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Hello registered racers and friends of the race:

As you may have feared, given the recent spikes in COVID-19 cases in our region, we don't feel confident nor comfortable hosting a large group gathering at this time as the numbers continue to rise dramatically.  Even if we felt we could request social distancing during the race itself, concerns over the awards and gathering would lead us to modify the event to the degree where we feel it would be best to reschedule until our regular time next spring, at which time we are hopeful if everyone is diligent that as a larger community things will be more in check.

If you have already registered and paid (thank you), you should have received an email with three options for you at this time:

1. You may request a refund by replying to the email we sent to your registered address, and you will be refunded in full.  Or you can use the "contact race" button in Paddle Guru.

2.  You can let your paid registration hold you a spot until the next time the race is held - again, we are targeting April 2021 but with no guarantees as to where things will stand at this time.

3. You can also elect to donate to Wild Trails, where 100% of your registration is tax deductible to support our trail building, waterway clearing, and outdoor education initiatives.  

Let us know your preference by replying to the email we sent to your registered address, or let us know using the "contact race" button here in Paddle Guru.

We hope each of you continue to have a safe and fun summer even if we're not able to do so together.

Best,

Dottie + Wild Trails

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Presenting the 4th Annual Choo Choo Chase Paddle Race - IN A NEW LOCATION!

Organized by and benefiting:

NEW location for 2020!

Race start/finish and awards and after party hosted at River Drifters, ten miles by river from Downtown Chattanooga at the gate of the incomparable Tennessee River Gorge.  

Distance Options:

7.25 mile and 2.25 mile + Kids' Race (kids race pending safe river flow conditions)

Craft Divisions:

Any of the following as long as there are at least 5 registered before April 1st. If there are not 5 in that category, that craft will compete in the Open category. Note link below for which divisions qualify for Southern Stoke series points.

Short course only:

- Male and Female Rec/Surf SUP (under 12'6")

 

Short and long course:  (Note: no Rec/Surf sup for long course)

- Male and Female 12'6" SUP

- Male and Female 14' SUP

 

Long course only:

New this year!  Qualifying for new Southern Stoke Divisions:

• M/F single-person sit-down single-blade craft
• M/F single-person sit-down double-blade craft

- TBD: Any craft type with 5 or more registrants by April 15 will be awarded for this race as a standalone division..  Additionally if gender + craft combinations are to be awarded, there must be 5+ of that craft/gender combination to be awarded uniquely.

- OPEN - 7.25 mile only (any other human powered craft including prones, tandems, other). Open results are at the race level only and do not qualify for Southern Stoke Paddle Series points.

Registration Dates & Race Fees

RACER LIMIT: 200 PARTICIPANTS

Long Course 

• $50 thru 6/30 includes tee shirt

• $60 6/30  thru 7/15 includes tee shirt

• Online registration closes 7/15 12 Noon EDT

• $70 race day onsite or night before at packet pickup but no tee shirt

Short Course 

• $30 thru 6/30 includes tee shirt

• $40 3/19 thru 7/15 includes tee shirt 

• Online registration closes 7/15 Noon pm EDT

• $50 race day onsite or night before at packet pickup but no tee shirt

Kids Course

• Kids Course $15 thru 7/15 (includes tee shirt), $20 race day onsite (no tee shirt)

General notes:

• Online registration will close July 15 at Noon EST or sooner if 200 racer limit is met

• We will have packet pickup and race day registration (see rate increase above) both Fri evening and Sat morning if the 200 limit is not met 

• No refunds or transfers to another race nor transferring of bibs to other paddlers

Race Logistics:

• Click HERE for a map of the Start/Finish and board/boat staging area.

• The board and boat staging area and race day registration will open at 7:30.

• Board and Boat staging area & Start/Finish will be at the parking area directly across the road from River Drifters, NOT the gravel lot to the east.

• Your race number must be visible on your right hip. 

• Please click below to study the course. This is the 7 mile course. The 2.5 mile course heads back after the second buoy.

  • Race Map

• Kids’ course will be established on race day dependent upon weather, watercraft traffic, and race director's discretion.  Generally the course is under 0.25 mile and involves going around 1-2 buoys. 

Paddler Premiums:

• Tri-blend race tee

• Catered lunch onsite (see above re: additional lunch tickets)

• Custom Pint glass

• Lunch will be a Low Country Boil, crafted by a River Drifters with meat and vegan options and beverages.  Additional lunch tickets must be purchased for non-racers IN ADVANCE by 7/15 online; $10 per ticket

• More details to come!

Award Categories:

Long Course:

1st - 3rd Female & Male Each Craft Division** (please see Craft divisions above for restrictions)

Short Course:

1st - 3rd Female & Male Each Craft Division** (please see Craft divisions above for restrictions)

Kids Course: Kids race will be conducted if race director deems river current safe at race time

All Kids' Course racers receive finisher's awards, additionally: 

1st Place (any craft): Female and Male age 4-7 on race day

1st Place (any craft): Female and Male age 8-13 on race day

1st Place (any craft): Female and Male age 14-17 on race day

Chattanooga Accommodations:

For those unfamiliar with the Chattanooga area, Wild Trails has assembled a quick reference to area hotels.  Click here to view this document.

Refunds & Transfers:

We do not allow refunds or race or bib transfers (this means you cannot use your race fee for another event or this race next year, nor can you give your bib to another person). Paddlers found to be using someone else’s race bib will be promptly disqualified from the event.