Utica is hosting is first-ever flatwater paddle race along the Erie Canal and Mohawk River, from Rome to Utica, according to a statement from the city.
The first annual Bank of Utica Canal Cities Classic, an 18-mile point-to-point flatwater paddle race will start at Bellamy Harbor Park in Rome and ends at Utica’s Harbor Point on Sept. 19.
There is one portage at the Erie Canal Trail before the River St. bridge in Whitestown, a 350-yard carry that brings paddlers from the Erie Canal to the Mohawk River.
At the conclusion of the race, stay for the Erie Canal History & Heritage Festival, featuring live music by Our Common Roots, food trucks, Saranac beer tent, a mobile exhibit from the Utica Children’s Museum, Oneida County History Center exhibit, and more!
“We could not be happier to see this event come to fruition,” Utica Mayor Michael Galime said in a statement. “It started from a conversation on how to activate our harbor, grew into a fun discussion of a kayak and canoe race, and resulted in two communities working together connected by the canal, mohawk river, and our shared interests in growing our region. My sincere thanks go out to every partner. I can’t wait for the inaugural start.”
How to sign up
Registration is available at: paddleguru.com/races/BankofUticaCanalCitiesClassic. Registration will be capped at 100 boats. The last day of online registration is Sept. 7 at 9 p.m. or when the cap is hit, whichever comes first. The Classic has a registration fee of $45 per paddler which includes a t-shirt and reusable cup.
Refer to NYPRA’s boat categories when choosing which event to register for at www.ticketsignup.io/MemberOrg/NewYorkPaddlesportsRacingAssociation/Page/BoatTypesandDesigns
Those who would like more information about this race prior registering, contact race director Laura Cohen at the Department of Urban and Economic Development at lcohen@cityofutica.com, or 315-792-0181.
“The City of Rome is excited to be partnering with the City of Utica to host the Canal Cities Classic this September,” said Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan. “This unique flatwater race connects our two cities, starting here in Rome at Bellamy Harbor Park and finishing in Utica’s Harbor Point. The 18-mile course through the Erie Canal and Mohawk River showcases our region’s amazing natural assets. We are proud to be collaborating with the City of Utica to encourage sports tourism in our region and look forward to many more opportunities to do so.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Utica hosting paddle race from Bellamy Harbor to Harbor Point
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