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REGISTER TO RACE
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Event is Rain or Shine • No refunds will be issued
Kayak Race starts 1 pm
Restricted Raft Race starts 2 pm
Open Class Raft Race starts 3 pm
Leisure Class Raft Race starts 3:30 pm
*start time is subject to judges discretion
Early-Bird Registration Fee:
$20/person - If registered and paid before June 21st.
June 22 - Day of Race Registration Fee: $30/person
All participants must check-in at Godar Diamond. Check-in begins at 10 am. Your vessel MUST be checked in and inspected one hour prior to your race. Visit registration table first, where each participant will be required to sign a waiver.
PLEASE FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetK0f4eFB57mfelveJI7LCd7MNTe4ljZAGzO0zHM8gwUEvGg/viewform?usp=pp_url*Please note, if you have filled out this form on paper and just need to pay your deposit, skip this step.
pay for your registration
Race Rules & Regs
Village of Hardin, The Return of the Great Illinois River Raft Race Event, and Event Officials will not be held responsible for injury or death.
➔ All race participants must be 18 years of age or older by date of races (June 28th, 2025)
➔ All participants must check-in at Godar Diamond. Check-in begins at 10 am. Your vessel MUST be checked in and inspected one hour prior to your race. Visit registration table first, where each participant will be required to sign a waiver.
➔ All participants, per each race, will be required to attend a safety briefing that will be held 15 minutes before the start of each race.
➔ All crew members are required to have life jackets on vessel throughout the race.
➔ Each vessel must be equipped with a whistle.
➔ Each raft must be equipped with at least one rope, of not less than 15 feet, to which a life ring-type life preserver is attached. (not required for kayaks)
➔ For identification purposes, each vessel will be given an assigned number at check-in that must be attached to the vessel and must be visible when crossing the finish line.
➔ Each participant is completely responsible for their own safety, food, drinks, equipment, and any other necessities.
➔ Intentional littering will result in disqualification of any team found guilty of this act.
➔ Each participant is responsible for vessel entry and exit of the river. (Exit will be at Illinois Riverdock)
➔ Each vessel is subject to inspection at check-in. If vessel is determined unsafe or fails to comply with regulations, it will be unable to compete in race. (If time allows, may make adjustments and have vessel reinspected).
➔ No vessel is allowed to come into contact with any motor-powered craft or with shoreline during the course of the race.
➔ Teams WILL NOT be allowed to receive any physical assistance of any kind or nature from ANYONE during the course of the race, except (a) if a team has capsized, that team may receive assistance with emptying their craft and regaining their paddling position, but not be progressed in any way (b) In emergency life-threatening situations or (c) authorized assistance received from Race Officials.
➔ Per each vessel, all participants must be on or touching the vessel as it crosses the designated finish line to qualify for winning tiers. Vessel must go through markers at the finish line
➔ Everything on each vessel at the start of the race (i.e. people, coolers, structure, etc.) must also be on the vessel at finish of the race to qualify for winning tiers.
➔ Line-up for starting order of the race will be determined by a blind draw.
➔ Winners must check-in to Event Tent along the Hardin Riverfront after race to be photographed and collect winnings.
➔ Recreational vessels may be separated from racing vessels, subject to judges discretion.
➔ ALL JUDGES’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
➔ Kayak Race Regulations
• Safety briefing will be held by registration table 15 minutes prior to start of race.
• 1 person vessel
• Kayak may be sit-in or sit-on-top
• Maximum length of 20 feet
• Propulsion will be by manual, human muscle powered, single/double blade paddles or oars with blades no wider than 10 inches. Motors, sails or any other mechanically powered propulsion devices of any nature or kind ARE NOT allowed.
➔ Raft Race: Restricted Class Regulations
• Safety briefing will be held by registration table 15 minutes prior to start of race.
• 1-6 persons per vessel
• Minimum size of 4x8 feet. No maximum size (must fit under West Channel of Joe Page Bridge).
• No pontoons or PVC/dock floats are allowed. However, innertubes or plastic/metal barrels in factory condition (not cut, altered, or welded) can be used.
• Rafts must be well-constructed with a rigid frame. Logs, lumber, and innertubes are legal for support. Kayaks do not qualify as floatation devices for rafts.
• Rafts must be constructed with blunt bows, as opposed to any cigar or streamlined model raft.
• Steering rudders or any guiding apparatus directing the course of the craft WILL NOT be permitted.
• Propulsion must be by manual, human muscle power, single/double blade paddles or oars with blades no wider than 10 inches. Oarlocks are NOT allowed. Motors, sails or any other mechanically powered propulsion devices of any nature or kind ARE NOT allowed.
➔ Raft Race: Open Class Regulations
• Safety briefing will be held by registration table 15 minutes prior to start of race.
• 1 – Unlimited persons per vessel
• Minimum size of 4x8 feet. No maximum size! Build big, have more people, have more fun!!! (Must fit under West Channel of Joe Page Bridge).
• No pontoons are allowed. However, metal barrels in factory condition (not cut, altered, or welded) can be used.
• Rafts must be well-constructed with a rigid frame. Logs, lumber, pvc pipes and innertubes are legal for support. Kayaks do not qualify as floatation devices for rafts.
• Oar locks are allowed!
• Propulsion must be human powered and may be with aid of mechanical device. May include steering rudders. No gas or battery powered engines allowed.
➔ Raft Race: Leisure Class Regulations
• Safety briefing will be held by registration table 15 minutes prior to start of race.
• 1 – Unlimited persons per vessel
• Minimum size of 4x8 feet. No maximum size! Build big, have more people, have more fun!!! (Must fit under West Channel of Joe Page Bridge).
• No pontoons are allowed. However, metal barrels in factory condition (not cut, altered, or welded) can be used.
• Rafts must be well-constructed with a rigid frame. Logs, lumber, pvc pipes and innertubes are legal for support. Kayaks do not qualify as floatation devices for rafts.
• Oar locks are allowed!
• Propulsion must be human powered and may be with aid of mechanical device. May include steering rudders. No gas or battery powered engines allowed.
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