35th Annual Great River Race

Come join us on 4th of July weekend and paddle on one of the most beautiful rivers in Massachusetts.

About this Event

Join Us for the 35th Annual Great River Race!

Come join us on 4th of July weekend and paddle on one of the most beautiful rivers in Massachusetts. Help us celebrate the 35th year for the Great River Race on the beautiful North River. This awesome 7.5 mile race starts at Bridge Street Canoe Launch in Norwell and ends at Indian Head Road in Hanover. Click here to see race map.

Get competitive and race your friends, or take it at your pace and enjoy this outstanding view of the river. All skill levels, from novice to racer, are invited to take part in the race and all ages are welcome (Participants age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Any type of non-motorized water craft is eligible to enter the Race – even stand-up paddle boards! There is also the “Best Decorated Boat or Boater” division for the less serious, but creative paddler.

Cost:
This year’s Great River Race is $55 for the first participant per craft if preregistered by Thursday, July 3 at 12:00 noon. After that time, late registration will be $75 for the first participant per craft. Each additional participant on the same craft is $10. FundRacers race FREE when they raise $150 or more. Each registration includes the collectible Great River Race T-shirt. Additional T-shirts will be available for purchase. In the event of a severe weather cancellation there will be no rain date or refund, you will receive your collectible event T-shirt, and the registration fee will be a donation to support environmental education. All participants (including minors under 14 years of age) must have a signed waiver to participate in the race. The waiver is in the registration form.

Racers get:

• A FREE ice cream coupon for JC’s Ice Cream in Hanover ($4 Value)
• A custom collectible 2025 Great River Race T-shirt
• A FREE beer from IndieFerm for those participants over 21 years of age.
• Free admission to the afterparty on July 6 including food, ice cream, games, and more!
• Free shuttle from the take out point to the racers’ vehicles after the live race from 10:15am-1:15pm.

The divisions are:

• Rowing (Sliding Seat Single)
• Rowing (Fixed Seat Double)
• Rowing (Fixed Seat Single)
• Stand Up Paddle Board (Men)
• Stand Up Paddle Board (Women)
• Racing Kayak
• Kayak Single (Men)
• Kayak Single (Women)
• Kayak Double (All)
• Canoe Double (Men)
• Canoe Double (Women)
• Canoe Double (Mixed M/F)
• Canoe Family (At least 1 child under age 16)
• Canoe Single
• Senior Division 65+
• Best Decorated Boat or Boater

Registration
The race is scheduled for Sunday, July 6 with a 9:00am start. All participants should arrive for check-in between 7:30-8:30am. The race will start promptly at 9:00am.

All participants (including minors under 14 years of age) must have a signed waiver to participate in the race. Waiver is in registration form.

Start/Finish
Start at the Bridge Street put-in in Norwell. Finish at the Washington Street Bridge in Hanover (7.5 miles). Take out is before the Hanover Canoe Launch in Hanover (another 1 mile).

Click here to see race map.

All paddlers must complete the race course in under 3 hours in order to avoid the tide turning.

Details and Rules

• A US Coast Guard approved life jacket is required and must be worn throughout the race.
• All participants MUST have a signed waiver to participate in the race.

In addition to the above race requirements it is strongly recommended that each racer/participant watch the following paddling safety video and follow the applicable recommendations below:

• If you there is sudden thunderstorm get to shore immediately and seek shelter in a building if possible if not stay low to the ground – do not seek shelter under a tree;
• Bring a protected, charged cell phone or other communication device;
• Race with a paddle buddy (someone who can accompany you in their own kayak/vessel);
• Let someone know when you start and finish the race;
• Bring an extra paddle or paddle float, a bailer, and flotation for your kayak, if needed;
• Water, snacks, & extra clothes in a dry bag.

• All participants should arrive for check-in between 7:30-8:30am.
• Click here to see race map.
• All paddlers must complete the race course in under 3 hours in order to avoid the tide turning.

Awards Celebration
All paddlers are invited to join us after the race as the fun continues at Ludden's Ford Park (just a short walk from the takeout). The party will start at 11:00am with awards given around 12:00pm. Awards will be given in each category. There will be FREE food, ice cream, games, and more, plus a FREE beer from IndieFerm for those participants over 21 years of age.

End of Race Transportation
On race day, Sunday, July 6, transportation will be offered, free of charge, from the take out point to the racers’ vehicles after the live race from 10:15am-1:15pm. This is from the take out point at the Hanover Launch to the racers’ vehicles next to the race start line by the Bridge Street put-in in Norwell.

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