By Dave Branco

Canoe Race Brings Out Top Paddlers

Jul 9, 2018 | 2:30 PM

PRINCE GEORGE- Canoe racing was once a popular sport in our region nearly a half-century ago. This past weekend a number of spectators had the opportunity to watch some of the top paddlers make their way down the Nechako and Fraser Rivers. Only seconds separated the top finishers in the annual Northern Hardware Prince George Canoe Race. It took three hours, 48 minutes and three seconds for the first canoe team to complete 67.5-kilometre paddle down the Nechako and Fraser rivers. With the second place canoe team trailed by 12 seconds behind the winning canoe team of Greg Blackburn and Graham Smith.

The river paddle event also included categories for Voyageur canoes, Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Broads. The 25-kilometre canoe race which started from Miworth was won by Chris Cupp in an hour and 23 minutes.