Rock River Anything That Floats Race
By popular demand The Rock River Anything That Floats Race (RRATFR) returns to the Rockford region Sunday, August 21, 2016. More than just a homage to the incredibly popular WROK/ZOK sponsored raft races of the '70s, '80s and '90s - the all new RRATFR will be a brand new tradition for generations of Rockfordians to love and experience.
Rock River Anything That Floats Race 2016 from Rockford Buzz on Vimeo.
About the Race
This 1.6 mile race on the Rock River begins at the north side of the Auburn Street Bridge (former coast guard station) and ends with a party at the Prairie Street Brewing Company following the race. Teams can sign up to build their own makeshift raft or floating device for the main event and there will also be plenty of water set aside for canoes (doubles and singles), kayaks (doubles and singles), and paddleboards to race as well. Registration is now open to the public and the deadline is August 1, 2016.
Participants can register for the race on the website at www.rratfr.com. The entry fee for rafts is $100 per team (up to 10 crew members per raft) and $15 per canoe, kayak and paddleboard. There will be awards given out to first, second and third place winners for all races, all classes. In addition, there will be first, second and third place winners for creativity in design, and audience choice for design.
Race Schedule
7:30 a.m. - Race sign-in opens
9:00 a.m. - Double kayaks
9:30 a.m. - Single kayaks
10:00 a.m. - Double canoes
10:30 a.m. - Single canoes
11:00 a.m. - Stand up paddleboards
12:30 p.m. - First flight of rafts
3:00 p.m. - PARTY!
Spectators
Spectators can enjoy the race in various areas along the Rock River which include the Auburn Street Bridge, Whitman Street Bridge, Rockford Park District's Sinnissippi bike path, and the Prairie Street Brewhouse. Rockford City Market vendors will be set up at the start and finish, with food and beverage also available along the bike path at intervals.