Steve and the Fearless Females didn’t let a lot of rain slow them down at AO 24-Hours of River X

Paddlers face unique challenge and brave lightning in Algonquin Outfitters 24-Hours of River X

Athletes converged on River Mill Park this past weekend, June 17-18, to test their limits in a brand new marathon paddling format – The Algonquin Outfitters 24-Hours of River X. About 75 competitors signed up in pairs, singles, and relay teams, all attempting to complete as many laps of the 10km Fairy Lake/Muskoka River course as they possibly could in 24 hours straight.

“There really is no race like this in North America for paddling,” Mike Varieur, co-organizer with Rob Horton, proclaimed. Together the organizers echoed the enthusiasm of the paddlers as they spoke of the unique challenges facing the athletes: “Slow and steady for solo. Relays, hard and fast all the time.”

Christina Sutcliffe (pictured here) and Betsy Simpson of Ottawa placed first, completing 16 laps of the course. They were in the kayak relay division.

Inspiration for the marathon came from Varieur and Horton’s mountain biking roots, where 24-hour events are a popular test of skill and will. The cross-sport nature of this marathon was further made evident in the paddlers’ unique competitive backgrounds: tri-athletes, rock climbers and even a Spartan racer drew on skills and stamina built through other competition to prepare for this weekend.

The only element that couldn’t be prepared for was the impact of Mother Nature.

While overcast conditions and light drizzle were welcomed for the first 12 hours of River X, thunder, lightning, high winds and heavy rainfall were abundant in the final 12 twilight and early morning hours. The severe weather resulted in the race being interrupted twice which greatly reduced the amount of time the paddlers could spend on the water. The first interruption was from 11:18 p.m. on Saturday until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. The second was at approximately 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

For those interested in entering a possible 2018 return of the Algonquin Outfitters 24-Hours of River X, there is much to be drawn from this year’s event.

Oliver McMillain and Christine Archer

Oliver McMillain of London, Ontario, and Christine Archer from Plattsville are veteran paddlers, like many of the participants this weekend. They have formed a small community of shared interest, which they have built at events across the province including the Muskoka River X, another Varieur and Horton organized event that takes place in the fall. Above all else, a real sense of inclusiveness for participants, new and experienced, was the hallmark of this competition: a fact for which the co-organizers, support staff and competitors should be very proud.

So, advice for next year’s first timers?

“Stay upright,” McMillain offered when pressed for strategy, while Archer stressed, “nutrition and hydration”. Individual goals are just that, with most athletes racing against their own personal best, but fellow London, Ontario paddler and good friend Chris Pratter couldn’t help but talk a little friendly trash when he overheard the lap goal of the Archer-McMillain relay team: “How Many? Really?”

Full results are available to view online: very impressive performances were turned in by this great field.

Grant Gibbs

I am a bit of a throwback Canadian stereotype. More bender than beautician with the biscuit, but I can chirp with the best of them. Natural born storyteller, mostly because I love to make people laugh. I preach kindness and compassion for all life. I work tirelessly to be the best husband and father I can be. Seeing The Hip live in The Hammer on the Man Machine Poem tour changed my life; I would write something about it, but what more is there to say? For me, all roads lead to Muskoka: I always find my way back home.

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