We are excited to announce that this summer, Peterborough and the Kawarthas will be home to the first ever Kawartha Paddle Quest…Saturday June 23rd, 2018 at Beavermead Park.
This event is designed to celebrate paddling and the wonderful waterways that our region has to offer. The day will consist of a series of races; a 50K Marathon Race from Stoney Lake to Peterborough; a 10K Sprint Race up the Trent Severn Waterway; a 2.2km Family Fun Race around the Little Lake Fountain; and a Red Dragon Team SUP race. The team race will consist of 4 paddlers standing on a 22 foot Stand Up Paddleboard competing against other teams, racing around an obstacle course on Little Lake. The following day we are working in conjunction with the “Lock and Paddle” event, which is run through Parks Canada, last year there were over 1000 spectators and 350 paddlers in attendance. Our goal is to help promote healthy active living, foster and grow our regional paddling community, demonstrate the importance and benefits of our waterways, and give back to our community by donating funds to the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Events such as this one are made successful through the engagement and involvement of the community. It is with this in mind that we are inviting local businesses and community members to get involved with the inaugural Kawartha Paddle Quest. With your help we can showcase the natural beauty of Peterborough and the Kawarthas while introducing participants to some of the amazing people and organizations that make our region special.
Kawartha Paddle Quest:
- Our race has been added to OUPPS (Ontario Ultra Paddle Points Series) with 5 major paddle races throughout Ontario that are over 40K in length. (Last year over 300 participants).
- We are sanctioned by and members of OMCKA (Ontario Marathon Canoe, Kayak Association)
- We are working with Parks Canada and The Canadian Canoe Museum for it’s Lock & Paddle event which takes place the next day after Kawartha Paddle Quest race (Last year over 1500 at the event).
- We are working with a top craft brewery for our event. Each racer will receive a free beer while they watch live music before and after the awards.
- For a different approach than other races; Smokehouse Catering will have a southern style pulled pork smoker on site to enhance the atmosphere of the event (free for all racers).
- Please feel free to visit our website at www.kawarthapaddlequest.com for more information.