There were 24 divisions, with trophies awarded to the top three in each. There were soloists, as well as duets, and plenty of room for entrants who just wanted to have fun, even if it meant driving several hours from other Midwestern states. Years ago 1,000 boats competed, but recently the field has hovered around 700. Many, many paddlers are dedicated, repeat customers. Some people just drift.
Most people are out there just to be on the river, just to paddle.
That's what it's about. The current was estimated at perhaps 4 m.p.h. Sunday, but with the water level around four feet, in a couple of spots paddlers were forced to portage around dams. There were no reported serious capsizing calamities, but one racer fell on the bank at the start injuring his leg. Given that his arms were fine, it was half-surprising he didn't lash on a splint and race anyway. Liga Kropp of Burlington, Wis., who teamed with husband John, said she used to rent canoes on the Des Plaines and has now raced the event five times.