The IPC Paddling Championship Circuit
by Anthea Halpryn, IPC Racing Task Force Chair
In our last newsletter, we celebrated last years’ winners of the IPC Paddling Circuit. Now it’s time for YOU to join in the competition to become an Illinois Paddling Champion!
It’s not easy to qualify for the Annual IPC Racing award. Winners must paddle in at least four of the seven IPC races. Points are awarded based on placing in each race, with the overall IPC winners having the most points at the end of the racing season. Competitors are awarded 10 points for a first place finish in their class, nine points for a second place finish and so on down to 1 point for a tenth place finish.
Classes for winners are determined as the circuit unfolds with points awarded for classes in which there were at least three paddlers in each class across races. Last year we declared champions for Solo Kayak Men’s, Solo Kayak Women’s, Tandem Canoe Standard, Tandem Canoe, and Solo Canoe.
We here at the IPC would like to encourage all paddlers to reach for that high bar of becoming the Illinois Paddling Champion in the IPC Racing Circuit. You need not sign up or do anything to be entered to be considered for the IPC Championship, but you’ll need to race in at least four of the seven IPC sanctioned races this season in the same class in each race. IPC will track leaderboard points as each race is held and present periodic updates on our website. If you’re feeling inspired by the achievements of our IPC winners and want to get involved in the world of racing, here is the need to know information…
The longest race, both in distance and years running, is the Des Plaines Marathon. The race is celebrating its 68th year, started by paddling legend, Ralph Frese. The marathon is 18 ½ miles, however the Minithon offers recreational paddlers a 5 ¼ mile un-timed course.
The remaining races are typically about 10 miles long and advertise “you bring it, we will have a class for you”. Some races also offer a short course option; the Current Buster and Fall Classic both have a 5 or 9 mile option. Even if you aren’t a veteran racer, there is a distance that should challenge your skill but also be achievable for the average paddler to complete.
You may come to race but you’ll likely stay for the camaraderie. Many of the races have hot dogs or other food and drinks available post-race. The Des Plaines has live music and a food truck. A race always makes for a great day, doing what we all love most, being out on the river.
The seven IPC races are (in race order): Current Buster, Des Plaines Canoe and Kayak Marathon, Voyageur Landing, Pontiac, DuPage/Channahon, Vic Hopp Memorial, and the Fall Classic.
Do you have what it takes to be the 2025 State Champion? To find out more information, including dates & times and locations of each race, go to https://illinoispaddling.org/ipc-races/