A rainy, cloudy Saturday did not stop the Sugar Creek Canoe Race from launching.
Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton initiated the start of the annual race standing on the Lafayette Avenue bridge overlooking Sugar Creek.
The 15-mile canoe race is a test of endurance and skill, weaving through winding turns that offers participants adventure and breathless natural scenery. The race demands both physical stamina and mental fortitude, as competitors push themselves to the finish.
Don Walls finished first with a time of 2:05:06. Bill Kanost finished second with a time of 2:20:10, and third place went to Tom Thomas with a time of 2:22:06. The other 13 paddlers all finished within 3 hours and 25 minutes.
Many of these paddlers travel from all over Indiana to participate. Walls traveled from Pennsylvania, and many others from around Indiana.
“We are also proud that our locals brave this race of endurance and stamina,” said Cindy Woodall, executive director for the Friends of Sugar Creek.
These participants include Martin Ruhl from Crawfordsville and Matthew McMasters from Veedersburg as well as Larry Swift, Betsy Arnold and Craid Skeet from the Lafayette area.
Dressing up in costume and decorating your boat for a canoe race adds an extra layer of excitement and playfulness to the four-mile event.
“We created the Stwalley Short Race to involve the local community and families,” Woodall said.
This shorter race was named after local resident Bob Stwalley who was involved in creating the Sugar Creek Canoe Race in 1963. He is a member of the United State Canoe Association and could be found on the starting line all the way into his early 90’s. Stwalley now can be found at the starting line cheering on the paddlers.
During this year’s race, Kevin Condreay dressed up as Mario Brother’s Bowser and embraced the spirit of adventure. Even though he didn’t come in first he had a fun day and added enjoyment for spectators.
First place in the short course race went to Roger Crisp with a finish time of 41 minutes. Terry Pontiuss finished second in 42 minutes, and the dual kayak with Aaron Cravens and Tracy Mosley finishing third at 44 minutes.
The Friends of Sugar Creek and its event partner, the Montgomery County Visitors Bureau, offer gratitude to the volunteers who helped make the annual race a success.
“We could not do this without the Montgomery County Emergency Management volunteers, CERT members and DNR,” Woodall said.
The annual Sugar Creek Canoe Race draws paddlers of all skill levels to the creek.
“The race is a thrilling addition to our town calendar and whether paddling for personal achievement or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts this race embodies the essence of community, athleticism and the joy of Sugar Creek,” Woodall said.
