FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington Fitness and Recreation Center is offering a Cinco de Mayo canoe/kayak race and fun run paddle on Saturday, May 5, on the Sandy River. Sponsored by the FRC’s “Mainely Outdoors” outdoor recreation program, this canoe/kayak race & fun paddle was created to kick off the spring with a fun opportunity to promote fitness while enjoying the outdoors.
“We’re excited to offer this canoe and kayak event again this season,” said Jim Toner, director of the UMF Fitness and Recreation Center. “This is what Mainely Outdoors is all about—providing opportunities for the community to enjoy Maine’s natural resources. Last year’s response was overwhelmingly positive with 35 boaters participating, and we are looking forward to another great time!”
The Cinco de Mayo kayak/canoe race and fun run paddle features an approximate 10-mile paddle and will start at 1 p.m., in Strong and end in Fairbanks. The put-in location is at the Strong American Legion at the intersection of Route 4 and 145 and the take-out location is at the Little League ball field on Route 4.
Participants 12 and older of all ability levels are welcome to compete in the timed race or to paddle for fun. Paddlers must provide their own canoe or kayak, paddles, personal flotation devices and other related equipment.
According to the Whitewater Classification System, this section of the Sandy River is identified as Class I—moving water with small disturbances on the surface and a few small waves, to Class II—easy rapids with smaller waves and clear channels that are obvious and where occasional maneuvering may be required.
Registration fees are $10 person and $5 for students. Registration forms can be completed by visiting the UMF Fitness and Recreation Center or on site the day of the race from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Racing categories for participants include high school students; college students; men/women, ages 18-49; century, ages over 50; and family. Children ages 12-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
For race rules, registration form or more information, visit the UMF Fitness and Recreation website at http://frc.umf.maine.edu/, or call at 778-7495.
That will be a hoot!
When I was a “townie” FSC/UMF student quite a few years ago a major spring adventure was as soon as the Sandy was ice free was sunny Saturday’s canoe “run” down the the Sandy
Six or eight of us would put in a bit up stream from Strong and usually “out” at center bridge, went to F Falls one year!