The Big Ole SUPathon is a 2-day paddlefest on Alexandria's Chain of Lakes and Long Prairie River.  On Fri., July 12th, SUPers, canoeists & kayakers paddle scenic and adventurous lake courses of 5, 12 or 26 miles. On Sat., July 13th, the Long Prairie River Cruise is a gorgeous, family-friendly paddle down a MN State Water Trail.  The Big Ole SUPathon (BOS) welcomes paddlers of all crafts, skill levels, and children 12+.  The BOS donates all profits to our local United Way. 

     The BOS kicks off at 7A on Friday, July 12th with our signature event - the 26 mi Big Ole SUPathon! The 12 mi SVEN begins at 9A and the 5 mi LENA starts at 11A. Friday’s courses are well-supported by volunteers with snacks & water. Guide boats are utilized on larger lakes and key stretches are marked by buoys. Medals for each event and marathon finishers are awarded, top fundraisers & volunteers are recognized at the Post-paddle Party at Arrowwood Marina. The Long Prairie River Cruise (LPRC) is on Saturday, July 13^th. The 10 mi LPRC starts at 9A at the Lake Carlos Marina and the 8 mi begins at 10A at the Hwy 29 LPR Access in Carlos, and conclude at Belle River.

SAFETY IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY
     Safety must be everyone's highest priority to sustain the BOS. Paddlers should read the rules & regulations, advice and safety tips, and register for the course that best suits their abilities. The BOS is insured and regulated through the US Canoe Association and permitted by the Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office & City of Alexandria. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY REGISTRATION?
      An Alexandria Area Adventure through the Chain or down the Long Prairie River, a beach towel (register by July 1^st), safety whistle, can coozie, stickers, water & snacks. Friday's paddlers also get a waterproof, lake-by-lake pocket map.

Friday's Chain of Lakes Courses - 5.4 mi LENA - $39/adult & $29/kids;   12.5 mi SVEN - $59;   26 mi Big Ole SUPathon - $79 

Saturday's Long Prairie River Cruises - 10 mi LPRC - $39*;   8 mi LPRC - $29;  *Includes light lunch at Lake Carlos Marina

WE INVITE YOU TO PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE!

     The BOS is an event held to raise money to support the Alexandria Lakes Area through the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties.  As an additional opportunity to receive a medal and fundraising incentives while making a difference for local families, you can “Paddle for a Purpose.”

2019 BIG OLE SUPATHON RULES

1. PARTICIPANTS must be 12 or older and complete the waiver form. Minors 12-17 must have their parent sign their waiver.

2. PARTICIPANTS must possess a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in serviceable condition and suited for their height and weight.

3. PARTICIPANTS must possess the provided clip-on safety whistle.

4. PARTICIPANTS MUST EMPLOY A SAFETY LEASH and wear their PFD if they are greater than 500 m (1640 ft) from shore. Applies on Lakes Miltona, Ida, Darling, Carlos, L'Homme Dieu and Geneva.

5. PARTICIPANTS exiting their course prior to finishing must notify BOS staff.

6. Staff can end or curtail a participants' race if staff feels it’s unsafe for them to continue.

7. PARTICIPANTS must pass through low culverts while lying face down on their SUP, or crouched low in their craft.

8. PARTICIPANTS must carry a water bottle or hydration pack.

9. Inexperienced paddlers cannot rent paddlecraft to attempt the 26 mi Big Ole SUPathon.

10. Paddlers attempting the 26 mi Big Ole SUPathon must average 3 mph, including all rest breaks, to continue on the BOS course from the South Darling check-in (Cutoff time - 12:20 PM). Slower paddlers will finish at Arrowwood (17 mi).

 11. Minors age 12-13 must be in same craft as parent or guardian and wear PFD & safety leash. Minors 14-15 must paddle same course as parent or guardian and wear PFD & safety leash. Each minor 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult and wear PFD & safety leash. Minors 12-15 cannot register for the 26 mi Big Ole SUPathon.

MN DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES REGULATIONS

1. Nonmotorized watercraft over 10 ft in length must be registered if kept in MN for more than 90 consecutive days and display a valid registration decal. You can register your SUP in Alexandria.

2.  Zebra Mussels infest all waterbodies. Out-of-town paddlers should take necessary steps to prevent their spread. 

3. Participants are on public waters and must obey Minnesota's boating laws and rules.

4. Consumption of alcohol at public accesses is prohibited.

ADVICE & SAFETY TIPS

1. Participants should bring a dry bag for keys & phone. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & shoes or sandals recommended.

2. Hazards in interlake channels and culverts include currents, eddys, wave trains, rocks & woody debris.

3. Participants are paddling on public waters and must remain aware of their surroundings, especially around boaters. If a boat is too close for comfort, stand tall, shout, raise your arms and wave your arms or paddle. Participants can follow the shoreline if boat traffic is heavy.

4. Participants should wear their PFD if paddling in adverse weather conditions.

5. Participants too fatigued to enjoy themselves are encouraged to exit the event.

6. Participants should bring cash or credit card for a post-paddle meal at Arrowwood's Deck Bar (menu & gf menu).

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

     The Big Ole SUPathon takes months of planning and over a dozen volunteers. BOS organizers must select a far-off Friday and hope for a calm, sunny day. If unsafe weather conditions such as high winds, thunderstorms or lightning require organizers to deviate from the schedule, postponing start times is the first option. If conditions force the cancellation of Chain of Lake events, alternative events of similar distances will be held on the Long Prairie River. In the unlikely event of weather forcing the cancellation of the BOS, no refunds will be returned to registrants.  

SPONSORSHIP & VOLUNTEERS

     The Big Ole SUPathon donates all profits to the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties (UWDP). Businesses or individuals that make a tax-deductible donation of $500 to the UWDP can have their name & logo on the 2019 towel! BOS organizers also gratuitously thank all of our sponsors on social media! Just send us the name & logo by June 1st!

     BOS Coordinators are always looking for volunteers. If you would like to get involved, just send us an email! 

Questions? Contact us at big.ole.supathon@gmail.com

SPONSORS: