The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge, a new recreational kayaking race on the Mattagami River in Timmins, Ontario, offers $15,000 in cash prizes.

 

 

 

 

The town of Timmins in northeastern Ontario, hometown of country singer Shania Twain, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and the 2nd Annual Great Canadian Kayak Challenge, which runs on August 28, 2010.

The municipality started the challenge last year as a "premier tourism signature event for the City of Timmins," said city spokesperson Guy Lamarche.

Last year’s event drew 104 paddlers, with some from as far away as the U.K., U.S.A. and southern Ontario. Organizers expect 200 paddlers this year and 500 by 2013.

The racing happens on the Mattagami River, a major northern Ontario waterway and historic trade route that flows north to James Bay, and also on the smaller Mountjoy River.

There will be eight categories this year (Elite, Recreational, Recreational Elite, Seniors/Masters, Youth, Novice, Open and Celebrity) with $15,000 in total prize money divided among the categories based on the number of participants in each category.

Last year the elite race was 34 km; the recreational races were 16 km and the Seniors and Novice races were 6.5 km. Kayaks were limited to a maximum 10:1 length-to-width ratio, with surf skis and racing kayak prohibited.

Out of town paddlers will be provided with free camping at the venue. Many other activities will be available in the park as well as food and beverage stations.

Here's a news report about last years' race:

More information and the registration form will be available at www.thegreatcanadiankayakchallenge.ca.