March 5, 2015 — The Keel-Haulers Canoe Club is sponsoring its 47th Annual Vermilion River Canoe & Kayak Race on Sunday March 22nd. This race has become a traditional sign of Spring in northern Ohio. The race covers an eight-mile course from the Schoepfle gardens (a on State Rt. 113) in Birmingham, Ohio and finishing at the Vermilion River Reservation ( a Lorain County Metro Park ) commonly known as Mill Hollow near the city of Vermilion, Ohio.

There are sixteen separate classes for the race. These include classes for men, women, mixed couples, juniors, "over and under" (adult and youth) and masters (over 40 yrs. of age). Awards will be given for the first three places in each class. Only amateurs are eligible for awards. Professionals may compete for time only.

Registration and boat inspection is from 9:00 - 11:30. Individual boats will start at one minute intervals racing against the clock starting at 10:30.

Spectators are welcome and can watch the start at Schoepfle Gardens Metro Park and see the finish at The Vermilion River Reservation Metro Park. There are two places to follow the progress of your favorite competitor from bridges on Dean Road and on Gore Orphanage road.

This is a very beautiful and remote stretch of the river with several small rapids (Class I/II water).

In the event of low water level the race will start & finish at the Vermilion City Boat Ramp. The race will be postponed until March 29th if the river level is above 5 1/2 feet as indicated at USGS Hydrologic Unit 04100012 located on the bridge on North Ridge Road.

The race is sanctioned by the United States Canoe Association. Preregistration information, entry form and fee information can be found on the http://Keelhaulers.org website.

For more information contact Jon Reising at [email protected].