Mississippi River Water Trail

Race

The race is approximately 18 miles from Grafton Boat Ramp to the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, MO. The 2010 race is Saturday, May 22, 2010 starting at 12 p.m.

Participants should be aware that however good they are at paddling, things can and do go wrong: damaged shoulders, wrists, hands, exhaustion, hypothermia, or just getting cold and tired. Participants should be equipped so they are self-sufficient for at least two hours, preferably three. Safety boats will be able to assist all race participants, but keep in mind this race is for experienced paddlers only.

General Race Procedures

Race Start: The official starting date of the 2010 Great River Rendezvous Race will be Saturday May 22, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. The official starting place will be at the Grafton Boat Ramp in Grafton, Il.

Entry Fee, Dates & Limits: Receipt of the official entry form and payment will constitute the participants intent to enter the race and further acknowledges that the participant understands and agrees to comply with each and every rule as stated on the Rules page The Race Committee reserves the right to reject any entry. Entries are determined on a first come, first served basis. Entries close at midnight local time, May 21, 2010. Certified postmarked entries by this date will be accepted. Each entrant shall sign any and all documents or promotional material requested by Race Committee prior to, or at, the pre-race competitors meeting. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

Entry Fees - Fees can be made payable via PayPal when registering on the web site or at check-in or registration by check or cash.

The entry fee for 2010 is $50 for ACA members and $55 for non-ACA members. Checks should be made payable to the Mississippi River Water Trail Association.

Definition of Entry Categories/Classes
A tandem canoe or tandem kayak team entry consists of two members who will travel together down the river in the same craft.

A solo canoe or solo kayak team entry consists of one person who will travel down the river. Prizes will be given to the men's category winner and female category winner.

Age Limits
There shall be a minimum age limit of 18 years old for entrants. The minimum age limit for a solo entry is 19 years old, and at least half the members of a tandem or voyageur entry must be 19 years or older.

Alcohol and Drugs
Under no circumstances shall a participant use alcohol or drugs during any portion of the race.

Finish Line Procedures
The Race ends at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Finish line will be marked with buoys.

The pull out point is at the Rivers Project Office. Food and music will be available for the racers.

The event officially ends 3:30 p.m.

The Awards Presentation will held on Saturday, May 22 at 3:30 p.m. and the evening social will be in Grafton, IL at the Grafton Winery, starting at 5:00 p.m.

All proceeds from this event will support the Treehouse Wildlife Center. Treehouse Wildlife Center is in the process of acquiring a new building and moving all their animals. Treehouse Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care of orphaned and injured wildlife with an additional commitment to educating the public about issues relating to wildlife. They have rescued many birds of prey, pelicans and various wildlife species that have come into harms way on the Mississippi River.