Quad Cities Kayak Races - Get Active, Stay Healthy
Join us for the best active living experience at our exciting Quad Cities events! Choose your race registration for the kayak races and the thrilling Mississippi River races below!
Race registration
The Mighty Mississippi River 14 Miler
The Mighty Mississippi River 14 Miler
The Mighty Mississippi River 14 Miler
The Mighty Mississippi River 14 Miler is set for June 12-14th, with race day on June 13th. Join us for the day on Race Day June 13th or enjoy the entire weekend filled with activities including camping, hiking, and boating on Lake George, along with a grill out and bonfire. Explore full details below and get ready to conquer the Mighty Mi
The Mighty Mississippi River 14 Miler is set for June 12-14th, with race day on June 13th. Join us for the day on Race Day June 13th or enjoy the entire weekend filled with activities including camping, hiking, and boating on Lake George, along with a grill out and bonfire. Explore full details below and get ready to conquer the Mighty Mississippi during these exciting kayak races.
This thrilling event spans 14 miles downriver from Sunset Marina to the stunning Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. Camping will be available at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, located at 19408 Loud Thunder Rd., Illinois City, 61259, from June 12th through 14th. Meet the racers and check out their vessels during our Meet & Greet on Friday evening. Enjoy primitive camping at the River View camp lots, but remember that only one tent is allowed per lot. With only 30 lots available along the river's edge next to the take-out ramp, be sure to book early for this prime location! RV parking is available up the hill from the River View campsites, with showers and bathrooms at each location. Reserve your campsite early, as the campground fills up fast—call Loud Thunder Forest Preserve to secure your spot.
Upon arrival at Loud Thunder, check in at their campgrounds office to pick up your campsite reservation (note: this is separate from race check-in). Race check-in will take place at our campsite at River View, where we’ll have a banner to help you find us.
Participants can compete in various divisions: Solo Surf Ski Men, Solo Surf Ski Women, Tandem Surf Ski, Solo Canoe, Tandem Canoe, Recreational Kayak, and Paddle Board. Medals will be awarded for each division.
The race itself starts at 8 AM at Potters Lake in Sunset Marina, located at the east end of the marina on 18th Ave. You can access the race starting point by taking either the 31st Ave. or the 18th Ave exit ramp. If you take the 31st Ave exit, you can easily drive along the marina to Potters Lake. Arriving early is highly recommended, as there is plenty of paved parking around the lake.
Please note race parking guidelines: do not park in the trailer parking lot area where you will drop off your vessels unless you have a trailer. Ground crew members or drivers can park there until the race begins, but not for the entire day. Cars without trailers can park alongside the lake, as there is ample parking available on each side.
Race check-in will occur at Loud Thunder River View campsites on Friday evening at our campsite, with late check-in available at 7 AM on the day of the race. Enjoy a bonfire on Friday night and a grill out after the race on Saturday at Loud Thunder. For any questions, feel free to call or message us. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event in the Quad Cities area—sign up for the race below: https://square.link/u/mOB8TKJh
The Mighty Mississippi River 14 Miler
The Mighty Mississippi River 14 Miler
Join us on Saturday, August 1st, for an exhilarating day of kayak races! After the fun we had last year, we’re excited to do it again. While distance paddles are a great option, this race will truly test your stamina and rock your core. It’s a battle of the fittest as you embark on approximately a 12-mile sprint down the Rock River, start
Join us on Saturday, August 1st, for an exhilarating day of kayak races! After the fun we had last year, we’re excited to do it again. While distance paddles are a great option, this race will truly test your stamina and rock your core. It’s a battle of the fittest as you embark on approximately a 12-mile sprint down the Rock River, starting from Cleveland, Illinois, and finishing at Harolds Landing in Moline, Illinois. Once you’re in the water, there’s no need for a ground crew—it's an all-out paddle battle to the finish line.
This thrilling event features five different brackets:
- K1/Surf Ski
- Rec/Touring kayaks
- Tandem/Multi-person vessel
- Solo Canoe
- Tandem Canoe
Make sure to enter your category at Packet Pickup! We’ll award a First Place Trophy for each bracket, and the race starts at the Cleveland boat ramp, located at 101 N. Broadway, Cleveland, Illinois. The race will conclude at Harolds Landing, found at 2500-2660 N. Shore Drive, Moline, Illinois.
