Race Description
Paddlefest is a community sporting event that strays from the usual walk/run race format. It will consist of canoe and kayak races in the form of a 16 mile Marathon, an Intermediate 7 mile race, a 2 mile Fun Race, a South Bend Tribune Youth Pond Race, and a Duathlon. It's a festival ambience with a chance for all people, even children, to actively participate. Paddlefest is a subsidiary of the non-profit environmental organization, Michiana Watershed, Inc.
The main goals of Paddlefest are:
- To further environmental stewardship causes, specifically of the St. Joseph River.
- To offer positive, proactive involvement opportunities for youth and families.
- To foster the challenging and learning opportunities of adventurous, interpretive, and nature-oriented activities.
- To promote paddlesports as an environmental-friendly recreational activity.
The Marathon is a grueling test of endurance and paddling skills. Marathon paddling is the toughest phase of the growing sport of adventure racing, and this event is a two and a half to three and a half hour grinder.
The Fun Race is geared toward recreational paddlers who may have never raced before. It is a chance for parents and children, co-workers, and friends to get on the water and have a little competitive fun.
The Duathlon will attract many athletes geared toward adventure/trail run racing. It consists of a trail run and canoe/kayak race.
This Paddlefest event is sanctioned by the United States Canoe Association and the American Canoe Association.
The St. Joe River has a lot to offer, and the South Bend Paddlefest can help spread this awareness. The course goes right along the River Walk project and will help out in promoting use of the river and conservation along its banks.
The Michiana Paddlefest will be open to the general public and will include a Corporate Memorial Hospital Team Challenge, involving local businesses. We are advertising
the event to racers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana as well as states outside the midwest region.
Please consider supporting South Bend's 2004 Paddlefest.
Your support will aid in Paddlefest 2004 becoming one of the area's most successful annual events to promote paddlesports, conservation, adventure, and meaningful youth involvement..
Please review our sponsorship levels.
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Sponsor Packages
Associate your company with this community event promoting healthy living, a healthy community, and a healthy environment!
There are several different types of sponsorships available. Please contact us for a complete list of benefits associated with each sponsor level.
- Title - One sponsorship available. Industry exclusivity guaranteed. Contribution of $3500 cash/year with a two-year commitment.
- Event - Five sponsorships available. Industry exclusivity guaranteed. Contribution of $1500 cash or $2250 in kind and $375 cash.
- Platinum - Five sponsorships available. Contribution of $750 cash or $1125 in-kind and $175 cash.
- Gold - Contribution of $500 cash or $750 in-kind and $125 cash.
- Silver - Contribution of $250 cash or $375 in-kind and $60 cash.
- Bronze - Unlimited sponsorships available. Contribution of $100 cash or $150 in-kind and $25 cash.
- **Boat Sponsor** - Unlimited sponsorships available. Contribution of $75 cash for 6 inch letters displayed on a racing canoe. or$50 cash for 4 inch letters on racing canoe display sign.
- Other Sponsorships - Other sponsorships include Suppliers. Each sponsorship is customized to fit the needs and requirements of both parties. Sponsorship contribution is to be negotiated.
Visit our Needs page for examples of race supplies, services and other race expenditures.
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Future Event Development
We have great plans for the South Bend Paddlefest for subsequent years. Your generous support can make it happen!
- Two Day Event
- Dragon Boat Races
- Olympic Venue Sprint Boat Races
- River Clean-up Cruise
- Canoe Instruction Classes
- Separate Competition Among Clubs (youth groups, churches, other sports clubs, etc.)
- Triathlon (paddle, pedal, run)
- Guided Wilderness Paddling Trips
- Boat Demonstrations from Boat Manufacturers
- Boat Building Seminars
- River Rescue/Water Safety Tips
- Rolling Demonstrations
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