Headwaters Adventure Race

PACKETS can be pickup at Buchert Park on Friday, July 8 from 3pm - 6pm and on Saturday, July 9 from 6am - 7:45am. It will include everything you need for the race and your SWAG. During pickup, racers need to be courteous and practice social distancing.

SAFETY FIRST, prior river canoe or kayak experience is mandatory.  Bike helmets and personal flotation devices (life jackets) are required.  The Portage Park District Foundation Board reserves the right to modify race route, postpone or cancel the event in extreme weather, or for other safety reasons and will abide by state and local public health guidance. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

RACE STARTS at 8:00 AM

RUN begins at Buchert Park for a 2-mile out and back run, (on-road and Headwaters Trail). The Headwaters Trail is a flat limestone paved hike and bike trail on the former Erie Lackawanna railroad corridor. You’ll cross the Cuyahoga River and pass Marsh Wetlands Nature Preserve, then return to Buchert Park.

PEDAL starts when the racer or the relay team runner returns to Buchert Park. Cyclists will ride 10 miles through beautiful Portage County countryside in Mantua and Hiram Townships, crossing the watershed divide, between the Cuyahoga River Watershed (draining to Lake Erie) and the Mahoning River Watershed (draining to the Ohio River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico). Rural roads may be rough in spots and will not be closed to vehicle traffic. You'll pass historic homes and conserved farms, forests, and wetlands, with great vistas from some of the highest points in Portage County, finally reaching Camp Hi.

• SOLO RACERS - Bikes must be parked in the designated bike corral by 7:45 am.
• RELAY TEAM MEMBERS - transportation will not be provided to Camp HI. Non-cycling member must drive themselves to Camp Hi to meet their cycling partners - please avoid race roads.

Bikes will be kept in the bike corral at Camp Hi, under the supervision of volunteers. Bikes MUST be picked up before 12:30 pm.

PADDLE starts at Camp Hi Canoe Livery, 12274 Abbott Rd. Hiram 330-569-7621; www.camphicanoe.com. The beautiful Upper Cuyahoga is a designated State Scenic River, (www.dnr.state.oh.us). You'll pass conserved forests and floodplain habitat, and see a diversity of plants and wildlife.

If bringing your own boat, you must drop it off at Camp Hi Canoe Livery by 7:30 a.m. the day of the race (call Camp Hi for Friday drop-off or to make arrangements for overnight camping). All boats must be properly registered with the State of Ohio.

FINISH at Buchert Park

Headwaters Adventure Race Info & Registration