Canoe and kayak race celebrates 50 years
Since 1961, canoe and kayak racers have flooded the Fox River on the first weekend in June to compete in the annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race.
The race’s legacy continues at 9 a.m. Sunday, June 5, in St. Charles for the 10-mile race and 10:30 a.m. in Batavia for the 6-mile race. Both races finish at Aurora’s McCullough Park.
“(The race) ties all the communities together, which is kind of cool,” said Jeff Long of Naperville, public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District.
The race will travel through St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and finish in Aurora, which brings all the towns to work closely on one event.
“It’s neat to see them come together,” Long added.
Long grew up in Batavia and watched the race from the sidelines as a kid before participating in it himself. He’s been involved in the race for the past 35 years.
Both races include 10 different canoe divisions and six different kayak divisions. The open division allows for people to participate, but not in a competitive manner. This year marks the first time the race offers assistance on the portages, but only for the open division.
“If they’re just out to enjoy the day, the assistance is just user friendly,” Long said. “It’s convenient for people who request assistance.”
The different divisions attract different age groups, although Long said 43 percent of last year’s racers ranged in age from 46 to 65.
Robert Mitchler of Oswego, a former state senator, will be participating in his 22nd Mid-American race. Long said he is the oldest person, to his knowledge, to compete in the race, as Mitchler turns 91 years old June 4.
“I thought I’d do it this year since it’s the 50th anniversary,” Mitchler said. “I partner with my son, John, who’s 55 years old. We don’t race, we cruise down the river.”
Martin Cassell of St. Charles and his son will also be in the race. Cassell has never missed a Mid-American race since he started his first in 1975. Despite his years of experience, Cassell tries to have fun rather than be competitive.
“It’s a fun race, it’s turned into a father and son project. I have been racing with my son for the past 20 years,” Cassell said. “It’s a means of recreation, we enjoy canoeing … it’s much more fun than trying to paddle fast.”
Cassell also said the race has become more family-oriented. Many families are attracted to the 6-mile race because it is less difficult.
Another fairly new feature to the race, which started last year, is equipment rental so participants do not have to own a canoe or kayak to be involved.
Long said it “absolutely” helped their numbers last year, as the vendor used up all 60 of his rentals while 320 boats participated.
The event will end with a tailgate celebration at McCullough Park for participants and spectators. Here, awards for first, second and third place will be presented.
The first three finishers will receive a handmade medallion crafted at Blackberry Farm in Aurora.
Every participant will receive a commemorative pin celebrating the 50-year history of the race, a feat Long is proud of.
“Something that lasts 50 years proves it’s a pretty good event,” Long said.
If you go
What: The 50th annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race, featuring a 10-mile and 6-mile race down the Fox River ending at McCullough Park in Aurora on Sunday, June 5
10-mile race: Kicks off from Mount Mount St. Marys Park in St. Charles at 9 a.m. $50 per adult team, $25 per adult paddler, $15 per paddler ages 16 and younger.
Six-mile race: Begins at VFW in Batavia at 10:30 a.m. $40 per adult team, $20 per adult paddler, $10 per paddler under 16.
Details: Prior registration ends today; $5 extra for day of registration. For details, visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.