Manchester canoe/kayak race organizers safely execute successful event

Last Sunday, July 19th, Manchester held its 54th Annual canoe/kayak race. It rained, hard, and was somewhat modified due to the pandemic, most obviously being held in July instead of May. Although it took planning and effort, the annual event was safely executed. 

One of the race organizers, Sybil Kolon stated, “We knew back in March when the stay at home order was issued that we wouldn’t be able to plan for the canoe race on the usual third Sunday in May, but a few of us were determined to make it happen if at all possible. By June 1, the stay at home order had been withdrawn and groups of up to 100 people could gather outside, with social distancing. That’s when we approached village council and began planning. July 19 was the earliest possible date we could manage.”

Moving the race to July meant that racers might have to contend with lower water levels. Even so, they received a lot of positive feedback so decided to go ahead.

Kolon stated, “We didn’t want to lose our track record of consecutive races. Now the 54th is under our belt. I feel quite confident that there is no other canoe/kayak race in the state that exceeds that stretch.” 

Participants were asked to wear a mask during registration and anytime they were near people who were not members if their households. Additionally, the registration was made “drive-through,” launch times were spaced out and spectators were asked to limit their time at the finish line. Kolon stated, “We were quite pleased with how most people complied. The crowd at the finish line wasn’t too big, and the storm certainly helped with that.”

The rain began at the start line at 1:20 pm. Organizers performed an “non-professional” statistical analysis to determine if the heavy rainfall affected the times. It did not appear to, although the canoes did take on lots of water.

Kolon stated, “We owe so many thanks to our volunteers, the sponsors and all of the participants. It is clear that the Manchester canoe/kayak race has enough support to continue for years to come. We had many of our regular volunteers as well as some new ones. There were some glitches, but things ran fairly smoothly and the feedback we had was overwhelmingly positive.”

The race had a total of 53 boats participate this year, 24 canoes and 29 kayaks. However, because of a lack of categories for their respective boats, four 2-person kayaks were entered in canoe classes and a solo canoe participant was entered in a kayak category. (These cross-category entries were not eligible for medals.) This resulted in 27 entries in canoe classes and 26 entries in kayak classes.

The fastest time overall for the day was 38:47 by David C Ives, winner of the single male kayak class. The fastest official canoe time was 41:10 by father and son team, Dennis & Ross Kittel of Sharon Township, winner of the competition category. In actuality, Shawn Mallaly who participated as the solo canoeist, necessitating his entry in the single-male kayak category, finished the race in 40:46. Organizers are considering reinstating the single canoe class again.

Manchester was well-represented among the participants. Kolon stated, “Of the 53 canoes and kayaks who ran the race, 40 had at least one participant from Manchester, either a current or former resident. Other towns represented included Adrian, Ann Arbor, Bellaire, Clayton, Clinton Township, Detroit, Dexter, Grand Rapids, Horton, Lansing, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Novi, Oxford, Reading, Saline, and Montgomery, Illinois.”

If you placed in the race but missed picking up your medal, you can pick up your medal at Ash Auto between 8 am and 6 pm, on Mon-Fri. Medals will be mailed to those who live out of town.

If you missed purchasing a 2020 Manchester Canoe/Kayak Race T-shirt, it is not too late. The Manchester Music Boosters is accepting orders for t-shirts through August 17.  Kolon states, “The memorable drawing by local resident, Joy Matthews, will help you remember the unique and fun circumstances surrounding the race. Everyone can celebrate this event, even if you didn’t make the race.” T-shirts are $15 each. Please email sybil.kolon@gmail.com to order a shirt, or contact Kristi Campbell via Facebook message.

All proceeds from the race this year, and a portion of the cost of the shirt will support the Manchester Music Booster’s trip to England next year.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.