitley County Fiscal Court, Whitley County Tourism, the City of Williamsburg, the City of Corbin, Williamsburg Tourism, Commonwealth Insurance Advisors, ATS Construction, 911 Billing Services & Consultant Inc., Hometown Bank, Community Trust Bank, James Baker State Farm, Appalachian Wireless, Hinkle, W.D. Bryant & Son Inc., Compass Municipal Advisors, Municipal Equipment, Simply Secured, Dayspring Health, GMC, Whitley Enterprises, Larry and Sue Riddle, James Jones Excavating, Whitley County Jailer Jason Wilson, State Rep. Nick Wilson, Whitley East Elementary School, Magistrate Mondo Cima, Terry and Diane Skinner, Constable Ron “Bubba” Bowling, Whitley County Clerk Carolyn Willis, Williamsburg Lodge #490 and Cinema Social.
For more information about the race, contact Owens at (606) 549-6000.
