Flatwater Classic: Participant Information
Start times are available and updated as of September 13. We will be updating these periodically and final times will be posted Saturday, September 17 by 5pm.
Please be ready to launch 20 minutes prior to start time. Shuttles leave Linne Woods (Finish) every 20 minutes from 8:30 AM until 1:00 PM. Please leave enough time to drop off your equipment at the Willow Road Dam (Start) prior to getting on the shuttle - the shuttle is only for people, paddles, PFDs, and helmets, no boats or bikes allowed.
Download Final Start Times Here
Click here to read an important race update!
Still have questions? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Whether you are an avid paddler hoping to improve your personal record, a family of four in a canoe together for the first time, or looking for an excuse for a bike ride down the North Branch Bicycle Trail for a good cause, the Chicago River Flatwater Classic Paddle & Pedal provides everyone with the enjoyment of paddling or pedaling along this urban waterway.
Come to compete, cruise through in the Friendly Float, or bike down the scenic North Branch Bicycle Trail.
The After Party
Whether you competed in the race, or just came to cheer someone on, join us at Linne Woods for the awards ceremony, vendor booths, music, and more! The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. and the festivities will go until 4:00 p.m.
Click here for paddling information.
Click here for pedaling information.
Volunteers
We rely on volunteers to make this event a success. To volunteer, contact Cynthia Fox at (312) 939-0490, ext 13, or at cfox@chicagoriver.org
Paddling Information
Course Info
The course begins just south of the Willow Road Dam and ends approximately 6.5 miles downstream at Linne Woods in Morton Grove.
Red line = paddler route. Green line = pedaler route.
Dams
We are building support and working with the Forest Preserve District and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to formulate a plan to remove and/or modify two of the oldest and most unnecessary dams in the North Branch of the Chicago River. Built in the 1930’s these dams severely inhibit fish and paddler passage and no longer serve their intended purpose.
There will be mandatory portages (meaning you’ll have to get out of your boat to get around the dams) at the Winnetka Road Dam and Beckwith Road Dam. There will be Friends’ staff and volunteers plus safety crews at each of the dams to help you get over.
Start times
Corporate Team Challenge - 10:00 a.m.
Individuals - Approximately 10:30 a.m.
Paddlers will start in heats of five boats leaving every eight minutes. Start times will be assigned once completed registration and payment is received.
Average finish time
1.5 to 2.5 hours
Canoe and Kayak Classes
Flatwater Classic welcomes all canoeists and kayakers, and all seaworthy, paddle-powered canoes and kayaks. We will be presenting awards for the top 3 finishers in each of the following categories:
Racing Classes:
•Tandem Racing Canoe: Men, Women, and Mixed
•Solo Racing Canoe: Men and Women
•Racing Kayak: Men and Women
•Touring Kayak: Men and Women
•Tandem Kayak
•Stand Up Paddle
Recreational Classes:
•Tandem Recreational Canoe: Men, Women, Mixed, Junior, and Senior
•Recreational Kayak: Men and Women
Don’t want to compete? No problem, join the Friendly Float and enjoy a leisurely paddle down the North Branch!
Results
Results will be posted by approximately 2 p.m. at the finish line and available online by the following day.
Awards
Awards will be given at the conclusion of the race to the top three finishers in each class, (except the non-competitive Friendly Float) and also to the best dressed canoe.
New this year!
We are excited to be a part of the Illinois Triple Crown - bringing the Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon, the Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race, and the Flatwater Classic together. Prizes will go to the fastest female and male canoer and kayaker based on totally individual times and special awards to the youngest and oldest to compete in all three Triple Crown races.
Do I have to have my own boat?
No, there are a number of places where you can rent one for the day.
Friends of the Chicago River (that’s us!)
(312) 939-0490 ext. 18
Chicago River Canoe & Kayak (canoes and kayaks)
(773) 704-2663
Wisconsin River Outings
(866) 41 - CANOE
Kayak Chicago (kayaks only)
(630) 336-7245
Chicagoland Canoe Base, Inc. (canoes and kayaks)
(773) 777-1489
Parking
Parking will be available at the finish line at Linne Woods.
Shuttle Service
FREE shuttle service is provided for all participants from the finish line at Linne Woods back to the start at Willow Road, leaving every 20 minutes between 8:00 a.m. and noon.
Racers are responsible for carrying their pfds and paddles with them.
Weather
Be sure to dress for the weather. If lightning is present we will pause the race clock and direct paddlers to safety. Safety crews on and along the course will be in touch with all paddlers if such conditions exist.
There is no refund if the race is canceled for inclement weather, natural hazards, or any cause for race disruption. If the race is canceled for those reasons, participants will get $5 off next year’s entrance fee and a t-shirt.
Pedaling Information
Course Info
The course begins just south of the Willow Road Dam. Bikers head north on the North Branch Bicycle Trail, making a loop around the Skokie Lagoons, and then head south to the finish line at Linne Woods for a total of approximately 13 miles. For a shorter ride, skip the loop and head straight down to the after party at Linne Woods (approximately 7 miles).
Red line = Paddler route. Green line = Pedaler route.
Start times
Corporate Team Challenge - 10:00 a.m.
Individuals - Approximately 10:30 a.m.
Pedalers will start in groups of five bikes leaving every four minutes. Start times will be assigned once completed registration and payment is received. Please note that the pedaling portion of the event is not a timed race.
Average finish time
1 to 2 hours
Do I have to have my own bike?
No, there are a number of places where you can rent one for the day.
Edgebrook Cycle & Sport
(773) 792-1669
Turin Bicycle
(847) 864-7660
George Garner Cyclery
Shuttle Service
FREE shuttle service is provided for all participants from the finish line at Linne Woods back to the start at Willow Road, leaving every 20 minutes between 8:00 a.m. and noon.
Bikers are responsible for carrying their helmets with them.
Weather
Be sure to dress for the weather. If lightning is present we will pause the race clock and direct bikers to safety. Safety crews on and along the course will be in touch with all bikers if such conditions exist.
There is no refund if the race is canceled for inclement weather, natural hazards, or any cause for race disruption. If the race is canceled for those reasons, participants will get $5 off next year’s entrance fee and a t-shirt.
Email Newsletter