For participants looking for a place to stay, hotel lodging is available on-site at Comfort Inn Moline - Quad Cities, located at 2600 52nd Ave., Moline, IL. The cost is $45 for each entry, with medals awarded for each participant.
We’ll also have a grill-out with hamburgers, hot dogs, and sides, so come ready to make memories and enjoy good times with friends in a beautiful river setting. Check-in and packet pickup will begin at 7 AM on the day of the race, August 1st, at the Cleveland boat ramp. Drivers will be available to transport your vehicles to the finish site.
Our race starts at 8 AM, and we welcome our race fans just as much as the paddlers. Cheer on the participants during this exciting event, part of the Quad Cities events, by following them down the river with cowbells and noise makers, or simply cheering at the top of your lungs at the start, Colona boat ramp, Green Valley Park, and at the finish line in Moline.
Don’t miss the grill-out at the finish line! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email at cbarreto1956@currently.com or call 309-850-1306. Registration is now open—check the link below to join in on the fun!
The Tri-It
Race The Rock
Race The Rock
This year, we will kick off the summer paddling season with the exciting Tri-It Mini Triathlon on June 6th, a highlight among Quad Cities events. Join us for our 4th Annual "Tri It" Mini Triathlon on Saturday, June 6th. The race will begin at 10 am at the Cleveland Boat Ramp (101 N. Broadway, Cleveland, Illinois) with a thrilling kayak ra
This year, we will kick off the summer paddling season with the exciting Tri-It Mini Triathlon on June 6th, a highlight among Quad Cities events. Join us for our 4th Annual "Tri It" Mini Triathlon on Saturday, June 6th. The race will begin at 10 am at the Cleveland Boat Ramp (101 N. Broadway, Cleveland, Illinois) with a thrilling kayak race down the Rock River to the Colona boat ramp. Once you land, you will carry your kayak to the grassy area in the parking lot where your bikes will be staged. Please aim to arrive an hour early (by 9 am) to set up your gear for the race and to be shuttled to the start in Cleveland. First, second, and third place finishers will receive medals, and every participant who completes the race will also earn a medal. Check-in begins at 7 am on June 6th, at the Timbrook Field Boat Launch in Colona.
The race includes a 10K kayak leg, a bike ride to the Green River bridge and back (all on a paved bike path), and a 5K run/walk up to 6th Street and back. It’s an easy course designed for fun for the whole family, with give-aways and food waiting for you at the finish line. Packet pickup will be on the same day as the race at 9 am at Timbrook Field. Participants will kayak, bike, and finally run/walk to complete the triathlon along the scenic Hennepin Canal. The race starts at the Cleveland ramp at 10 am, featuring a 6-mile kayak down the Rock River to the Colona boat ramp.
Note: Have your kayaks dropped off at the start of the race at 101 N. Broadway, Cleveland, prior to the race start at 10 am. After landing in Colona, you will hop on your bike for the 10K ride from the boat ramp to the Green River Bridge (this year’s course is all paved, so road bikes are welcome) and back to the boat ramp. Ensure your bikes are staged and ready at Timbrook Field, where the bike and run will take place. Finally, you will run/walk 3.1 miles (5K) from the boat ramp to 6th Street and back to finish the race. Note that both the run and bike will start on the paved bike path. Please arrive an hour early (9 am) to pick up your packets. Registration is now open! Come join us for some fun and let’s kick off the summer with this exciting race on our beautiful waterways. "Just Tri-It"! Feel free to message with any questions or concerns. Rain date is Sunday, June 7th. This event is ACA sanctioned. Registration sign-up is below: https://square.link/u/iELvB80M
Race The Rock
Race The Rock
Race The Rock
Race The Rock is set for September 5th and features a thrilling 30-mile race along the Rock River, starting at the Erie Boat Launch in Erie, Illinois, and ending at Harold's Landing, located at 2500 North Shore Drive, Moline, Illinois. For a participation fee of $45, racers and their ground crew can check in at 7 am, with the race kicking
Race The Rock is set for September 5th and features a thrilling 30-mile race along the Rock River, starting at the Erie Boat Launch in Erie, Illinois, and ending at Harold's Landing, located at 2500 North Shore Drive, Moline, Illinois. For a participation fee of $45, racers and their ground crew can check in at 7 am, with the race kicking off at 8 am. All participants will receive an event medal, and there will be trophies for First, Second, and Third Place in each division, which includes categories such as K1/Surf Ski, Recreational Kayak/Touring Kayak, Tandem/Multi-Person Vessel, Solo Canoe, Tandem Canoe, and an SUP Class for paddle board racers. This event is one of the exciting kayak races that highlight the vibrant Quad Cities events. The race will feature a shotgun start for all categories. Hotel accommodations are available at the Comfort Inn Moline - Quad Cities, located at 2600 52nd Ave., Moline, IL. Join us for awards and a grill-out at the finish, where there is ample paved parking, restroom facilities, and a large grassy area to stage your vessels. Registration is now open! Feel free to email us at Cbarreto1956@currently.com or call 309-850-1306 if you have any questions. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to participate in one of the premier Mississippi River races! Signup Link Below: https://square.link/u/GeB5ze4u.
