Maine Canoe Races 2025

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Canoeing the St. John River, photo credit: RMG Dave Conley, Canoe the Wild.

Maine Canoe Races 2025

Photo Credit: Dave Conley, Canoe the Wild. The dates are rolling in for the Maine Canoe Races 2025 season! Grab your canoe, kayak, or SUP, dust off your paddle, and get ready to race! There are many different types of races, from flatwater to whitewater, multi-sport challenge races, and many are Maine Canoe and Kayak Race Organization (MaCKRO) points races.

There are still more events I’m waiting on dates from, so check back often! I’ll add the missing races as they come in!  If I’ve missed any races that have announced their dates, please let me know so I can add them.

Maine Canoe Races 2025

April

  • April 19 Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
    • Bangor
  • April 19 Smalls to the Wall Whitewater Race
    • Smalls Falls, Rangeley
  • April 26 51st Annual Kiwanis Piscataquis River Race
    • Starts at 10am, start at King Cummings Park, Guilford, finish at Foxcroft Academy, Dover-Foxcroft
    • 7:30-9:30 am registration $30 day of race or $20 early-bird registration by April 21st
    • Contact: Jeff Kelly (207) 717-5974

May

  • May 3 Meduxnekeag River Canoe Kayak Race
    • 69 North St, Houlton
    • 8 – 9:30 am ($20 adult, $15 youth).  Pre-registration form at greaterhoulton.com or register on the day of the race. Checks cash or credit cards are accepted for payment. Racers must be at the race briefing at 9:30 to participate. $20 for adults, $15 for children under 18.
    • ane Torres (207) 532-4216 director@greaterhoulton.com or Peter Blood (207) 532-2577.Pre-register by 5/2 and get a free T-shirts! T shirts are limited in number. First to sign up and pay receives a shirt.
    • Contact: Jane Torres (207) 532-4216 director@greaterhoulton.com or Peter Blood (207) 532-2577
  • May 3 & 4 Kenduskeag Slalom
    • Kenduskeag Stream, Valley Ave. & Exchange St. (Bangor)
    • Starts Saturday, 4:00 pm: Special class offered at this race: Combined Class. Show off your downriver paddling. Race starts at Bulls Eye Bridge, Finish below Shopping Cart hole. Use the same boat Sunday, and pair the better of two slalom runs with your DR time. Special awards for the fastest DR and Slalom Combined class. 2.5-mi WW.  
    • Note:  No Slalom Clinic this year.  Beginners (and all paddlers) are welcome to practice Saturday and compete Sunday. There will be a beginner course for K1, OC1, OC2.
    • Sun, 9am – Slalom competition starts, including combined runs
    • $20 1st race, $10 2nd & $5 3rd. Pre-registration and covid waivers are mandatory as with other races this spring. Online registration closes Wednesday 5/1 at 11:59pm. Mail and phone registrations will be accepted  through Thursday, 5/2. 
    • Contact: Clayton Cole (207 944-0856), c1colepaddler@gmail.com
    • Other info: Hard shell helmets are required. This is the only slalom race in Maine. Race benefits charity.
    • Help is needed all day Friday to set up the course.Saturday night camping available at Penobscot Salmon Club Brewer and at Clayton’s place in Corinth.
  • May 4 Aroostook River Spring Runoff Canoe & Kayak Race
    • Lower Lyndon Street Boat Launch, Caribou
    • Register online or in-person day of event 8:30-9:30am.  Online Registration – Race info. Mandatory Race Briefing 9:45 am, race begins 10:00 AM.
    • $10 per paddler 19 and over, $5 per paddler 18 and under.
    • First 75 participants will receive a t-shirt, CASH payout to both canoe and kayak division winners for a total of 10 different division winners.  Shuttles provided at completion of race back to start. Awards immediately following at Forbes Pit
  • May 10 Baskahegan Stream Canoe Race & East Grand Adventure Race– CANCELLED FOR 2025, Returning in 2026
    • East Grand High School, Danforth
    • Start time 7:30am, Pre-registration required, check-in 7:00 am, $20 per person, $30 per person day of event
    • Contact: Dave Conley (207) 551-8729,  dave@canoethewild.com
    • Web site: download forms online at http://www.canoethewild.com/east-grand-adventure-race/
    • Note: This will be in conjunction with the East Grand Adventure Race as a paddle only option. Race will be shortened if wind is forecasted. Entry fee includes lunch, t-shirt and awards.
  • May 10 Sebec River
    • Sebec Village Reading Room  to Veterans Park, Milo
    • Start time 10am, registration 8:30am, $20 adults, $15 age 16 and younger. 
    • T-shirts for participants.  Door prizes. Sponsored by Three Rivers Kiwanis which sponsors many youth and community activities. Free doughnuts and coffee at the start, & lunch at the finish. 
    • Contact: Nancy Harrigan:   menancyharrigan@gmail.com  cell–943-3677, or Bobby Ellison (207) 279-0481(c)  (207) 943-2317(h) tanyaellison3@yahoo.com 
  • May 17 Aroostook River Fun Run– CANCELLED FOR 2025, Returning in 2026
    • Presque Isle
  • May 17 Madawaska River Run
    • Stockholm
  • May 18 1st Annual Tylor Kelly’s Allagash Dash
    • Allagash, Race starts at Allagash Bridge, ends at Hart’s Landing in St Francis
    • Starts at 10am, registration 8 – 9:30 am ($20 ACA member, $25 non-ACA member, UMFK students $15) at Allagash Community building. Pre-register by emailing allagashdash@gmail.com for a race form. Cash, check, credit cards, and Venmo are accepted for payment. Racers must be at the race briefing at Carney Landing just above Allagash Bridge at 9:45 to participate. 
    • Contact: Jake Feener (207) 316-3483, the email above, or follow Allagash Dash on Facebook for more info! 
    • Pre-register by 5/16 to get a free T-shirt!  T-shirts are limited in number. First to sign up and pay, receive a shirt. Shuttles available at finish. Awards and free bbq to race participants at Allagash Community building after race. 
  • May 18 Union River
    • Union River, Grand Lake Dam to Ellsworth town dock
    • Start time 11am, registration 9:00-10:30 am at the Graham Lake Dam on Rt 180 (Mariaville Rd). $20 cash, proceeds to help the homeless.
    • Contact: Angus Deighan (207) 570-6695
    • Helmets required
    • Awards will not be given.  After the race there will be a pot-luck mussel feed in the Ellsworth Harbor Park.
    • Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver

