Fingers crossed that weather holds for annual Fox River canoe race
Inclement weather will be anything but welcome on Sunday as aquatic-seeking individuals head into Fox River for the 49th Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race starting in St. Charles and Batavia.
The always popular race will continue to give participants the option of selecting from two separate distances - a 10-mile course beginning in St. Charles and the 6-mile course from Batavia, which was first offered in 2008 when bridge construction in St. Charles shut down the original, longer route.
Race Director Jeff Long, public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District, said recent races have included an average of 300 boats, roughly one-third entering as kayaks, and a variety of participants.
"The more serious racers get really into it and bring their own specialty canoes or kayaks, and then there are those father-and-son teams who tip their boat right at the launch site, laugh, and just have a good time. The race is what you make it, and that's the idea," he said.
Long said the longer route - which used to start in South Elgin and end in Aurora, some 22 miles downstream - was shortened in the early 1990s when recalibrating the overall distance.
Long recalled numerous attempts following the course via bicycle, car and walking while recording his distance. He said what was noted as a 22-mile course really turned out to be 17 miles.
"There used to be this dam that racers would have to go to shore, carry their boat across, set back in the water, and go from there," he said.
"I proposed the idea that it would be easier and safer to just launch from the other side of the dam, and logistically we never went back," Long added.
Registration is accepted online and at either the St. Charles or Batavia community centers until race day on Sunday, but after Thursday participants will be required to pay an additional $5 per paddler.
Long said, though, that online registration is preferred. "Registering online will also offer participants the chance to rent a canoe through our site, and we offer discounts for bother renting and registration fees."
In addition, registered paddlers will receive a T-shirt, goody bag, lunch from Jimmy John's and are eligible for post-race prizes, including coupons, Kane County Cougar baseball tickets and vouchers to various retail locations.
Long promises the routes are scenic and recreational, but will not keep boaters from sitting back and soaking in the rays. Designated areas on the route are filled with channels, whirlpools, stronger currents and water jets.
Lightning and rising water levels are the only two conditions that could postpone the event from its 9 a.m. St. Charles start. The event has only been canceled three times, including the 2007 race due to bridge construction in Batavia.
Long said, however, if the weather calls for rain, wind or other minor conditions, the race will still go on as planned.
The AccuWeather forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 76 degrees, with only a slight chance of rain.
"Perfect conditions for a race," Long said.