Kayak

Actual Distance is 3.2 Km or 1.98 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.

Kayak Drop-off: It is recommended that paddlers have their boats at the starting point on the West Side of Riverside Park by 9:45 AM. [The average paddler came in at 28 minutes last year; the fastest came in at 18 minutes.]

Directions to Riverside Park in Whitefish: 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. Kayaks will launch from the west side of the park.

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

Equipment: 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, could lead to the disqualification of the participant and/or the team. No water ski belts will be allowed. There must be one whistle per water craft.. Kayakers must be capable of performing a self-rescue (e.g. a roll) or be able to sit on top of the kayak. The boat must be paddled by one person with a double­bladed paddle as the sole means of propulsion. Paddlers must be able to handle their craft in all conditions. It is recommended that racers use a boat with which they are familiar. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather or possible immersion in the water. Event organizers are not responsible for any belongings left at race sites.

The Course: The course is approximately 2.5 miles in distance. The road biker will hand-off the wristband to the kayaker at the end of Lupfer. The kayaker will then proceed down the marked path to the dock located on the west side of Riverside Park. They will then laungh their boats and begin paddling up the Whitefish River. The entrance into the lake from the river is a bit tricky. If racers are not comfortable attempting to paddle up the entrance, it is suggested they portage their boat on the left side of the river. Once they have reached the lake, kayakers paddle out to Bay Point [the first visible point to the right]. Head toward buoy [an 8-man Hawaiian outrigger with colorful flag], go around, and head toward river entrance and back to Riverside Park. Paddlers will go under Baker St. bridge and pull out at the dock on the east side of the park. Racers hand wristband off to 5k runner.

Results: It is important for all racers to be visible to 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!