June

  • June 7 Millinocket X-Stream Canoe Race
    • Start below Millinocket Lake Dam, finish at Kermit Crandall Park in Millinocket, ME
    • Registration 8am-10am. Participant Meeting at 10:15 am @ Kermit Crandall Park.
    • $25(ACA Member) $35 (non-ACA member) All proceeds benefit regional youth paddling programs.
    • Due to limited parking at the put-in, racers need to pre-drop boats at the put-in. Or ideally utilize event transportation to get your boat to the put in. There will be buses and canoe trailers to transport paddlers and boats to the river. Don’t worry about your own shuttle, just show up at the take out/registration area load your boat and enjoy the morning meeting new paddlers. Show up early, and go scout turtle pit rapid about a 7 minute drive from the registration area.  Awards for the Downriver Series will be presented following the race at the take out at Kermit Crandall Park
    • For more information: paddlemillinocket.org
  • June 8 Penobscot Whitewater Race
    • McKay Station, Millinocket
  • June 21 Royal River Rumble
    • Registration- 9:30-10:30, Race Start: 11:00 
    • Registration, Start, and Finish Address: Dunn’s Depot Trail, 497-551 State Rte 9, North Yarmouth, ME 04097 Distance: Long Course- –11 Miles Short Course- 5 Miles 
    • Finish: Same Location as Start Course: Flat Winding Narrow River with twists and turns 
    • Little to No Current 
    • All Paddlecraft Accepted-PFD Must be in watercraft 
    • Awards and Refreshments after race 
    • Turn Around Long Course Past Bridge Buoy Turn
    • Contact: River Robertson  riverwrobertson29@gmail.com
  • June 21-22 High Peaks PaddleFest, The Rangeley Oquossoc Adventure Rendezvous (ROAR)

