The Explore Kentucky Initiative is proud to announce the creation of Bluegrass River Run presented by Beinthewater as a the kick-off race of the 2017 Kentucky Waterman Series season. BRR is a great early season race to recover from the winter. Paddlers will blast off from Kentucky State Park's Fort Boonesborough State Park on a portion of the beautiful palisades section of the Kentucky River that flows through the heart of the Bluegrass region. Starting from the beach below historic Fort Boonesborough founded by the great frontiersman Daniel Boone, the race will follow the river through impressive rock outcroppings of the Kentucky Palisades. Paddlers will be immersed in the ambiance of early spring with beautiful views of river banks in full bloom. Along the way at each turn in the river you’ll see many varieties of dogwoods, as well as maples, weeping cherry trees, redbuds and other flowering species. The 6 mile race will end at Proud Mary’s BBQ in Fayette County and the 19 mile at the historic Valley View Ferry which has been in operation since 1780. We will field a youth division for ages 10 - 16. Post race we will gather on the sandy beach at Proud Mary's BBQ for some great local barbecue, fellowship with games and music, and of course presentation of race awards.
Registration Prices
Adult Solo Racer: $50 Before March 31st, April 1- 15: $60, April 16 - 20: $65
Tandem Race team: $90 before March 31st, April 1 -15: $95, April 16 - 20: $100
Family Friendly Float: $5 Before March 31st, April 1- 15: $10, April 16 - 20: $12
Youth Racer: $15
Transfer/Refund Policy: Entry fees are non-transferable. We offer a partial reimbursement of registration costs up until five days before race day. Race credit is available.
Shuttle service for the event will be provided by Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, Inc. For racers, the shuttle is provided as part of your entry fee. For floaters, you will need to purchase a $5 shuttle ticket via Paddleguru.
Paddlers will drop their boat at Fort Boonesborough State Park and proceed to their respective take-outs (Proud Mary's or the Valley View Ferry), park their vehicles and then the shuttle will transport you back to the park.
Races Classes
Race Schedule
Friday, April 28th
7 P.M Pre-race Party at Halls on the River in Clark County.
Saturday, April 29th
7:00 A.M Boat Drop - Off/ Check - In
8:30 19 Mile shuttle departs Valley View Ferry
9:15 6 Mile Shuttle departs from Proud Mary’s BBQ
9:30: 19 Mile Racer Meeting
10:00: 19 Mile Race Start
10:30: 6 Mile Racer’s Meeting
11:00 6 Mile Race Start
11:15 6 Family Friendly Float Start
12:00 - 3 P.M Bluegrass River Run Expo, Games, & Music at Proud Mary's BBQ
3:15: Dinner & Awards at Proud Mary's BBQ
Addresses:
Proud Mary's BBQ: 9079 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
Fort Boonesborough State Park: 4375 Boonesboro Rd, Richmond, KY 40475
Valley View Ferry: Valley View Ferry, Kentucky 169, Richmond, Kentucky