Fox River Canoe Races Will Return In June

AURORA, IL — A tradition that dates back to the late 1960s is returning to Kane County this summer. Fox Valley Park District's Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race is set to happen on the Fox River June 5.

Participants can choose to paddle competitively or leisurely from starting points in either Batavia or St. Charles. From St. Charles, the race will be 10 miles long, whereas from Batavia, the route will be 6 miles. The entire event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All participants will be required to use life jackets, according to a news release.

Organized in such a way to offer something for everyone, there are 10 canoe divisions, eight kayak divisions and a non-competitive recreational category, organizers said.

Both routes will finish with a post-race lunch party and awards ceremony at Prisco Community Center/McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave. in Aurora. The top three boats in each division will receive an award.

People interested can sign up through the park district's website. Organizers will hold a pre-race packet pickup from 5-8 p.m. June 3 and from 7-11 a.m. June 4 at Prisco Community Center.