Race Description

Welcome to the first annual Autumn Marsh Challenge on Tybee Island Georgia!

Part of the Southeast Paddle Sport Championship Series.

All ages and categories of paddle craft are welcome (kayak, surfski, canoe, SUP, etc.)  Beginner and advanced racers are welcome.

Paddlers will have a choice of a Short Course (5K, 3.1 miles) and a Long Course (10K, 6.2 miles).  Both courses will start on the south end of Tybee Island and follow “out and back” routes in a protected portion of the Tybee Creek salt marsh.  See the Course Map tab for a map and additional details.

Race check-in will be on Saturday morning from 8:00 am to 9:15 am at the Inlet Avenue beach.  See the schedule tab for additional race related times.  Race support staff will be wearing race t-shirts and green fluorescent hats.

Registration includes a raffle ticket for each racer (same as your bib and registration number).  Long sleeve, quick drying t-shirts will be included in registrations, if registered on or before October 25, 2023 (or later based on availability).  Coast Guard approved PFD and whistle must be worn at all times during the race.  Leashes are recommended for SUP boards, but not required.  Sharp oysters are near the route, avoid the shallow water near marsh grass.  Paddle shoes are recommended.

Categories

Both races are part of the Southeast Paddle Sports Series, www.sepseries.com, and follow the standard age, gender and craft categories established by the series, www.sepseries.com/classes.  

Awards

Medallion awards will be given for first, second and third place finishes in each unique category.  Unique categories are defined by unique combinations of age, gender, craft and course.  For example, Masters (65 – 74)/female/FSK in the Long Course is a unique category.  SEP Series points will be awarded to the first six places in each unique category following the series points scale, www.sepseries.com/classes.  The awards ceremony will be held on the beach next to the check in tent after the race.  

Raffle

A raffle will be held at the awards ceremony.  Your bib number will also be your raffle ticket number.  You must be present at the awards ceremony to be eligible to receive a raffle prize.  Raffle prizes will include:

• Two $500 REI gift certificates
• Two $300 REI gift certificates
• Two $100 REI gift certificates

Food

Race participants will receive two small lunch wraps after the race by presenting a bib to the race staff at the check-in desk.  The options offered during registration include:

• Turkey - turkey, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and wheat wrap
• Beef - roast beef, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and white wrap
• Veggie - American yellow cheese, lettuce, tomato and spinach wrap

Extra wraps for family and friends (or really hungry racers) can be purchased during registration for $6 per two small wraps.  Both wraps in a pair must be of the same type.  Hydration options will be available at the check-in desk while they last.  Racers are encouraged to bring additional hydration.

Registration

Race registration is now open and closes at 7:00 pm EDT on October 31, 2023.  There is no race day registration.  Registration fees are as follows:

• Short course – $45
• Long course – $65

A portion of registration fees will be donated to the Caretta Research Project, www.carettaresearchproject.org. 

Tides – See below for tides at the entrance to Tybee Creek on November 4, 2023.  The current will be approximately 1.0+ knots with racers on the outbound half of each course and against racers on the return half.