Registration discount now available for Kayaking for Kids race

A local boating race that has generated thousands of dollars to help local schools and children’s programs in recent years is returning in early August, and you can save $10 on your registration fee if you register early.

The Fifth Annual Kayaking for Kids race will take place on Saturday, Aug. 7. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the race will begin at 10 a.m.

The entry fee for the race is $20 through Aug. 3, which includes a guaranteed T-shirt and goodie bag. After Aug. 3, the registration fee will be $30.

The 2.5 mile race, which includes both kayakers and jon boats, starts at the Ballard Ford East river access point, and the finish line is at the Redbird Bridge. Participants exit the water at the boat ramp adjacent to the trash gate.

Kayak rentals are available, but must be booked in advance.

A shuttle will be provided between Ballard Ford and Redbird before the race.

At the finish line, there will be a homemade BBQ lunch provided by Brandon Prewitt’s BBQ.

Also, there will be several door prizes, and prizes for first, second and third place finishers.

Due largely to the pandemic, participation for the race was down last year with only about 70 participants taking part. Fundraising remained good last year with over $15,000 being raised.

By comparison in 2019 there were over 150 participants and 99 boats took part.

Race proceeds benefit the kids activities in Whitley County, and the family resource centers at local elementary schools in Corbin, Williamsburg and Whitley County.

Race sponsors include: Forcht Bank, Whitley County Fiscal Court, Whitley County Tourism, the City of Williamsburg, Kentucky Splash Waterpark and Campground, Commonwealth Insurance Advisors, ATS, 911 Billing Services & Consultant Inc., Hometown Bank, Keeneland, Community Trust Bank, James Baker State Farm and Appalachian Wireless.

For more information about the race, contact Amber Owens at (606) 549-6000.