LITHIA - The largest canoe and kayak race in the state is back on after it was sidelined due to the economy. The race is slated for Nov. 13th, starting at the Lithia Springs County Park. Some 100 enthusiasts have already registered. The registration is being capped at 350 entrants.
The committee currently is seeking more sponsors. For information on how to get involved, contact the Alafia River Basin Stewardship Council at (813) 684-7300 or go to www.alafiachallenge.com.
Rental boats for the race are on a first-come, first-served basis, so Wagner is urging anyone who needs to rent a boat to register early. Registration includes a colorful T-shirt, breakfast, lunch, snacks, launch fee, transportation back to the launch site and a post-race picnic.
Those who have signed up thus far aren't just elite, hard-core racers, event organizer Karen Wagner said. "We've got a lot of people in their 70s (who) have already registered and a lot of people from out of town, like South Carolina, Georgia, New York, Tallahassee, Lakeland and Orlando. "It's the largest canoe and kayak race in the state, and people want to be a part of it," she said.
"Last year, the economy was in such a slump, and we didn't want to stress out our sponsors," Wagner said. "I think everybody's getting excited about this year's race," she said. "Everyone has told me they are ready to do whatever it takes to get it done."
This will be the 11th race. "I've done it for so many years; everybody that has been involved in the committee knows what to do." Personally, I attended the race several years back. It was an absolute good, clean fun afternoon with really fun people. There was a barbecue at the finish line with some excellent food.
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