An annual springtime tradition; experience an eight-mile canoe and kayak race from the Harpersfield Covered Bridge (Ashtabula County) to Hidden Valley Park south entrance (Madison) on the wild and scenic Grand River.

This race features a “maddest hat” contest. Awards to top three finishers in each race category (determined by skill level and boat type).

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Novice Canoe

• Novice A (combined age of 65 or younger)

• Novice B (combined age of 66 & older)

• Novice classes are open to aluminum and plastic canoes. Novice racers are individuals who have never placed first, second or third in any race longer than five miles.

 

Pleasure Canoe

• Pleasure (all canoes, non-racing type)

• Over & Under (one participant is age 15 or younger, the other participant is at least 18 years older than the first).

• Coed

• Master (age 40 and older; 10 second handicap will be deducted for every year over 40)

 

Kayak Classes

• Women's Solo Kayak (all kayaks):

  • Ages 29 & younger

  • Ages 30 to 39

  • Ages 40 to 49

  • ages 50 to 59

  • ages 60 & older

• Men's Down River Kayak longer than 14 ft.:

  • Ages 34 & younger

  • Ages 35 and older

• Men's Kayak 14 ft. & shorter:

  • Ages 29 & younger

  • Ages 30 to 39

  • Ages 40 to 49

  • Ages 50 to 59

  • Ages 60 & older

• Double Kayak (all)

• Non-conforming class (race for time only, no awards)

 

Fee applies

 

Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark is located near I-90 & SR 534. 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. Go down the hill to the Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark.