By Dylan Kirk
On Sunday September 25th, 46 paddlers from across the continent descended upon Paul Smith’s College for what has been described as “the most beautiful course in the Adirondacks.” The St. Regis Canoe Classic held three events this year; a five-mile, seven-mile, and 11-mile course in an effort to make canoe racing a more accessible sport. All three courses encompass the length of the St. Regis River accessible from campus. The longer courses include the loop from Lower St. Regis, into Spitfire Pond, then into Upper St. Regis with a rough half mile portage back to the river.
This year’s course champion was Jim Mallory—a kayaker out of Rochester, NY—who posted a 1:44:59 over 11 miles. Smitties Matty Leichty (SO) and Matt Williams (SR) had the second fastest time in the seven-mile course, posting a 1:20:14. Lenore Marcuson (PSC SR) also made history for racing the only stand up paddleboard ever entered in the St. Regis. Her time was 1:20:16, over five miles.
A special thanks goes out to the Adirondack Watershed Institute for providing our safety boat, and to all of the other wonderful volunteers who helped make this event a success.
Dylan Kirk
My life currently revolves around pizza & paddling. Last year it revolved around intensive southern pine silviculture & Bojangles. I’m always down to meet new people over breakfast, so feel free to look me up!