Elkhart River Challenge
WILL RETURN IN 2024
The Elkhart River Challenge is forwarding all proceeds to the Elkhart City Parks Department for Kayak Lockers for the community.
Join us on the Elkhart River this Fall
Elkhart River Challenge unites Goshen & Elkhart and activates the Elkhart River . This time as a USCA sanctioned race! For 2024, competitors are divided into 4 divisions:
- Men’s 50 and over
- Women’s 50 and over
- Men’s under 50
- Women’s under 50
The 2024 Elkhart River Challenge will also include a recreational route that should last about 2 hours.
JOIN US on the Elkhart River!
Together, we can make our communities stronger. The ERC welcomes kayakers of all abilities to choose their route and difficulty level at the event. Join the float, where you and your friends can kayak from Elkhart Enviromental Center to Beardsley Park and join the party at Envirofest. OR you can try to beat last year’s sprint time as you go from Rodgers Park in Goshen to Beardsley Park in Elkhart.
Race Competition Details
The event will be held on a date TBD. Competition will start at 12pm at Rogers Park in Goshen.
The race course runs from Rogers Park (Chicago Ave. & Lincoln Ave., Goshen, IN 46526) and ends at Beardsley Park (135 E Beardsley Ave, Elkhart, IN 46514), with a portage at OX-BO Park.
There will be a boat drop and shuttle available for racers.
Racers can check-in as early as 9:30AM.
After checking-in, racers can drop off their boats at Rogers Park beginning at 9:30AM and drive to Beardsley Park in Elkhart, IN. The shuttle will leave Beardsly park at 10:45AM sharp! to return to Rogers park.
This is a USCA sanctioned event.
The cost for the competition is $40 per racer.
Registration includes a t-shirt, bib number, and commemorative event sticker.
Cash prize will be awarded to the 1st place winner of each division. Every racer in their division who finishes the race will be entered to win a prize basket filled with goodies from local businesses.
There will be 4 categories for the competition:
- Men under 50
- Men over 50
- Women under 50
- Women over 50
Mile Endurance Route
7 Race Competition Rules
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Racers must be officially registered with emergency contacts listed
- Boats must be over 10’ in length
- Racing bib number must be visible at all times
- Life vests must be worn
- Racers must stay on the course and portage only at designated portage
- Racers must complete the race on their own without assistance. This includes carrying your boat at the designated portage area.
Float Details
The recreational float will start at 2PM at Elkhart Environmental Center (1717 E Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516) and end at Beardsley Park (135 E Beardsley Ave, Elkhart, IN 46514). From there you can cross the bridge and enjoy Envirofest.
The float is around 2 hours. There will be a shuttle for floaters from Beardsley Park back to Elkhart Environmental Center at 6PM sharp.
The cost for the float is $25 per person BYOB (boat) and $45 per person if you need a boat provided.
Registration includes a t-shirt, commemorative event sticker, and a chance to win a prize basket filled with goodies from local businesses.
Recreational Float Rules
- Must be over 12 years of age
- Floaters must be officially registered with emergency contacts listed
- Floaters must have life vest at all times
BECOME A SPONSOR
Your sponsorship of this event helps Elkhart County. If you’re interested in sponsoring the Elkhart River Challenge, please input your email below.