What race do you know of that has lasted consecutively for 55 years? The 55th running of the CCA Potomac Downriver Race hosted by Sycamore Island and co-sponsored by BCE will be Saturday, May 22nd. COME AND BE A PART OF ONE OF THE GREATEST AND LONGEST RUNNING WHITEWATER RACES IN THE NATION! JOIN THE FUN!

The pre-registration fee is only $20 if received by May 17th! Obtain a REGISTRATION FORM. Follow the instructions for mailing. On race day the entrance fee will increase to $25. Tandem teams pay as two individuals unless they are a parent and child (under age 18) who are permitted to pay as one individual. Liability forms must be signed on race day.

The race begins at Rocky Island on the Potomac River just above Wet Bottom Rapid and goes for 7.5 miles to Sycamore Island. See Great Falls to Sycamore Island for more run details. At the end of the race, a free T-shirt and a free lunch will be given to all workers and racers, and there will be a ceremony with awards and prizes for the winners. (If you DO NOT attend the ceremony, DO NOT expect to receive the above! No awards will be mailed!)

Sign-in begins at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Great Falls Inn (Maryland) followed by a mandatory meeting for all racers. If the river is over 5 feet, the race may start at Old Anglers Inn. And if the river is over 6 feet, the race may be postponed.

This is a race for any whitewater paddler from the pros to parent/child tandem teams, but this is NOT A NOVICE RACE. All participants should have experience in and be comfortable with up to Class III rapids. Participants may enter with any type of a boat provided it is properly outfitted with adequate floatation (air bags) and all occupants of the boat are wearing a helmet and a PFD (life jacket).

If you plan to paddle the race, PLEASE PRE-REGISTER to help with registration and planning. Please do not bring two cars to the race -- parking will be difficult and a shuttle will be provided.

VOLUNTEER helpers are needed for safety boats and for helping at the registration at Great Falls and at the finish at Sycamore Island. Volunteers will receive the gratitude of the racers, a sense of participating in an important annual river event, a race T-shirt, and lunch.

Anyone interested in helping out with this year’s race should contact Star Mitchell at 301-530-3252 or e-mail starmitchell@verizon.net. DO JOIN THE FUN!!