'Paddle for the Cause' Saturday

Having seen firsthand the devastating effects of breast cancer, Peggy Navarre, president of the Hudson River Watertrail Association (HRWA), wanted to find a way to raise funds for this cause while also building HRWA’s presence in the kayaking community.

Last fall, it was decided that the HRWA would inaugurate “Paddle for the Cause,” a challenging 17-mile race, and also a more manageable 11-mile Poker Paddle jog down the Hudson, finishing at Annsville Creek for an afternoon of celebration, BBQ and music.

It is called “Poker Paddle” because participants will pick up a single playing card in five different locations along the race route. Whoever has the best hand at the finish line will win a prize.

There will be prizes for the male and female winners of the paddle race along with raffle items for everyone to purchase. Shuttle service will be offered for participants who need to retrieve their vehicles back at the starting point in Cold Spring.

“Most of the people who have registered thus far are registering for the Poker Paddle and, this being the first year for the event, I felt it was important to get as many people involved as possible,” said Navarre, adding that many businesses in the community have helped with donations as well as the people participating in the race.

While there is no specific goal, organizers hope to raise as much money as possible. Most other events that support this cause are golf outings or the more popular running and walking events.

Proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

You can register for the kayak race and Poker Paddle at Active.com, where you will find all the information you will need about what to bring, where to go and what time to be there. Registration ends at noon Friday, Aug. 5.

The paddle will begin at 9:15 a.m. The race will begin at 10 a.m.

For those who are not racing but would like to be part of the festivities, the racers are expected to make their way into Annsville Creek between noon and 1 Pand people are encouraged to come and enjoy the live music, food and more that will take place at Annsville Circle where U.S. Routes 9 and 6 meet off Bear Mountain Bridge Road.

Visit the HRWA’s Web page at hrwa.org for more information about the environmental and recreational action group. For more information on “Paddle for the Cause” please click here.