The Trinity River Challenge
The Trinity River Challenge is an 11.8 mile paddlesport race held every September to raise money for the river related causes that the DDRC supports. The race course is a stretch of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River between Carrollton and Lewisville, Texas.
Originally, the race was run from the bottom of Lewisville Dam to McInnish Park in Carrollton, but due to the security issues of the post-9/11 era, the DDRC was not able to gain access to the property below the Dam for several years, so the race is now run as an up and back race starting and finishing at McInnish Park. After realizing how much easier staging the race was, and considering that it is as easy paddling upriver as downriver, it has remained an up-and-back race since 2001, and it benefits competitors and spectators as much as it does club member volunteers who organize, produce and staff this event. DDRC also has added a longer race of 20 miles for the USCA class boaters and a shorter race of 5.5 miles for juniors. the longer race going up to the SH 121 Business overpass, and the shorter race going up to the IH 35 bridge and back.
The race has grown in popularity and participation over the last few years and now has an average participation of close to 150 paddlers each year.
For their entry fee and participation, the racers receive a Trinity River Challenge T-shirt, a goody bag containing various free items from the race sponsors, and a hot lunch featuring barbeque beef brisket and all the trimmings. T-shirt quantities are limited, so anybody registering early will be guaranteed a T-shirt, and the remaining quantities will be made available to registrants on a first come basis.
Racers compete in a wide range of boat classes in the men's, women's and mixed divisions from solo recreational kayak or canoe out for a day of fun on the river all the way to the USCA type racing boats who are currently trying to run the course in less than one hour and thirty minutes. Special awards are also given for the fastest times by age groups and the overall fastest time.
Rental canoes and/or kayaks are available from:
High Trails Outfitters in Garland. Call 972-272-3353 to make reservations and arrange pick-up.
Cajun Kayak Instruction in Crowley. Call 817-538-0571 or 817-538-0559 to make reservations and arrange pick-up.
REI in Farmers Branch. Call 972-490-5989 to make reservations and arrange pick-up.
Some canoes and/or kayaks MAY be available for rent at the starting line on September 25, but no guarantee of availability is made. Advanced reservations are strongly advised to guarantee availability of a rental canoe or kayak.
2009 Brian O. Lisle Trophy
Winner
John Baltzell 2:46:13
2009 G.E. Rounsefel Trophy
Winner
Bill Reitzer-Smith 1:56:23
2009 Julie Basham Trophy
Winner
Cindy Hauss and Terri Griffin 2:18:03
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TRC XV Dates to Remember
REGISTER ON-LINE AND PAY WITH
CASH OR CHECK ON RACE DAY
Send race entry forms via US Mail to:
DDRC Trinity River Challenge
PO Box 820246
Dallas, TX 75382-0246
7/30/10-Early Registration Opens
9/10/10-Early Registration Closes
9/18/10 - Watermelon Cleanup
9/25/10 - TRC XV
Beginning with the 2005 race, the overall fastest time award will be dedicated to one of the DDRC's life members and an avid fan of canoe racing, Brian O. Lisle. Brian competed in the Trinity River Challenge until he was almost 90 years old. Having completed the race last at age 87, he is the oldest person ever to compete in or finish the Trinity River Challenge. He also held the same record at one time for the Texas Water Safari. Brian lost a 2 year battle with cancer in November, 2004. In January, 2005, DDRC dedicated the "Brian O. Lisle Trophy" to his memory.
The Julie Basham Trophy is for the fastest time by a female in a recreation canoe or kayak. Julie was a strong supporter of DDRC's Trinity River Challenge. Her tragic death in a car crash prompted us to name this special award in recognition of the contributions she made to our club and race.
The G. Eric Rounsefel Trophy is presented in memory of longtime DDRC member Eric Rounsefel, who succombed to Parkinson's Disease in April, 2009, to the fastest recreation class canoe. This award was first given in 2008, while Eric was still alive and able to see it presented.
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Race Entry Fees
Recreation 11.8 Mile and TCRA 20.0 Races
Early Registration: $25.00
Race Day: $30.00
Junior Race
5.5 Mile
Early Registration: $15.00
Race Day: $20.00
Race Day Schedule
(Actual race class start times will be at the starter's discretion)
| Check-in Start |
6:45 am |
| Check-in End |
9:15 am |
| Pre-race meeting |
9:30 am |
| Start Group 1 |
9:40 am |
| Start Group 2 |
9:55 am |
| Lunch Served |
11:30 am |
| Awards Ceremony |
12:30 pm |
| Raffle |
1:00 pm |
2009 Under 3 Hour Club (20 mile race)
John Baltzell 2:46:13
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW!
Race Sponsors Needed
Race contestants MUST be present to receive awards
TRC XV Raffle Boat
DDRC will purchase a boat for this year's raffle, and publish details here once we have the boat. Tickets are recession-busting prices of $3.00 each, or 4 tickets for $10.00 - what a deal! Tickets are available at all DDRC meetings or through the US Mail - send your check payable to Dallas Downriver Club to:
I Want That Boat!
PO Box 820246
Dallas, TX 75382-0246.
Tickets will also be available on race day at the McInnish Park start/finish line. As always, proceeds from the raffle are donated to various charitable causes affiliated with river cleanups, access protection and other groups that seek to protect or enhance paddling opportunities in Texas. |
