Description: The East Texas River Runners 19th Annual GREAT Neches Wilderness Canoe Race. (August 1st, 2009.) This annual 22 mile race is hosted by The East Texas River Runners Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and education.
The event is a scholarship benefit for future Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) students. Any student may apply for the scholarship. Last year $2,000 in scholarships were awarded to a number of students. Monies are held in a discretionary fund at TVCC to fund these scholarships.
Held the first weekend in August, the race begins just below the Lake Palestine dam. The race continues 22 mile down river ending at the Highway 79 bridge, 13 miles North of Palestine. The 2009 event had 69 boats filled with participants from around the country not to mention 3 area Volunteer Fire Departments, EMTs, Anderson County Sheriff and Constable. Exact count of participants was not available at time of this writing, but is estimated at around 150 persons from youth to senior.
Spokesperson for the event, Ed Furman, says that the average canoeist may make the flat-water trip in three to ten hours depending upon the individual’s skill and equipment used. "Skilled canoeists have considered it the 'toughest little race in Texas'," says Mr. Furman. "But for a leisurely-paced race, it is a good opportunity to see the river and experience nature. Those who complete the course may be extremely tired, but many have a definite increase in self-confidence."
David Hall
http://www.theDigitalCanvas.us
The event is a scholarship benefit for future Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) students. Any student may apply for the scholarship. Last year $2,000 in scholarships were awarded to a number of students. Monies are held in a discretionary fund at TVCC to fund these scholarships.
Held the first weekend in August, the race begins just below the Lake Palestine dam. The race continues 22 mile down river ending at the Highway 79 bridge, 13 miles North of Palestine. The 2009 event had 69 boats filled with participants from around the country not to mention 3 area Volunteer Fire Departments, EMTs, Anderson County Sheriff and Constable. Exact count of participants was not available at time of this writing, but is estimated at around 150 persons from youth to senior.
Spokesperson for the event, Ed Furman, says that the average canoeist may make the flat-water trip in three to ten hours depending upon the individual’s skill and equipment used. "Skilled canoeists have considered it the 'toughest little race in Texas'," says Mr. Furman. "But for a leisurely-paced race, it is a good opportunity to see the river and experience nature. Those who complete the course may be extremely tired, but many have a definite increase in self-confidence."
David Hall
http://www.theDigitalCanvas.us
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