Celebrate the Nation’s longest consecutively-run paddling race in the nation! Since 1956 we have raced the 7.5 mile whitewater stretch from just below Great Falls to Sycamore Island and would love to have you join us this year on May 9th, 2026, for another unforgettable event.
Required Waivers | Boat Categories | Event Rules
Course | Schedule | Parking | Race History | Sponsorship
All racers must wear PFDs (life jackets) and helmets. All boats must have flotation; no exceptions. Bring water. Refills available after the race, no single use bottles. This is a 7.5 mile whitewater race. It is not suitable for novice paddlers.
Check the water level at Potomac.Surf or USGS Little Falls.
If the Little Falls Gauge is 5.0 feet or less, the start location will be:
C& O Canal National Historical Park
11710 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854
If the Little Falls gauge reads higher than 5.0 feet, the start location will be:
Angler's / C&O Canal
10790 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854
If the Little Falls Gauge is above 6.0 feet, the race will be postponed to the following Saturday.
Red flags with white arrows mark the left turn 1/2 mile above the finish line. DO NOT MISS THE TURN, Brookmont Dam is just downstream!
Potomac_Downriver_Race_Course_Map.pdf
Potomac_Downriver_Race_Put-in_Map.pdf
Final Turn Race Flags
8:30 - 9:30 Check-in at the C&O Canal National Historical Park picnic area adjacent to the concession building to receive your race bib and instructions.
9:30 AM Mandatory pre-race meeting.
11:00 AM (sharp) Mass start.
1:00 PM (est.) Finish at Sycamore Island.
1:00 - 2:00 PM Lunch for racers and race volunteers.
2:00 PM Awards Ceremony.
2:00 - 3:00 PM Clean-up.
3:00 PM All activities should be completed.
Space will be extremely limited at the take out. Leave your car at the put-in! Volunteers will drive you back to get your car.
01. Wildwater Kayak (WWK)
02. Wildwater Canoe (WWC)
03. Long Kayak (K1-L) over 11 feet
04. Short Kayak (K1-S) under 11 feet
05. Closed/Decked Canoe Solo (C1)
06. Open Canoe Solo (OC1)
07. Kayak Tandem (K2) Bow (Front)
08. Kayak Tandem (K2) Stern (Back)
09. Canoe Tandem (OC2) Bow (Front)
10. Canoe Tandem (OC2) Stern (Back)
11. Parent & Child under 18
12. Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP)
13. Inflatables, Rafts, Other
After registering, please complete these waivers. They must be submitted in advance of the race.
(1) American Canoe Association Waiver
See photos of the First Downriver Race, held by the CCA in 1956.
Past Race Results:
2025 Downriver Race Results
2024 Downriver Race Results
2023 Downriver Race Results
2022 Downriver Race Results
2021 Downriver Race Results
2020 Downriver Race Results
2020 Race Report
2019 Downriver Race Results
2018 Downriver Race Results
2017 Downriver Race Results
2016 Downriver Race Results