Tuscarawas River Canoe & Kayak Race returns July 16
DOVER — The Tuscarawas River Canoe & Kayak Race will return on July 16 after a five-year hiatus.
As with the first seven races, held from 2011 through 2017, the starting line will be at Canal Dover Park at Poplar and E. Front streets. The finish line will be just upstream of the Wooster Avenue bridge.
Returning traditions include canoe-shaped cookies and T-shirts for all participants, courtesy of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, the race sponsor.
Races will start at 10 a.m., after a 9:30 a.m. meeting for racers. Registration will open at 8 a.m.
Three- and 10-mile courses will run in loops up and down the river.
Stand-up paddleboards are permitted, along with canoes and kayaks.
Medals will be awarded for the first three finishers in each class.
Registration costs $25 for adults on the day of the event, and $15 for those age 17 and younger.
This year's race proceeds will pay for the portable toilet at Canal Dover Park. The race previously raised $23,000 to $25,000 for downtown riverfront improvements, according to race director Mary Jo Monte-Kaser.
The race is sanctioned by the U.S. Canoe Association. Its rules will apply.
The race will be canceled and not rescheduled if the U.S. Geological Survey gauge below the Dover Dam shows the water is higher than 3.5 feet.
The race flier and registration form are on the Tuscarawas River Canoe & Kayak Race page on Facebook.
For more information, contact the race director at 330-340-5180 or email tuscriverrace@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Dover hosting Tuscarawas River Canoe & Kayak Race on July 16
