The 53rd annual Rasin River took place on Sat., April 11 in Martintown. Strong, gusty winds out of the northwest sometimes helped, sometimes hindered, but all participants did what they could to keep moving ahead. Tinkess Photo

MARTINTOWN – The 53rd annual Rasin River took place on Sat., April 11 under sunny skies with cold, gusty winds, but that did nothing to diminish interest in what is for many a favourite rite of spring.

With over 500 registered prior to race day, walk-up registrations were not allowed. Approximately 320 canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards attempted the winding route, much of it with a tailwind pushing them along.

There were some points, however, like the approach to the Cemetery Road bridge where it seemed like they were being pushed towards the south bank rather than ahead by the wind. The river itself was moving well, according to the Raisin River Conservation authority, at 350 cubic ft/second.

As has been tradition, crowds gathered along the banks of the river or on one of the many small bridges that stretch across it. There did seem to be less of a police presence than in past years and some locations were difficult to navigate with vehicles parked on both sides of the road, but you don’t drive along the Raisin River on race day expecting to get anywhere quickly.

Experienced racers also know that you should expect a long, full day, starting with breakfast in the St. Andrew’s Parish Hall around 7:00 a.m. with the first boats entering the water at 10:30 a.m., after being given a send-off by dignitaries such as Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry MP Eric Duncan, Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn, South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis and South Glengarry Mayor Lachlan McDonald.

Just to give some indication of the pace of the race, the first canoe to reach the Cemetery Road bridge arrived at 11:44 a.m., and were greeted by a large, cheering crowd and a sign that told them they had travelled 11 kilometres and had 17.3 more kilometres to go.

The day wrapped up with dinner at the St. Mary’s Community Centre in Williamstown, a new location for the post-race celebration.

This year’s winners were Robert Ross and Jeff Brainard in a double Kayak with a time of 2:27:00, four minutes and 36 seconds faster than Ryan Stepka and Dave Johnston in a Pro Canoe.

The Raisin River Canoe Race is one of eastern Ontario’s longest canoe races. First held in 1973, the 30-km course runs from St. Andrews West in South Stormont, to Williamstown in South Glengarry. The race is always held during the spring melt when water levels are high and flows are favourable.