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For race day conditions and information, call 440-954-4178.
The Grand River Canoe and Kayak Race is an annual springtime tradition. Participants experience an 8½-mile canoe and kayak race from the Harpersfield Dam (located in the Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark) to Hidden Valley Park (in Madison) on the wild and scenic Grand River. This race is part of Lake Metroparks' Earth Week celebration.
Sponsored by
Discount Drug Mart
Long-standing tradition of this race features a “Maddest Hat” contest.
Click here for registration information.
All canoes and kayaks must be properly registered with the state of Ohio.
For more information call ODNR Watercraft Division at 440-964-0518.
- Ages 10 & older; younger than 18 with an adult.
- A shuttle is provided to and from the start and finish lines from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm (or race completion).
- Contestants leave in one-minute intervals. Kayaks and solo classes may start in their boats touching the shore. The first boats depart at 9:00 a.m. Last boats depart before 10:00 a.m.
- Prior experience is mandatory.
- Personal flotation devices must be worn at all times or racer will be disqualified.
- In each closed boat, the boater is required to have sufficient flotation.
- ODNR Watercraft Division will inspect boats, equipment and registrations.
- A shuttle is provided to and from the start and finish lines from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm (or race completion).
For race day conditions and information, call
440-954-4178.
Pre-registration is recommended. Same-day registration also available
- $12 per person pre-registered (by noon, Thursday, April 19)
- $20 per person same day (Registration 7:00 - 9:45 am)
Pre-register online or call 440-358-7275 or
800-669-9226 to register.
Registration form with flyer and map
Click here for map of race.
Are you mad? (All racers qualify!)
The race features a long-standing tradition known as the Maddest Hat contest; where contestants don the most unusual head attire and have to attempt to wear it the entire race. Design a hat (or some sort of river-worthy headgear) and wear it April 21. The “maddest hat” wins a prize!
Hats must be worn during the race and fit under bridges (clearance approx. 140 ft.). GOOD LUCK!
Starting line:
The Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark is near the intersection of Interstate 90 & State Route 534. (This is also the exit for Geneva-on-the-Lake and many Ashtabula County wineries.) Turn south on SR 534 for about a mile to the intersection of SR 307 at the bottom of a long hill. Turn right (west) and then turn left (south) at the next intersection . . . down the hill to the Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark.
Finish line:
Hidden Valley Park: Take I-90 to Rt. 528 south for 1.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto Klasen Road. Hidden Valley Park is near the end of Klasen Road on the left.
A shuttle is provided to and from the start and finish lines from 8:00 am to
2:30 pm (or race completion).
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