About This Event:
The most exciting competition in town! Proceeds from the race support needed river accesses and log jam clearing projects to keep the French Broad River open to all users.
The Hellbender Relay Canoe Race is part of the Upper French Broad Riverfest!
Saturday, June 21st, 2025
Important Information:
1. “20 Miler Relay Race” limited to 15 Teams
2. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required
3. Check in Location & Time starts at 9:15 am at Headwaters Outfitters. Teams must check in 45 min. prior to their start time.
4. Race will start promptly at 10 am
5. Lifejackets are required to be worn for the entire race (teams will be disqualified if lifejackets are not worn).
6. All teams are required to use the Headwaters canoes provided. You can bring your own paddles and wear your own PFD.
2. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required
3. Check in Location & Time starts at 9:15 am at Headwaters Outfitters. Teams must check in 45 min. prior to their start time.
4. Race will start promptly at 10 am
5. Lifejackets are required to be worn for the entire race (teams will be disqualified if lifejackets are not worn).
6. All teams are required to use the Headwaters canoes provided. You can bring your own paddles and wear your own PFD.
Rules & Guidelines:
1. Each “20 Miler” relay team is made up of up to 4 paddlers, broken down into pairs for each section of the race.
2. “20 Miler” Race will consist of two 10-mile sections. At the halfway point, teams can switch out paddlers
· First Section: Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman, NC to Island Ford River Access~ 11 miles total
· Team Exchange at Island Ford River Access
· Second Section: Island Ford River Access to Hap Simpson River Park~ 9 miles
3. Transportation to race points can be provided, or teams can provide their own.
4. At the end of the race, paddlers will be transported back to Headwaters Outfitters.
5. The After Party starts at 2:00 pm at the Forks of the River Taproom. The Awards Ceremony will start when enough teams arrive on site. Trophies will be awarded for the Top 3 teams and BEST TEAM COSTUME (voted on by all teams and race volunteers).
2. “20 Miler” Race will consist of two 10-mile sections. At the halfway point, teams can switch out paddlers
· First Section: Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman, NC to Island Ford River Access~ 11 miles total
· Team Exchange at Island Ford River Access
· Second Section: Island Ford River Access to Hap Simpson River Park~ 9 miles
3. Transportation to race points can be provided, or teams can provide their own.
4. At the end of the race, paddlers will be transported back to Headwaters Outfitters.
5. The After Party starts at 2:00 pm at the Forks of the River Taproom. The Awards Ceremony will start when enough teams arrive on site. Trophies will be awarded for the Top 3 teams and BEST TEAM COSTUME (voted on by all teams and race volunteers).
How to Enter:
· Registration must be made in advance.
· “20 Miler” Entry Fee: $250.00 per team (Does not include tax and credit card fees if paying with credit card, can be paid with cash or credit card to avoid fees).
· Includes canoe, paddles, lifejackets, t-shirt, and transportation to & from the river if needed
· Teams can find local businesses to sponsor their team.
· 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place trophies awarded in “20 Miler Relay Race”
· Award for Best Team Costume
· “20 Miler” Entry Fee: $250.00 per team (Does not include tax and credit card fees if paying with credit card, can be paid with cash or credit card to avoid fees).
· Includes canoe, paddles, lifejackets, t-shirt, and transportation to & from the river if needed
· Teams can find local businesses to sponsor their team.
· 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place trophies awarded in “20 Miler Relay Race”
· Award for Best Team Costume
Team Registration Fee Link: https://fareharbor.com/…/headwatersout…/items/605170/…
Team Registration Form:
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfRxuz2MRW…/viewform…
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfRxuz2MRW…/viewform…
-Please fill out for Team Contact, Team Name, Team Member Names, and Team T-Shirt Sizes.
Payment Options:
-Credit Card payment: (tax & credit card fees will be added)
-Check payment: Make checks payable to Headwaters Outfitters
Mail payment to:
Headwaters Outfitters
P.O. Box 1057
Rosman, NC 28772
-Check payment: Make checks payable to Headwaters Outfitters
Mail payment to:
Headwaters Outfitters
P.O. Box 1057
Rosman, NC 28772
