Welcome to the 23rd Upper Yough Race, July 31. The oldest extreme race in the Country is presented by Team Friendsville. We scheduled the race this year around the pre existing local event, Friendsville Days. The Friendsville Volunteer Fire Dept. and local community welcome the boating community to mingle and enjoy our small town’s biggest shindig. Thursday 6 hour dam release, race and party. Friday’s 3 hour Upper Yough dam release and rescue squad free picnic. Saturday’s 3 hour Upper Yough dam release, Friendsville day’s festivities and fireworks. Sunday, don’t forget about the lower Yough and Monday’s 3 hour Upper Yough dam release. A 5 day weekend of class 4-5 during what is otherwise known as the drought blue’s days.
On Thursday July 31st at 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, we will be taking registration at the Friendsville Town Park. Cost is $25.00 and includes insurance, timing with printed results, T-shirt, Band, Prizes and party at the park. Food will be available at your cost. Rumor has it we will have a Thai food Booth! Additional interests include white water industry booths at the party.
The race will start between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. at Gap Falls stretch rock to Kendell pool. The starter will set racers off at 30 second intervals. Those who want to race with a friend for safety or fun purposes will need to present themselves to registration at the same time. Registration will END Promptly at NOON! The starting positions will be posted shortly there after. Driving and boating to the starting line will take you around 45 minutes if you’re organized. Please give yourself plenty of time to get to the starting line.Boat classes include Men’s, Women’s, Wildwater, Wavehopper, Slalom, K2, Creek boat, Play boat, Canoe, Ducky, Raft. The result publication will reflect all of these classes for your enjoyment and recognition. Notice that traditionally we tend to reward speed when it comes to prizes. We get into classes after the top 6 fastest men and women receive their prize and recognition. If you want to be in the top six you will probably need great boating skill, many runs down the Upper, a longer boat and good physical conditioning. You certainly need this formula to poses, for one year the coveted legacy Cup which is held by The Champ Steve Kauffman at present.
We are also having a free kid’s race, pending interest. This race starts from the 42 bridge in Friendsville to the town park, heavily monitored by safety boaters; we decided to have this new event since the whole weekend’s tone is family oriented. This race starts at a time to be designated the morning of, but certainly after the Upper race is over. It’s a hearty class 2 one- mile race with prizes and glory. We may even hold the “Slots-ah-luck” race from top of Charlie’s pool to National Boof on Saturday, pending interest.
This year we are raising funds to benefit the Friendsville Volunteer Fire Dept. And so for the first time we’ll be asking admission of $5.00 for the party, racers exempt. Additional weekend fun includes Friday, Saturday and Monday Upper Yough dam releases. Also Friday night at 6:00 PM. Rescue Squad free food picnic, band, and Thai food! Saturday is Friendsville days 12:00 noon Parade down main street, big time small Town festival entertainment at Town Park all day, Thai Food! BBQ chicken! Funnel cake, cotton candy, Games, Bands, Karaoke, and Large Fireworks display at 10:00 PM.
Team Friendsville hopes you can make it! All that fun on the Upper Yough? Ask for time off now and don’t miss it! Any Questions Call or e-mail Jess at:Day: 301-616-8479 Evening: 301-746-4040jess@iceweb.net