July

  • July 4 Sebec Lake Race
    • Sebec Village
    • Day of race registration starting at 9:00 A.M. (Cove Road located near boat ramp).
    • Race Fee: Free will donation to benefit Sebec Reading Room.
    • Race start time 11:00 (after parade)
    • Type: Flatwater on open lake (2 mile course will be used for all race distances with a patrol boat on the course to minimize recreational boat wake.
    • Distance: 2, 4, 8 mile distance options.
    • Race Class: Various canoe and kayak classes.
    • Contact: Dan Baumert, djbaumert123@gmail.com,, 207-951-4711
  • July 10 Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Event
    • Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
    • Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
    • Show up at 5:30 P.M. for a 6 pm to 6:15 pm start for the more formal timed race. “Non-racers” are welcome to paddle the course on their own any time during the evening.
    • No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
    • The war canoes will be available again this year.  So just show up and you will have an opportunity to participate. Paddlesand life jackets are provided for the war canoes.  Events will continue every Thursday evening July 10 through and August 29. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
    • Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
  • July 13 Pushaw Lake FW Race
    • Lakeside Landing, Sandy Beach, Glenburn
    • Registration day of race, registration starts at 7:30am, race starts at 9am
    • Hosted by the Town of Glenburn and the Pushaw Lake Association.  | Race Course Map
      Day of registration will be available on race day starting at 7:30 A.M.  The race will start at 9:00 A.M. with the rowers going out first then the remaining boats 5 minutes later.  To preregister mail or email Dan B. the completed registration form, and signed ACA waiver and race rules forms.  The race fee will be a free will donation day of the race.  Any proceeds will go to the Greater Pushaw Lake Association lake monitoring and restoration efforts.
    • Contact: Dan Baumert 207 951-4711 Email: djbaumert123@gmail.com
  • July 17 Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Event
    • Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
    • Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
    • Show up at 5:30 P.M. for a 6 pm to 6:15 pm start for the more formal timed race. “Non-racers” are welcome to paddle the course on their own any time during the evening.
    • No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
    • The war canoes will be available again this year.  So just show up and you will have an opportunity to participate. Paddlesand life jackets are provided for the war canoes.  Events will continue every Thursday evening July 10 through and August 29. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
    • Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
  • July 19 Saco River Race
    • Registration 9-10am
    • Registration, Start, and Finish Address: 46 Irving St, Saco, ME 04072 Distance: Long Course- –20 Miles Short Course- 5 Miles. Finish: Same Location as Start Course: Wide River- Good Current­Small Rapid to navigate for Long Course
    • All Paddlecraft Accepted-PFD Must be in watercraft
    • Awards and Refreshments after race Small Rapid to navigate or Portage-Long Course
    • Contact: River Robertson  riverwrobertson29@gmail.com
  • July 24 Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Event
    • Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
    • Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
    • Show up at 5:30 P.M. for a 6 pm to 6:15 pm start for the more formal timed race. “Non-racers” are welcome to paddle the course on their own any time during the evening.
    • No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
    • The war canoes will be available again this year.  So just show up and you will have an opportunity to participate. Paddlesand life jackets are provided for the war canoes.  Events will continue every Thursday evening July 10 through and August 29. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
    • Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
  • July 26 Recreational Canoe, Kayak, Plus Race
    • Island Falls
  • July 26 St. George/Oyster River Flatwater Race
    • Thomaston Public Boat Launch off Water Street in Thomaston
    • About 8 Mile flatwater, tidal race, two miles up the St. George to Route 1 Bridge, then up the Oyster River for about 2 more miles, then back.  I will offer a shorter 4-mile race, with a turnaround at the Route 1 Bridge and back.  
    • Race starts at 4:00 pm, to follow the last of the incoming tide up.  Registration to start at 2:30 pm.  
    • Registration: 2024 St. George-Oyster River Race Form.docx; 
    • No race fee, but donations welcome for a cause to be decided
    • Contact:  Aili Hartikka at (207) 735-5012 or via email at ailih186@gmail.com. 
  • July 31 Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Event
    • Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
    • Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
    • Show up at 5:30 P.M. for a 6 pm to 6:15 pm start for the more formal timed race. “Non-racers” are welcome to paddle the course on their own any time during the evening.
    • No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
    • The war canoes will be available again this year.  So just show up and you will have an opportunity to participate. Paddlesand life jackets are provided for the war canoes.  Events will continue every Thursday evening July 10 through and August 29. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
    • Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

