Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race

Experience the excitement of paddling the scenic Fox River while enjoying this classic tradition that dates back to the 1960s. Paddlers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Two race lengths are offered with start lines in St. Charles (10 miles) and Batavia (6 miles) both finishing with a post-race lunch party and awards ceremony at Prisco Community Center/McCullough Park – 150 W. Illinois Ave. in Aurora. Pre-race packet pickup will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 3, and 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at Prisco Community Center

With 10 canoe divisions, 8 kayak divisions, and a non-competitive recreational category – there’s something for everyone!  The top three boats in each division receive an award.

Please note: Use of life-jackets (personal flotation devices) by all participants is required. 

Register Online | Registration Form (must be filled out and returned to complete registration)

Tip for registering online: select the code that represents where you will launch from and what your vessel will be (bring your own or rent). From there you will be able to choose options – like competitive or recreational league, adding non-paddlers to your registration, etc.

Canoe Divisions

• Junior Boys, Girls or Mixed – Any canoe type; both paddlers must be 17 or younger
• Adult/Youth – Any canoe type; adult must be 30 or older; youth must be 17 or younger
• Women’s Competitive – 18 years and older; maximum boat length 18-6
• Men’s Competitive – 18 years and older; maximum boat length 18-6
• Women Masters – 40 years and up; maximum boat length 18-6
• Men Masters – 40 years and up; maximum boat length 18-6
• Century – Two paddlers, combined age 100 or more
• Mixed Couple – Man-and-woman team; any age
• Single Paddler – One paddler; single-blade paddle, no Olympic specs
• Unlimited – Any racing boat outside specifications of other classes, including ICF boats

Kayak Divisions

• Women’s Short – Any kayak up to 15 feet; no downriver or racing kayaks
• Men’s Short – Any kayak up to 15 feet; no downriver or racing kayaks
• Women Masters Short – 40 years and up; any kayak up to 15 feet; no downriver or racing kayaks
• Men Masters Short – 40 years and up; any kayak up to 15 feet; no downriver or racing kayaks
• Women’s Long – Any sea kayak up to 18 feet, excluding ICF kayaks, ICF trainers and surf skis
• Men’s Long – Any sea kayak up to 18 feet, excluding ICF kayaks, ICF trainers and surf skis
• Tandem – All ages; any tandem paddler kayak
• Unlimited – Any single-paddler kayak, including ICF kayaks, ICF trainers, surf skis and USCA specified downriver kayaks

Open Divison

• Recreational – Non-competitive; no award given; any canoe or kayak; assistance is allowed on portages
• Best Decorated