Flatwater Classic
Sunday, October 4, 2009.
Who
Friends of the Chicago River, and 1,000 paddlers, volunteers and spectators. From first-time paddlers to avid racers and from families to corporate teams, Flatwater Classic participants power down the river in standard canoes and kayaks, as well as 26-foot Voyageur replica boats.
What
The Chicago River Flatwater Classic, the only canoe and kayak race on the Chicago River. The race begins with our Voyageur Challenge, in which 10 - 12 corporate and other organizational teams compete for the Voyageur trophy. The race then opens up to hundreds of individual racers and non-competitive participants.
Where
Paddlers begin the 7.25 mile course at Clark Park (3400 N. Rockwell) and paddle south the finish at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown (300 W. 19th St.). Along the way, participants enjoy all of the visual splendor that the Chicago River has to offer, including the wooded riverbanks of the north side neighborhoods, industrial corridor surrounding Goose Island, and awe-inspiring vista of downtown as seen by the river.
Why
Friends of the Chicago River founded the Flatwater Classic in 2000 to give people a chance to see the Chicago River and learn for themselves why it needs their help. Alive with activity both on and under the water, the Chicago River is home to 70 species of fish, 60 kinds of birds, and a growing diversity of mammals. Our goal is a clean, accessible river that can be shared by the people, plants, and animals that call our watershed home.
New in 2009!
New in 2009, ALL parking for the Flatwater Classic will be at the finish line. Friends will provide shuttles from the finish line parking lots to the starting line. We will not be able to shuttle boats, however. If you bring your own boat please allow extra time in the morning to drop off your boat at the starting line and also to drive to the finish line to park and catch a shuttle back to the start. Parking maps will be available online in July. While this may take a little longer in the morning, it will make it easier for everyone at the end of the day when your arms are tired!
Check out the Paddler Information web page for more information on this and other great happenings for 2009!
Sponsors
as of June 4, 2009.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
NAVTEQ Foundation
VOYAGEUR SPONSOR
The Boeing Company
General Iron Industries
Goose Island Beer Company & Urban Catering
The John Buck Company
Ozinga
The Schulze & Burch Biscuit Co.
CRUISE SPONSOR
Wendella Sightseeing and Chicago Water Taxi
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