About Quad Cities Kayak Races
Our Philosophy
At Quad Cities Kayak Races, we take pride in our vibrant kayak community and our commitment to making health and fitness accessible to everyone. Our philosophy revolves around fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and fitness levels can unite to enhance their well-being and enjoy fun experiences during our Mississippi River races and other Quad Cities events.
Rock River
Traveling to the Quad Cities for our kayak races on the Rock River? You'll find plenty of lodging and camping spots near and along the river. Enjoy a weekend in a charming small-town setting filled with outdoor activities. Don’t miss the delightful eateries right here in Colona, Illinois, the proud host of our events, including the exciting Mississippi River races.
Feel free to email us for more details.
The Tri-It
Our first race of the season each year is The Tri-It Mini Triathlon, a highlight among Quad Cities events. We refer to it as a Dry Tri, featuring a 6-mile kayak down the Rock River, which is perfect for those who enjoy kayak races. After the kayaking, participants can choose to run or walk a 3-mile course, followed by a 10-mile bike ride. This triathlon offers a fun and accessible race for all ages and athletic levels, and every entry receives a medal.
Feel free to email us for more details.
The Mighty Mississippi River 14 Miler is one of the exciting Mississippi River races. This race begins at Sunset Marina in Rock Island, Illinois, and concludes at the stunning Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. For those interested in camping, reservations are required at The Riverview Campsites, which are conveniently located at the finish line of the race.
Bring the family along for an adventure! There are numerous Quad Cities events and activities to enjoy while camping at Loud Thunder. Engage in hiking, fishing, boating, and kayaking on the picturesque Lake George, situated right in the heart of the preserve. Kayak rentals are available for those looking to explore the lake, and boat rentals are also offered.
The Paddle Battle
This 12-mile race down the Rock River is one of our favorites, and it’s a top choice for many, so don't let the short distance fool you. This is an all-out paddle battle from start to finish, making it one of the most exciting kayak races in the area.
If you're coming from out of town for this thrilling event, consider camping here in Colona, just a couple of miles from the start of the race, or opt for hotel lodging in Moline right at the race finish line.
Who isn’t hungry after an all-out battle? Let’s not forget our famous grill-out with plenty of good grub for everyone to enjoy at the end of the day, making this a highlight among Quad Cities events.
Email us for more details about this and other Mississippi River races!
Race The Rock
Race The Rock is our final race of the season, featuring a stunning 30-mile course down the Rock River, which is a highlight among kayak races. The event kicks off in Erie, Illinois, and flows downstream to Moline, Illinois, making it a fantastic addition to the lineup of Mississippi River races. For those traveling from afar, hotel lodging is available at the finish line. We offer ample paved parking and restrooms at the finish, along with a large grassy area where spectators can relax and cheer on the racers as they arrive. Plus, we can't forget our famous grill out, which is a staple at all of our Quad Cities events, providing a perfect way to celebrate at the end of each race.
Contact Me
Better yet, see us in person!
While I will respond the quickest if you comment directly on my blog posts, you can also reach out to me directly. I enjoy hearing about the challenges that others are setting for themselves, whether it's preparing for kayak races or participating in Mississippi River races. If you want to share your experiences or discuss upcoming Quad Cities events, send me a message, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Quad Cities Kayak Races
Hours
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
