Connect Kids to the Outdoors and Boost Academic Achievement
Join the Great River Race – Race to Close the Gap!
7th Annual Great River Race (Race to Close the Achievement Gap)
Saturday, September 16, 2017
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hidden Falls Regional Park (North Gate), Saint Paul, MN
Wilderness Inquiry, the National Park Service, and many other partners have teamed up to host the Race to Close the Gap on the Mississippi River. The big race funds the Canoemobile Minnesota outdoor education program, addressing the achievement gap in our schools and reaching 15,000 kids annually.
Participating is fun, easy, and memorable. No prior paddling experience necessary. We provide Voyageur canoes, paddles, life-vests, a guide to stern each boat, event t-shirts, and lunch.
This year world-renowned explorer Ann Bancroft and her international team of women will paddle a boat in the race. She is launching a trip down the Mississippi River as part of her Access Water Expedition, a seven continent adventure to raise awareness about fresh water issues. She’ll be highlighting issues related to accessing clean water and also sharing stories about environmental champions. Along the way she’ll be stopping to do many things related to water, from visiting a woman-owned farm to learning more about the voluntary Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification program.
Contact Julie Storck at julie@wildernessinquiry.org or 612-676-9424 with questions.
Check out the full sponsorship packet, including race details, pledge form, and a letter of support from Governor Mark Dayton, Mayor Chris Coleman, and Mayor Betsy Hodges. You can also download the pledge form only here.
The what and the where of the Great River Race. View the day’s schedule and a map of where you’ll be paddling. Download racer specific information including packing list, race day tips, and more.
There are many volunteer opportunities including general set-up, boat wrangling, paddling, timing, photography, ASL interpreting, lunch set-up, take-down, and more.
Get excited for this year’s event. Check out where all participating teams placed last year and view a photo gallery of the event.
