LOWELL, Mich. (WZZM) The 10th annual Riverwalk Festival Kayak race on the Flat River in downtown Lowell was another great success.
The race was 3 miles and consisted of four ¾ mile laps going north on the river and finishing back at the Showboat. "We changed the race course this year to make the event a little more fan friendly" said Jon Holmes from Bill and Paul's Sports House who helps organize the race. "The old course took the racers farther north, which put them out of sight for much of the race"
"I came over from Grand Haven to participate and the start of the race is one of the most exciting that I have been involved in" said Bill Bellinger. "There is a narrow slot for the kayaks to maneuver between the showboat and the island" Bellinger continued.
There were placement awards and prizes for all 13 participants. In male kayaks over 14' long Bill Bellinger took home 1st with a time of 30 min 20 sec., Jon Holmes 2nd 32.05 and Rusty McBride 3rd at 33.21. In male kayaks under 14' Steve Doyle was 1st with a time of 34.29.
In female kayaks under 14' long; first place was Karen Standly with a time of 42.16., 2nd place was Sharmayne Busha with time of 42.50 and Candice Browne 3rd at 43.30.
The oldest racer award went to Karen Standly at 60 years old and the youngest racer was Ember Larson 12 years old.
(Submitted by Lowell Chamber of Commerce)