Shorter Fox Valley canoe race attracting newbies

It's more of a sprint than a marathon this year, but at least the Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race is happening.

If you had asked race Chairman Jeff Long during last weekend's rains, he would have had his doubts about the safety of the Fox River.

And before that, he worried river levels would be too low, forcing canoes to scrape along the bottom.

But the 47th edition of the annual race will go on this year, though just six miles long, down from 15 in 2006, and way down from its original 22-mile course.

The change has a silver lining, however.

"This one has attracted a different kind of paddler," Long said. "It's more geared to families and beginners." "The feedback is pretty positive," he added.

More than 170 boats have registered and Long expects there will be at least 200 by the start of racing Sunday.

Rather than cancel the race, the Fox Valley Park District went to "Plan B:" Shorten the race by starting at the Batavia VFW post, south of Wilson.

Next year, the race will return to its St. Charles start. And for hard-core racers who like an even-longer route, there is potential good news: the race committee will discuss this winter whether to bring back the 22-miler, as well as keeping the 6-miler.

"That would be my vision for the race," Long said, recalling how people used to line the bridges up and down the Fox River to cheer the racers.

The race is open to paddlers of all ages in nine cruising hull divisions, four kayak divisions, one racing hull division, one recreation class and one open class.

Registration is $40 per adult team, $20 per adult paddler and $15 per paddler under 16 years old. Children ride free with adult paddlers. Register online at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or call (630) 859-8606 for more information. Race-day registration will be taken until 11 a.m.

After the races, the district will host a "Party in the Park" at McCullough Park featuring burgers, brats, hot dogs, refreshments and games.