August

  • August 7 Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Event
    • Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
    • Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
    • Show up at 5:30 P.M. for a 6 pm to 6:15 pm start for the more formal timed race. “Non-racers” are welcome to paddle the course on their own any time during the evening.
    • No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
    • The war canoes will be available again this year.  So just show up and you will have an opportunity to participate. Paddlesand life jackets are provided for the war canoes.  Events will continue every Thursday evening July 10 through and August 29. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
    • Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
  • August 9 Kennebec Whitewater Race
    • Harris Dam, West Forks
  • August 14 Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Event
    • Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
    • Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
    • Show up at 5:30 P.M. for a 6 pm to 6:15 pm start for the more formal timed race. “Non-racers” are welcome to paddle the course on their own any time during the evening.
    • No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
    • The war canoes will be available again this year.  So just show up and you will have an opportunity to participate. Paddlesand life jackets are provided for the war canoes.  Events will continue every Thursday evening July 10 through and August 29. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
    • Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
  • August 17 Tour de Verona
    • Verona Island Boat Launch, Verona Island
    • Registration: email completed registration form and signed waiver and race rules to djbaumert123@gmail.com or mail to 318 Kenduskeag Road, Levant, ME, 04456. Day of race registration available starting at 8:30 A.M. 
    • Race fee: Free will donation. 
    • Start time: 10am flatwater, 11.4 miles, high wind exposure
    • Contact:  Dan Baumert 207 951-4711C  207-884-8052 H 
    • Email djbaumert123@gmail.com for race documents
  • August 21 Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Event
    • Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
    • Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
    • Show up at 5:30 P.M. for a 6 pm to 6:15 pm start for the more formal timed race. “Non-racers” are welcome to paddle the course on their own any time during the evening.
    • No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
    • The war canoes will be available again this year.  So just show up and you will have an opportunity to participate. Paddlesand life jackets are provided for the war canoes.  Events will continue every Thursday evening July 10 through and August 29. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
    • Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
  • August 28 Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Event
    • Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
    • Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
    • Show up at 5:30 P.M. for a 6 pm to 6:15 pm start for the more formal timed race. “Non-racers” are welcome to paddle the course on their own any time during the evening.
    • No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
    • The war canoes will be available again this year.  So just show up and you will have an opportunity to participate. Paddlesand life jackets are provided for the war canoes.  Events will continue every Thursday evening July 10 through and August 29. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.
    • Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

September

  • September 6 Ebb Tide Marathon: FW 11 Miles
    • Penobscot River, Brewer waterfront walking trail (approximately 900 ft. south of Joshua Chamberlin bridge) boat launch start to South Orrington Mill Creek boat launch finish.
    • Race Time 11 A.M.
    • Registration:  email completed registration form and signed waiver and race rules to djbaumert123@gmail.com or mail to 318 Kenduskeag Road, Levant, ME, 04456. Day of race registration available starting at 9:30 A.M. 
    • Race Fee:  Free will donation
    • Contact:  Dan Baumert 207 951-4711 C, 207 884-8052 H Email: djbaumert123@gmail.com
  • September 14 Champion for the Cure Challenge paddle event/fundraiser
    • A ‘fun’ paddle event to raise donations for cancer care and research
    • Location: Penobscot River, Brewer.  Courses of varying length to suit all participants.
    • Start Time: Noon
    • Registration Fees: Adults 18 and up $25, Children $15 [must be accompanied by an adult].  Participants are encouraged to solicit pledges from friends, family and business for this worthy cause.
    • Participants: An estimated 100 participants will take part in a paddle with kayak or canoe.
  • September 20 Cathance River Race
    • Location: THE NEW Paddle Craft Only Boat Launch off of Route 24 in Bowdoinham, Maine – across the street from the regular Public Boat Launch – on the other side of the bridge, same side of the river as the regular boat launch.
    • Flatwater-tidal, long course is 9 miles, short course is about 3.75 miles
    • Registration: 2:00 pm
    • Race Start:  3:30 pm – to take advantage of high tide
    • Contact:  Aili Hartika  ailih186@gmail.com    207-735-5012

October

  • October 4 Muskrat Scramble
    • Start Time: 1:00 PM Registration starts at 11:00 AM
    • 4.5-mile flatwater race 
    • Location: East Orrington, Maine 
    • Contact:  Larry Merril lawmerr@gmail.com
  • October 12 Flatwater Paddle Race
    • Location: Long Pond, Somesville
    • Due to the low attendance the past two years at the Long Pond War Canoe race, it has been decided to do just a FW race in the craft of your own choice this year. Bring a boat and enjoy a 4-5 mile paddle (or more) on beautiful Long Pond, Rt 102 boat ramp access, Somesville, MDI.
    • Times:  The race will start at noon, with day of registration starting at 11 A.M.. Donations will go to Champion the Cure Challenge – A cancer fund.
    •  After the paddle race, refreshments are available at Atlantic Brewing Company (15 Knox Road), along with the annual belt sander races 
    • Hope to see you there!
    • Race Director and Contact Person, Clayton Cole c1colepaddler@gmail.com

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