2026 Race The Red Brochure

Register through Eventbrite here.

2026 Race the Red Registration and Waiver 

Three Flag Races: Choose your distance from 1.5, 3.5 or 6 miles. Participants paddle up river to a designated turnaround point, grab a prize, and return down river to the finish.

Turn Around Prizes:

Turn Around Prizes Sponsored By: 

The Course:  All races begin and end at the south boat ramp at Dike East (100 2nd Street South in Fargo). The first half of each race is upstream.

*NEW: Dinner from Heart ‘n’ Soul Community Cafe: Racers can receive a free meal from Heart ‘n’ Soul Community Cafe available during the event from 5:30 – 8pm. Registered racers must submit their meal order by July 6th at 4pm. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Applied Digital, your meal is included in your registration fee!

Rent a Canoe or Kayak:  $15 rental includes paddles and life jackets. Limited number available.

Unloading and Parking (Carpooling is Encouraged!):
*Drop off your vessel between noon-4 p.m. the day of the event to help with traffic congestion and receive a small prize. River Keepers staff will be on site to ensure security.
*Allow plenty of time when unloading right before the race. Drop off vessel near the Midtown Dam South Boat Ramp, then park.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the case of inclement weather the day of the race, the race will be postponed if the forecast predicts lightning, high winds, flooding, or the current is too fast. The race will go on as planned if rain is predicted (dress accordingly). A decision will be made by noon the day of the race. Mark your calendar for the back up weather date just in case and check your email or River Keepers Facebook Race the Red event page for the latest news.

Categories
*Canoe: Solo, Male Team, Female Team, Co-ed Team
*Solo Kayak: Male, Female
*Tandem Kayak: Male Team, Female Team, Co-ed Team
*Non-traditional: Rowboat, hydrobike, SUP, hobie, and any other watercraft that is not a canoe or kayak using a paddle in a traditional way. Example: a solo canoe with a kayak paddle is nontraditional. Solo, Team

Awards: 1st place awards in each category.

Photo credit: Kellan Benson

Rules to Remember:
*Fun is the primary intention of this event!
*Life jackets must be worn AND fastened at all times.
*All vessels must be manually propelled.
*No tipping, bumping or splashing others.
*Alcohol is not permitted.

AIS/ANS Precautions: The Red River is host to zebra mussels. To prevent the spread of AIS/ANS (Aquatic Invasive/Nuisance Species) to other waterbodies, racers should make sure to drain water from the inside of their vessels and remove any plants or debris from equipment. Additional recommendations:
*Spray with high-pressure water
*Rinse with very hot water (120°F for at least 2 minutes; or 140°F for at least 10 seconds)
*Dry for at least 5 days

More Fun for Family, Friends and Participants:
*Bike/run/walk along the entire course on the Fargo Park District’s trail system to watch paddlers.
*At the start/finish there is a photo booth, buoy toss and more.
*Participants are encouraged to decorate their watercraft. All decorations must be securely fastened and collected immediately if they fall off.

We need a lot of volunteers to make Race the Red happen. Sign up here today!

Thanks to our sponsor!