Elkhart River Challenge
First Saturday After Labor Day
Proceeds from the Elkhart River Challenge will go toward blue way projects and Elkhart River education.
- 2025: Saturday, September 6
- 2026: Saturday, September 12
- 2027: Saturday, September 11
- 2028: Saturday, September 9
If you get a head start, are you up for a challenge?
The Elkhart River Challenge connects Goshen & Elkhart and encourages appreciation of the Elkhart River and its surrounding nature. Of course, there’s a bit of competition, too.
Not only is the course nearly 18 miles (we’re moving the starting and finish lines in 2025), but casual kayakers and adventurers ALSO get to challenge professional kayak competitors. To make the race even, general paddlers get a head start and can launch as early as 8:30 am! The Pros may be able to complete this course in about 2 hours and 15 minutes – on a good day – but they can’t leave until 11 am. It’s the Pros vs. the Challengers!
CHALLENGE Details
(The most recent event was on Sept. 7, 2024.)
For CHALLENGERS, the Elkhart River Challenge will start between 8:30 and 10 a.m. at Rogers Park in Goshen. For professional racers, start time is 11 a.m.
The course runs from Rogers Park (Chicago Ave. & Lincoln Ave., Goshen) and ends at Beardsley Park (135 E Beardsley Ave, Elkhart).
A shuttle is available at 8:15, 9:15, and 10:15 AM from Beardsley to Rogers.
Competitors can check in as early as 8:30 AM.
8:00 am Check-in, get your t-shirt and decals, and launch from Rogers Park.
10:00 am Final call for general ERC paddlers.
11:00 am Pro Race Participants launch from Rogers Park.
2:00 pm Prizes Drawn, Awarded, and Presented
The cost for the competition is $40 per racer.
Registration includes a t-shirt, bib number, and a commemorative event sticker.
Mile Endurance Route
7 Race Competition Rules
- Must be over 18 years of age or have parental/guardian permission.
- Paddlers must be officially registered with emergency contacts listed.
- Racing bib number must be visible at all times.
- Life vests are recommended but not required.
- Singles only, kayaks or canoes.
- Paddlers must stay on the course (and portage only at any portage)
- Paddlers must complete the race on their own without assistance.
- This includes carrying your boat at any portage area (none at this time – but the weather could change that).
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.
- $1,000 – Large logo on the t-shirt, social media shout-out, and banner at the event, plus 4 entries.
- $500 – Small logo on t-shirt and social media shout-out, plus 2 entries.
NEXT ELKHART RIVER CHALLENGE: Sept. 6, 2025