8 mile Canoe

Actual Distance is 8.2 Km or 5.09 miles.
Download the Course Map

Pre-Race Meeting: There will be a pre-race meeting at 7:00 AM at the starting line (Riverside Park in Whitefish) for all competitors. The meeting will provide runners with the most up-to-date information on the race course and a review of all safety precautions. IT IS MANDATORY FOR All PARTICIPANTS TO ATTEND THIS MEETING. The Glacier Challenge 2008 begins with the 10K leg at 7:30 AM.

Boat Drop-off: It is recommended that paddlers have their boats at the transition point on the East Side of Riverside Park by 7:15AM. [the average paddler came in at 1 hour last year; fastest came in at 45 minutes.]

Directions to Canoe Launch: Entering Whitefish from Hwy 93 South, turn left onto W 15th St, then right onto Baker Avenue. Follow Baker across the Whitefish River. Riverside Park is on the north side of the river. The canoe launch will take place on the east side of the park.

Parking: There is a limited amount of parking in Riverside Park. Please enter the parking lot only to drop off and pick up your canoe.After dropping off your canoe you will need to find parking on the streets surrounding the park and then walk back to the park.

Equipment: The canoe leg may either be completed in a one man or a two man canoe. For those entered in the Individual division or teams with only two racers, you will be allowed to use either a one man canoe or a kayak. You must know how to use the equipment you race with. Coast Guard approved life jackets are REQUIRED for this leg of the race. All life jackets are subject to inspection, and if found to be unfit, can lead to the disqualification of the participant and/or the team. No water ski belts will be allowed. No electric bilge pumps will be allowed. There must be one whistle per water craft. Canoes conforming to the American Canoe Association 3/27 rule will be eligible for the race. Canoeists must use a single-bladed canoe paddle. Steering rudders, rowing frames and oars are not permitted. Canoes may be decked in the middle of the canoe. The following boats are not eligible for the race unless you are in the individual OR COUPLE : canoes over 18'6" in length, any and all kayaks (unless you are in the individual division), Olympic Flatwater Canoes (C-1s, C-2s), Olympic Flatwater Canoes (k-1,-2,-4s), rowing shells and motor driven-boats. HOWEVER C-1s will be permitted if they meet the following exceptions: 1] the C1 must be 18-1/2’ or less; 2] it must be completely open [no decking] and no outrigging; 3] paddlers must use a single blade . Skirts will be allowed on the canoes. One canoeist must be prepared to run approximately half a mile through a rough, weedy field to pass off the wrist band, thus appropriate shoes are required. All canoeists are required to wear shoes that are either strapped or laced on. No flip flops or bare feet are allowed. Also wear appropriate clothing for the weather and bring water to prevent dehydration. Event organizers are not responsible for any belongings left at race sites.

The Course: The canoe course travels down eight miles of beautiful, winding Whitefish River. The entire course is flat water, beginning at the east side of Riverside Park in Whitefish and ending at the bridge on Hwy. 40. The racers will paddle west toward Whitefish Lake until the buoy. Racers will pass around the buoy and then head back toward Riverside Park. Passing Riverside, paddlers will continue the rest of the leg down Whitefish River. The racers will enter a culvert at Hwy. 93 [Racers are encouraged to take caution here!] It is recommended that all racers take the middle tunnel [the far right tunnel has been blocked by debris]. This and the small riffles downstream under Columbia Street Bridge are the only sections of moving water on the course. Racers will need to avoid shallow sections and watch out for tree stumps, gathered debris, and limbs across path. The takeout will be clearly marked on the right hand side of the river. From the takeout point, racers will have to carry their boat and all equipment to the marked drop-off area. One paddler must then run through the field to make the bike transition point. The field is very weedy and often marshy, so wear appropriate shoes. When entering the transition area, please ensure you are in position for the timekeppers to see you. Remember to hand off your wristband.

Results: It is important for all racers to be in sight of timekeepers when crossing the transition area. Timing of individual legs may vary based upon exchange area layout, which means personal times kept by racers may not correspond to official results.

HAPPY RACING!