By TONY BLACK

Washington Daily News

 

One of the most unique races in the country is set to take place, Saturday, May 3, at Goose Creek State Park. The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation will host the eighth annual Kayakalon Race for the River.

The event began in 2006 when Inner Banks Outfitters owner Liane Harsh started the race to benefit  PTRF.  PTRF now manages the organization of the race, but Harsh still assists with it.

The course begins with participants racing a 1.5-mile kayak paddle in the Pamlico River, while the second leg is a 15-mile bike ride through Goose Creek and the final leg is 3.1-mile run in the park.

“This is a considered a sprint triathlon race because in most triathlons, competitors do a swim instead of kayaking, but this will take about the same amount of time” said Heather Jacobs-Deck, Pamlico-Tar riverkeeper, adding “This will all take place at Goose Creek State Park with the start beginning on the beach.”

A new feature to the race will be the acceptance of paddle boarders into the kayak portion of the event. At the start of the race through the first buoy, racing will run through tight quarters, where bumps with boats may occur.

“The race has made it into the national magazine publication, Fitness, and they called it a race that should not be missed,” according to Jacobs-Deck. “We also have racers who come from out of state, and this is really a race for everybody.”

The PTRF also accepts teams of two or three in the competition as well. There will be an awards presentation following the completion of the race.

“For those who do triathlons regularly this may be a chance to do something a little different and a new challenge, but it could also help build racers up for a different event they are working on,” Jacobs-Deck said. “This race is also for people who might not be strong swimmers, but always wanted to do a triathlon.”