Divisions, team rules, equipment requirements, and the awards given out on race day — everything you need to know before you toe the line at Emerson Park.
04There are no age-group categories in the Family and Corporate divisions.
05The average of all team members' ages on race day determines the age group.
Timing & Registration
Chip timing records every split. Register early for better transition-zone placement.
01Run and bike splits are recorded by electronic chip timing — chips must be worn to receive a finish time.
02Early online registration earns an advantageous position in both the run-to-bike and bike-to-paddle changeover zones.
03Walking is not cause for disqualification on the run or bike legs.
Bike Leg
Hard-shell helmets are mandatory, the course closes at noon, and motorised cycles are not allowed.
01Approved bike helmets are required. Cyclists without helmets will be disqualified.
02The bike course closes at noon — all bikes must be back to the changeover zone by then.
03No e-bikes or powered bikes of any kind are allowed on the course.
Paddle Leg
Life jackets at all times. Boats must match the category, and paddle rules follow U.S. Canoe Association specs.
01All paddlers must wear a life jacket during the race. Paddlers without one will be disqualified.
02Canoes are only allowed in the canoe categories; kayaks only in the kayak categories.
03Canoeists: no double-ended paddles allowed.
04Kayakers: double-ended paddles required.
05Canoes must meet U.S. Canoe Association competition specifications — either Pro Boat (3x27) or Competition Cruiser (4x32).
06The race committee reserves the right to require paddlers to wear their life jackets.
Tandem & Solo
Smaller teams share more legs. Each racer handles their own gear.
01Tandem racers: each teammate must either run or bike, and both paddle the canoe leg together.
02The Solo division is open to canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards.
03Each tandem or solo racer is responsible for their own equipment.
Venue & Post-Race
Emerson Park rules apply all day. Bring ID if you're planning to celebrate.
01All racers must show proof of age to redeem beverage tickets for beer — bring your ID.
Awards
Who takes home the hardware
Open division awards go to the fastest teams regardless of category. Age-group awards run across every team division below. No team receives both.
Open division
4-Person Canoe
Three Open Awards in the four-person canoe division.
3-Person Kayak
Three Open Awards in the kayak division.
Tandem
Three Open Awards in the tandem division.
Solo
Open Award for the top male and top female finishers.
Teams placing in the Open division will not place in the age group categories — no duplication of awards.
Age-group awards
The average (whole number) of all team members' ages on race day determines the bracket. Example: a team averaging 39.75 years enters the 18–39 category, not 40–59. Mixed teams include at least one member of the opposite sex. Awards will be made to the top teams in each category.
Four-Person (Canoe) Teams
Male
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Female
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Mixed
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Three-Person (Kayak) Teams
Male
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Female
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Mixed
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Tandem Teams (Runner + Biker, both paddle)
Male
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Female
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Mixed
Under 18
18 – 39
40 – 59
60 & up
Solo
No age or gender brackets. Awards will be made to the top teams in the Solo division.
K2
No age or gender brackets. Awards will be made to the top teams in the K2 division.
Standup Paddleboard
No age or gender brackets. Awards will be made to the top teams in the Standup Paddleboard division.
Family & Corporate categories
Family (Canoe)
Siblings with at least one parent or grandparent. No age or sex categories.
Family (Kayak)
Child or children from the same nuclear family plus at least one parent or grandparent.
Corporate Challenge
Four full-time employees from the same company. No age or sex categories.
Memorial awards
Honoring the athletes and stewards of the race
Presented each year on Great Race Day to athletes in the race and the supporters who built it.
Award 01
Jule Verdi Award
Presented to the first four-person canoe team to finish.
Award 02
Bill Michaels Award
Presented to the first female and first male runner to finish.
Award 03
Brian Hanley Memorial Award
Presented to the first all-female four-person canoe team.
Award 04
Geri Read Award
Presented to the first all-female three-person kayak team.
Award 05
Paul Ringwood Sr. Memorial Award
Presented to the first-place finisher in the Family Category in the canoe race.
Award 06
Newman Award
Presented to the oldest (by average age) four-person canoe team to finish.
Award 07
Bonnie Foster Dello Stritto / Ann Scanlan Memorial Award
Presented to the youngest team to finish the race, canoe or kayak.
Award 08
Frank Ruggiero Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a deserving, college-bound Great Race athlete or volunteer.
Award 09
Big John Connors Award
Awarded to a dedicated volunteer in recognition as the Great Race Volunteer of the Year.
