Bluegrass river run.

paddle. Music. Festival.

Event Date
10.5.2024

Registration Deadline

10.4.2024

Location
Fort Boonesborough State Park + Kelley’s Landing

Float: $25 (Adult+ Youth) Includes Explore Kentucky Hat
Race: $55 (no race for 2024)
Includes Shuttle & Explore Kentucky Hat
Paddlecraft Rentals
Paddlecraft Rentals are available with paddle(s) and personal flotation devices (PFD). (Please note: Your registration does NOT automatically include a rental boat.) Rental boat quantities are limited.
RENTAL RATES
Single kayak $35, seats one
Two-person canoe $45, seats two with space for a child passenger
Tandem kayak $45, seats two
Stand up paddle board $35, stands one
When they’re gone, they’re gone. Register and reserve your rental early to ensure boat selection
Technical Details + Rules
All participants must wear a properly fitted PFD (inflatable ones are acceptable).
The use of alcohol or mind-altering drugs prior to and during the event is absolutely prohibited.
All participants are required to adhere to all current U.S. Coast Guard, U.S Forest Service, and KDFWR regulations for waterways.
We recommend carrying a signaling device (whistle), communication device (phone), and wearing clothing appropriate for the weather.
Safety paddlers and river patrol will be staged along the course. Please note their presence is just for emergencies and not a bailout option.
Event coordinators reserve the right to refuse entry to any participant who does not comply with these rules.
Participants are STRONGLY discouraged from using anything such as headphones that may prohibit them from communicating with support personnel, hearing water traffic or possibly hearing a request from another racer. If you need tunes, Bluetooth speakers are amazing.
The event launches from the beach at Fort Boonesborough State Park

This fall, take the chance to paddle through the stunning landscapes of the Kentucky River Palisades by joining #ExploreKentucky and friends for the 8th annual Bluegrass River Run (BRR)—a vibrant celebration of the Kentucky River, the waterway that defines the Commonwealth.

This year, the event will start and conclude at Kelley’s Landing, the future site of Lexington’s first river park. Participants can embark on a scenic 3-mile out-and-back Float Trip, perfect for those looking to enjoy a leisurely paddle while taking in the breathtaking views of the towering 60+ ft cliffs along the river’s palisades. Don’t have your own boat? No problem! We’ll have a variety of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available for rent.

After the float, join us for special access to Kelley Landing featuring walking tours, engagement activities, and insights into the Master Plan process that will shape the future park. CivicLex and Gresham Smith, in partnership with the Fund for Greater Lexington and the City of Lexington’s Parks and Recreation Department, will provide engagement and information. And as a special bonus, every participant will receive an exclusive #ExploreKentucky hat to commemorate the day.

For more information on Kelley's Landing visit kelleyslanding.com for more details and to be a part of shaping the future of this exciting new space.

2024 PARTNERS

Float the Kentucky River

The main event of this year’s Bluegrass River Run is a scenic 3-mile out-and-back Float Trip that starts and concludes at Kelley’s Landing, offering a leisurely paddle with stunning views of the 60+ ft cliffs along the Kentucky River Palisades. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while exploring the future site of Lexington’s first river park.

10:00 AM: Float Trip Check-In and Walking Tours Begin
- Location: Kelley’s Landing, 9079 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
- Check-in for the float trip or join a guided walking tour led by Lexington Parks and Recreation, starting at 10 AM with tours running every 30 minutes. Explore the area and get a chance to see site concepts for Kelley’s Landing. We welcome your input on the future of this space!
12:00 PM: Proud Mary BBQ Opens
- Enjoy a delicious meal at Proud Mary BBQ, just a short distance away.
2:00 PM: Walking Tours Conclude
- All paddlers and guests should be off-site. Feel free to head to Proud Mary BBQ to relax or grab a bite if you haven't already.

Tour Kelley’s Landing

Not ready to paddle? You can join us directly at Kelley’s Landing for concept engagement and walking tours from 10am - 2pm!

Liquid Shred the Kentucky River

Bring your SUP, kayak, canoe, tandem, or prone and race 6 or 14 miles on one of the prettiest courses in the country!

We will not be hosting the race component this year. It will be back in 2025!

Saturday: 6.3.2023
Proud Mary BBQ does not open till 12 p.m.
7 A.M-8 A.M: Check-In + Boat Drop Off at Fort Boonesborough State Park
Address: 4375 Boonesboro Rd, Richmond, KY 40475
8 A.M Shuttle for racers departs from Proud Mary BBQ
Address: 9079 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
8:45 A.M Safety meeting at Fort Boonesborough State Park Boat Ramp
9 A.M: 14 Mile Boonesborough to Valley View Challenge (Start)
9:30 A.M: 6 Mile Boonesborough to Proud Mary Dash (Start)
12:30 P.M: Award Ceremony at Proud Mary BBQ