A steady stream of eager canoeists and kayakers dotted the river bank and roadway waiting for their number to be called. The water at the start of the annual event was very low and black flies weren’t much of a problem this year, due to an extremely strong, gusty wind which caused the race times to be somewhat slower than in the past. However it is noted that many of those who gear-up, sign-up and pay for their highly collectible Tshirt aren’t really in it to win it.
Outsiders might be a little amazed at the variety of canoes, some small, some very large and stable, kayaks of all colors, some built for two, some stream-lined and true to racing. Some showing the marks of continuous use, while other blindingly reflect the sun as they are unloaded and introduced to the river water for the first time. If the variety of watercrafts is cause for a raised eyebrow, imagine what a first-timer from “away” thinks when the racing attire is considered.
Racing attire ranges from well-worn blue jeans, sweatpants, shorts, warm-ups, sweatshirts, Tshirts, winter jackets, fleece tops and tank tops to the sleek racing wear that actually matches. Footwear is entirely another experience with styles ranging from work boots, sneakers, sandals, water shoes, gum-rubbers to the occasional barefoot boaters.
Of course headwear is another individualized fashion statement that one might find interesting. There is always the baseball cap, (worn frontward, backwards (preventing the wind from dislodging it into the water, before one even starts the race) and even inside out; there are fishing hats, bucket hats, cowboy hats, straw sunhats, any combination of any of the previous styles and of course the sought after Viking helmet— a chapeau only a few have earned to wear, leading the way around the bend, sounding an echoing blare from a horn.
This milestone year for the annual race saw the highest number of participants register in the different categories. Named the 2010 annual Madawaska River Run race winners in their respective classes and their times were as follows.
Class “B” Men’s recreational canoe over 16 feet,6 inches — Fred Bailey and Austin Ross, 1 hour, 25 minutes.
Class “C” Century combined ages equal 100 or more, canoe or kayak — Judy and Steve Oleksyk, 1 hour, 26 minutes.
Class “D” Two person recreational canoe under 16 feet,6 inches — Lisa and Edward Mazerolle, 2 hours, 17 minutes.
Class “E” mixed recreational canoe open — Nicole and Fran Cyr, 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Class “F” women’s recreational canoe open — Katie Michaud, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Class “G” junior division, 16 years or under, canoe — Ryder Soucy, 1 hour, 52 minutes.
Class”K” men’s one-man kayak — first, David McCrossin, 1 hour, 18 minutes, 30 seconds; second, Devon Cote, 1 hour, 27 minutes, 6 seconds; and third, Charles Forsman, 1 hour, 32 minutes, 6 seconds.
Class ‘L” ladies kayak, one woman — first, Connie McClellan, 1 hour, 23 minutes, 40 seconds; second, Linda Callison, 1 hour, 28 minutes, 47 seconds’ third Merrie Chiasson, 1 hour, 54, minutes, 28 seconds.
Kirsten Haney of Caribou was the winner of the kayak raffle.
