Rockford to Host Rock River Anything That Floats Race

By popular demand The Rock River Anything That Floats Race (RRATFR) returns to the Rockford region Sunday, August 21, 2016 (rain date August 28) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This 1.6 mile race on the Rock River begins at the north side of the Auburn Street Bridge (former coast guard station) and ends with a party at the Prairie Street Brewing Company following the race. Teams can sign up to build their own makeshift raft or floating device for the main event and there will also be plenty of water set aside for canoes (doubles and singles), kayaks (doubles and singles), and paddleboards to race as well. Registration is now open to the public and the deadline is August 1, 2016.

Participants can register for the race on the website at www.rratfr.com. All entries must register by August 1, 2016 or before all entry slots are filled (limit of 100 rafts). The entry fee for rafts is $100 per team (up to 10 crew members per raft) and $15 per canoe, kayak and paddleboard. There will be awards given out to first, second and third place winners for all races, all classes. In addition, there will be first, second and third place winners for creativity in design, and audience choice for design. 

Race Schedule

7:30 a.m. - Race Sign-In Opens       10:00 a.m. - Double Canoes                             12:30 p.m. - First Flight of Rafts

9:00 a.m. - Double kayaks               10:30 a.m. - Single Canoes                               3:00 p.m. - PARTY!

9:30 a.m. - Single Kayaks                11:00 a.m. - Stand Up Paddleboards

Spectators can enjoy the race in various areas along the Rock River which include the Auburn Street Bridge, Whitman Street Bridge, Rockford Park Districts Sinnissippi bike path, and the Prairie Street Brewhouse. Rockford City Market vendors will be set up at the start and finish, with food and beverage also available along the bike path at intervals. For more information on vendor opportunities or information, visit http://rratfr.com/vendors/.

All registration, rules, regulations and sponsorship information is available online at www.rratfr.com. New highlights and updates will be available on the RRATFR Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

"The Rock River Anything That Floats Race is a great comeback event from a wildly popular tradition in our community. Our committee is thrilled to be a part of carrying on this tradition for years to come," said Chris Manuel, RRATFR committee chair. "I'm looking forward to seeing the Rock River activated and local area businesses thriving that day. It's a great indication of what our community can accomplish by working well together."

About The Race: Initially launched in 1976 (U.S. Bicentennial) as a US. Vs. Brits race, after two years with only two teams, it was opened to the public. More than just an homage to the incredibly popular WROK/ZOK sponsored raft races of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s - the all new Rock River Anything That Floats Race will be a brand new tradition for generations of Rockfordians to love and experience.