25th Kenduskeag race could see record craft

It’s still too early to tell, but the rate of incoming pre-race registrations suggests a record turnout of craft and people could participate in the 25th annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race Saturday.

“I would say we’re a little bit ahead of our normal pace,” said Craig Orff, race director and recreation director for the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department, the official race sponsor.

So far, race organizers have received registrations for 337 craft and 672 people. The record racing field, 493 boats and 960 paddlers, was set last year.

One factor organizers will not have to worry about is the level of the water. High water conditions have graced almost every race since the start of the Maine canoe and kayak racing season March 30.

“The water level should be good,” said Dale Theriault, director of Bangor Parks and Recreation and race coordinator. “I don’t know if any records will be set or not, but it looks real good.”

Theriault, Orff and others are more excited than usual this year since this year marks the race’s silver anniversary.

“We’re looking for 500 craft this year,” said Theriault, who has been involved with running the race since 1968, one year after the race began.

Speaking of the race’s inaugural year, a new racing class has been added this year. A founders class for anyone who participated in any of the first five races will be offered.

With the addition of the founders class, the number of racing divisions has increased to 19. Awards are given to the top three finishers in each class.

There’s only one other significant change this year. People who wait to register until race day will be started after all the other preregistered classes have gone.

Eight-time champion Robert Lang from Saint John, New Brunswick, is expected to compete again. Local in-state favorites Rick Swan of Brewer and Fred Ludwig of Houlton will team up in a two-man kayak to take on Lang in a friendly challenge for bragging rights.

Pre-race registration is encouraged by organizers and will continue until 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Bangor Parks and Rec. Dept. building on Dutton Street.

Pre-race registration is $12 per person (not craft) and race day registration is $20.

The starting line is located at the bridge in front of the Kenduskeag Village Grange Hall. Registration will be held at the bridge from 7-9 a.m. The race begins at 9:30 a.m.

This American Canoe Association-sanctioned race is 16 1/2 miles long and features one optional and two mandatory portages.

Race course safety is being handled by Dirigo Search and Rescue. Approximately 100 volunteers will be donating their time to help with race registration, safety, and organization.

An awards ceremony will begin after 3 p.m. at the finish line at Kenduskeag Plaza in Bangor.

As part of the festivities surrounding what has been billed as “Kenduskeag Paddlesport Weekend ’91,” two new races will be held Sunday on the Penobscot River in Bangor.

The National War Canoe Championship and the First Annual Penobscot River Traditional Canoe Race will make their debut in Greater Bangor.

The war canoe race will follow an 11-mile course along the Bangor waterfront and features two racing classes: short for teams of 7-10 people and long for more than 10.

The traditional race is for the older rib-and-plank style of canoes. This five-mile flatwater race also traces a pass along Bangor’s waterfront. Short, long and solo divisions are offered.

Registration for both races is 9-11 a.m. Sunday at the base of the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge in Bangor. Registration for each race is $5 and both begin at noon.

For registration or information, contact Jim Hancock at 989-7250.