2025 Mighty Cumberland River Run & Festivus Float 

August 16, 2025

Grab your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and head to Burkesville, Kentucky for the 2025 Mighty Cumberland River Run and the Festivus Float this August 16th.  Both paddle events take place during the annual River Festivus on a stretch of the Cumberland River that is truly unique. Due to the size and height of Wolf Creek Dam, the water that passes through and forms the Cumberland River below Lake Cumberland is a year-round constant temperature of approximately 54°.   The river is often shrouded in a beautiful early morning fog, full of freshwater trout, and the cool waters are guaranteed to keep you from getting too hot as you paddle. 

The Mighty Cumberland River Run consist of two races; the 7 miles race that starts upstream from Burkesville and finishes at the Burkesville Boat Ramp and the 12- mile race that also starts 7 miles upstream from Burkesville, but extends on 5 miles past the Burkesville Boat Ramp and ends at Traces on the Cumberland boat ramp.  We have shuttles running approximately every 15 minutes starting at the Traces on the Cumberland Boat ramp starting at 7:30 on 233 Gar Whicker Road.   You may leave your racing gear at the Bakerton Ferry Road ramp and continue to the Traces on the Cumberland Boat ramp for the 12 mile race  or the Burkesville Boat Ramp on Upper River Street for the 7 mile race to leave your vehicle then a shuttle will be arriving approximately at both locations approximately ever 15 minutes.  Please allow plenty of time.  The last shuttle will probably arrive 30 minutes before your race or float.  

The Festivus Float is an event for those who love to paddle, but racing is not their thing. This paddling event takes place following the Mighty Cumberland River Run. This course ends 5 miles downstream from the Burkesville Boat Ramp at Traces on the Cumberland boat ramp. If you can’t BYOB (Bring your own boat), don’t worry, Boonies Outdoor Adventures will have plenty of canoes and kayaks for rent - Just let us know.   There is shuttle service for the floaters.   Floaters should leave their vehicles at the Traces on the Cumberland Boat ramp on Gar Whicker Road.  Floaters should have their vehicles at the Traces on the Cumberland Boat Ramp by 9:30 for the 10:30 float.  Please drive very slowly at the Traces on the Cumberland site. Speed limit of 5 MPH is appreciated.

Packet pick up and check in will be available on Friday night at the Burkesville City Park during the River Festivus at the Registration booth or you can check in the morning of the race/float at the starting locations. 

Both the Mighty Cumberland River Run and the Festivus Float are feature events of the River Festivus. The annual festival is held in Burkesville, a quiet little river town nestled in the hills of Cumberland County, Kentucky which has plenty of country charm and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Eastern United States. It is Kentucky's best-kept secret. We would love for you to come and stay the weekend in Burkesville and take in all that the River Festivus has to offer including the Battle of Bands on Friday night (August 15) where the winner opens for Montgomery Gentry on Saturday. (August 16th). For a full list of River Festivus events visit www.riverfestivus.com. 

Registration Deadline: 8.15.25

Transfer/Refund Policy:

Entry fees are non-refundable. Race credit is available for future River Festivus events.

Paddle Events (All times are Central Standard Time)

• 12 Mile Long Course Race -  Start 1304 Bakerton Ferry Road

  Safety/course meeting:  8:45 AM

  Start Time:  9:00 AM

  Beginning and take out - 1304 Bakerton Ferry Boat Ramp to 233 Gar Whicker Road

  
  

• 7 Mile Short course Race - Start 1304 Bakerton Ferry Road

  Safety / course meeting:  9:15 AM

  Start Time:  9:30 AM 

  Beginning and take out -1304 Bakerton Ferry Boat Ramp to Burkesville Boat Ramp, at the end of Upper River Street, Burkesville

  
  

• Festivus Float - For all the rest of us!  No competition! - Burkesville Boat Ramp

  Safety/course meeting: 10:15 AM

  Start Time: 10:30 AM

  Beginning and take out - Burkesville Boat Ramp - at the end of Upper River Street, Burkesville to 233 Gar Whicker Road

  
  

Participants will receive:

• Mighty Cumberland River Run - Awards, Custom Cap and Meal Following the Race, and Free Camping 
• Festivus Float - Custom Cap 

Mighty Cumberland River Run Awards - Top 3 finalist 

• Stand-up paddleboard 14' & Under
• High Performance Kayak (18'1")
• Fast Sea Kayak (16'1" -18')
• Sea Kayak (14'-16')
• Kayak (Under 14)
• Solo Canoe (Includes Outrigger)
• Tandem Kayak
• Tandem Canoe 
• Tandem Outrigger Canoe
  

Registration Prices:

• Mighty Cumberland River Run Solo Racer: $60 for 12 Mile or 7 Mile  
• Mighty Cumberland River Run Tandem Team: $100 
• Festivus Float Adult: $35 
• $10.00 extra per event after August 10.