Bluegrass river run.

paddle. Music. Festival.

Event Date
6.3.2023 Registration opens: 3.1.2023
Registration Deadline
5.26.2023
Location
Fort Boonesborough State Park

Float: $45 (Adult) | $25 (Youth) Includes Shuttle & Explore Kentucky Tee
Race: $55
Includes Shuttle & Explore Kentucky Tee
Paddlecraft Rentals
Paddlecraft Rentals are available with paddle(s) and personal flotation devices (PFD). (Please note: Your registration does NOT automatically include a rental boat.) Rental boat quantities are limited.
RENTAL RATES
Single kayak $35, seats one
Two-person canoe $45, seats two with space for a child passenger
Tandem kayak $45, seats two
Stand up paddle board $35, stands one
When they’re gone, they’re gone. Register and reserve your rental early to ensure boat selection
Technical Details + Rules
All participants must wear a properly fitted PFD (inflatable ones are acceptable).
The use of alcohol or mind-altering drugs prior to and during the event is absolutely prohibited.
All participants are required to adhere to all current U.S. Coast Guard, U.S Forest Service, and KDFWR regulations for waterways.
We recommend carrying a signaling device (whistle), communication device (phone), and wearing clothing appropriate for the weather.
Safety paddlers and river patrol will be staged along the course. Please note their presence is just for emergencies and not a bailout option.
Event coordinators reserve the right to refuse entry to any participant who does not comply with these rules.
Participants are STRONGLY discouraged from using anything such as headphones that may prohibit them from communicating with support personnel, hearing water traffic or possibly hearing a request from another racer. If you need tunes, Bluetooth speakers are amazing.
The event launches from the beach at Fort Boonesborough State Park

This summer grab a kayak, stand up paddle board, or canoe and join #ExploreKentucky & friends for the the 7th annual Bluegrass River Run (BRR), a celebration of the Kentucky River - the commonwealth’s namesake waterway. The event launches from the beach at Fort Boonesborough State Park which is located just south of Lexington and allows participants three different ways to experience the incredible beauty of the 60+ ft cliffs of the river's palisades section and the camaraderie of fellow paddlers. The mainstay of the BRR is the scenic 6 mile Float Trip. Then for the folks who want more of a fitness challenge there is the 14 Almost Boonesborough to Valley View Challenge and 6 mile Clay Ferry’s Run, both race distances apart from the 2023 Waterman Series, a regional paddlesports racing series. If you can’t BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat), don’t fret we will have plenty of canoes, kayaks, and SUPs for rent!

2023 PARTNERS

Float the Kentucky River

The main event of the Bluegrass River Run is the scenic 6 Mile Float Trip. This fun adventure launches from Fort Boonesborough State Park with participants paddling along pool 9 of the Kentucky River, which is located just south of Lexington. The journey allows you to take in the incredible beauty of the 60+ ft cliffs of the palisades and socially distanced camaraderie of fellows on the water. As we approach the Clay's Ferry area, you'll be greeted with music, and the scrumptious food from Proud Mary BBQ.

Saturday: 6.3.2023
Proud Mary BBQ does not open till 12 p.m.
8-10 A.M: Check-In + Boat Drop Off at Fort Boonesborough State Park
Address: 4375 Boonesboro Rd, Richmond, KY 40475
10 A.M: 1st shuttle for floaters departs from Proud Mary BBQ (If you’re renting a paddlecraft please ride this shuttle)
Address: 9079 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
10:30 A.M: Safety meeting + 1st wave of floaters launches from boat ramp at Fort Boonesborough State Park
10:30 A.M: 2nd shuttle departs from Proud Mary BBQ
Address: 9079 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
11 A.M: Safety meeting + 2nd wave of floaters launches from boat ramp at Fort Boonesborough State Park
12 P.M: Proud Mary BBQ opens for the Day

Liquid Shred the Kentucky River

Bring your SUP, kayak, canoe, tandem, or prone and race 6 or 14 miles on one of the prettiest courses in the country!

Saturday: 6.3.2023
Proud Mary BBQ does not open till 12 p.m.
7 A.M-8 A.M: Check-In + Boat Drop Off at Fort Boonesborough State Park
Address: 4375 Boonesboro Rd, Richmond, KY 40475
8 A.M Shuttle for racers departs from Proud Mary BBQ
Address: 9079 Old Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
8:45 A.M Safety meeting at Fort Boonesborough State Park Boat Ramp
9 A.M: 14 Mile Boonesborough to Valley View Challenge (Start)
9:30 A.M: 6 Mile Boonesborough to Proud Mary Dash (Start)
12:30 P.M: Award Ceremony at Proud Mary BBQ

Bluegrass River Run Fest

Every participant is given a BRR Passport which helps them explore games, activities, and activities throughout the event while also having the chance to take home outdoor adventure prizes, swag, and deals. These activities take place in our festival zone at Proud Mary BBQ and include inflatable archery, corn hole, games, music, and more.