The Great Russian River Race May 12, 2012

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 10am to 5pm

The Great Russian River Race (GR3) will attract some of the world's top canoeing, kayaking and SUP athletes, local adventurers, social paddlers and corporate teams to race in two exciting events. The Russian River has a rich history in hosting river events, dating back to the Water Carnival of 1908. In this tradition, Russian Riverkeeper will host the 2012 Great Russian River Race as a fundraiser for the Clean Campus Clean Creeks program and for the installation of the Veteran's Memorial Beach Dam.

Advanced and expert paddlers will compete in a 15-mile Bridge-to-Bridge Race, starting at the Alexander Valley Bridge. Intermediate and corporate team paddlers will do battle over the 5-mile Rio Lindo Race, starting north of Healdsburg. Both races will finish at the Healdsburg Memorial Bridge, welcomed by the River Race Party featuring great food, local beer & wine and live music on the banks of the River.

The emphasis of the Great Russian River Race is adventure, competition and fun. Race winners will share over $5,000 in cash and prizes. The two races are designed to accommodate professional athletes, corporate and social teams as well as families. Professional outfitter, River's Edge Kayak and Canoe will manage the river operations, safety and logistics for the race.

"We are so excited to partner with Russian Riverkeeper to put on this fantastic event. It will be great fun for participants and spectators alike, and help us make the historic Veterans Memorial Beach swimming hole available this summer," stated Sonoma County Regional Parks Director Caryl Hart. "This is a great example of the new model for sustainable parks - parks and their partners working together to serve our community."

Entries are now open and we recommend that interested paddlers visit the website and sign up while there is still space.

Official Website: http://www.russianriverkeeper.org