Race the River: Downtown Riverwalk

Get Ready for Race Day!

Be prepared!  Read all the details below before race day.

 

Important Locations & Times

Racer Check-in: City Marina - 214 Dwyer Ave, San Antonio, TX 78204
Racer Check-in Time: 5PM - 6:30PM
Race Start Time: 7PM
Start/Finish Line: Villita Street Bridge
Awards Ceremony: 9:30PM at the City Marina

 

Check-in & Parking

Please plan to arrive early for check-in and boat drop-off. All racers will pull into the City Marina parking lot, off E Nueva Street, to drop off their boat and check-in with race staff. After dropping off your boat and paddling gear, you are asked to proceed to the parking lot across E Nueva Street, where limited free parking will be available for race participants, or find appropriate street parking nearby. This is an "Out and Back" race so no shuttling will be required. 

 

Race Route & Cutoff

Pro Race Total Distance: 5 Miles
Amateur Race Total Distance: 3 Miles
Racers will start the race from the Start Line at the Villita Street Bridge on the signal from race organizers. You will proceed in paddling six laps (Pro) or 3 laps (Amateur) around the main loop of the Riverwalk. After completing your final lap, you will cross the finsh line and exit the river. Race volunteers will be at a single checkpoint along the route to count laps and qualify racers to complete the race. These lap counters will do their best to inform you of how many laps you have completed but, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure you paddle no more or less than the required laps. It is important to also note that this race will have a cut-off time. All racers will be required to start their final lap by 8:30pm to ensure everyone is off the water by the required time and able to attend the awards ceremony. If you have not started your final lap by 8:30pm, you will be directed to the finish line having not completed the full course. 

Participant Tracking with RaceJoy

This year at SASPAMCO, we are introducing RaceJoy as an interactive solution for monitoring participant progress throughout the race. This free mobile app will allow us, as race organizers, to stay informed of your progress on the racecourse as well as send you audio safety, pace, and progress alerts. Additionally, your friends and family can use the app to see your progress and even send you cheers along the way! All participants will be asked to download the app and share their location on a device they will carry throughout the event. Please note, this tracking is only active during the event and will deactivate when you cross the finish line. 

Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!

For more info on how RaceJoy works and how to enable it before race-day, Click HERE.

Safety Considerations

While this race takes place in the heart of San Antonio, it is still and adventure race with its own set of challenges and hazards. Please keep this in mind as you prepare for race day. Be aware of your own fitness and paddling skill level before you begin this sprint. If you are a beginner or true novice, please consider this before setting off down the river. The nature of this racecourse means some sections might become congested with other racers and there is an increased chance of tipping out of your watercraft. Be prepared for the weather and make sure you have enough drinking water to sustain you for the race. It may be a night race but, we could still see high temperatures. As a night race, some sections of the course may be significantly dark. It is highly recommended you use a headlamp or other lighting device throughout the race. If you require assistance, make your way to the Start/Finish line or find a safe place to along the riverwalk to wait for the final lap sweeper at the end of the race. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for your fellow racers.

 

Highly Recommended Equipment

• Minimum 2L of Drinking Water
• Lighting (Headlamp, Marker Lights, Flashlight, Glowsticks)
• Gear for Removing Water from your Boat (Sponge, Bucket, Bilge Pump)
• Splash Skirt (If Using a Sit-in Kayak)
• Cell Phone
• Hull Repair Gear (Duct Tape, Patches, etc.)
• First Aid Kit

 
Post Race

Following your completion of the race, we invite you to join us at the check-in area for food and an awards ceremony to celebrate your finish! Even if you didn't place in the top three of your class, cheer on your fellow racers and wait for your chance to be selected as Racer of the Day!