Sunny skies save Des Plaines canoe race

Only once in its 53-year history have officials canceled the Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon.

Last week's storms placed this year's event in jeopardy, but sunny skies and a light breeze prevailed for the paddlers Sunday. Organizers said the Des Plaines River's water level was higher than it's ever been in recent years forcing racers to brave a particularly fast route along the 18.5-mile stretch that started in Libertyville and ended in Prospect Heights through the Cook and Lake County forest preserves.

The only cancellation happened in 2004, recalled the father-son duo of Marty and Tom Cassell from St. Charles. Marty has raced in the event for 20 years, and his son has raced for 15. This year they dressed as Vikings, complete with horns, swords and capes. They even decorated their boat with shields and a 6-foot mast. The torrid river conditions cost them their red flag which blew away.

"It's harder with these," the younger Cassell said while pointing to the horns on his head, fearful that they could snag on a tree branch.

Their time of 3 hours and 29 minutes was faster than usual, the Cassells said. They've dressed as Vikings before, but said this year they would retire the theme and think of something new for next year.

Other racers laid out and enjoyed the sun after coming out of the water, commenting on Sunday's nice weather. Some wore Blackhawks gear, racing a little harder to catch the start of the 2 p.m. playoff game.

Fallen branches from last week's storms delayed the race's start by 30 minutes as officials checked to ensure two areas were clear and safe. Event co-chairman Jack Snarr said about a dozen racers capsized at the start of the race due to conditions. He didn't report any injuries.

"It was a challenge both for a safety standpoint and logistics standpoint," Snarr said.

Snarr said 684 boats were registered and 80 percent of then, or 547 boats, raced on Sunday.

At the event's peak in the 1970s Snarr said more than 1,000 boats participated.

Gene Gallagher, the northwest regional superintendent for the Cook County Forest Preserve District, marveled at how hard forest preserve employees worked to get the site at Camp Pine Woods ready for Sunday's race. He said workers cleared fallen branches to open up the area so spectators would have better sightlines at the race's finish line.

"This grove has never looked better," Gallagher said.