The Race

The Mayor's Cup New York City Kayak Championship is New York City’s marathon by water! This 28 mile marathon paddling race, around Manhattan Island, is made up of elite paddlers as well as enthusiast paddlers. We welcome all talented paddlers to participate. The Mayor’s Cup race draws some of the worlds and the regions most accomplished paddlers traveling from 22 countries and 25 states for this epic experience. This New York City paddling tradition started in 1927 and its early roots date back to the 1880’s.

The course is a full circumnavigation of Manhattan Island starting on the Hudson River. The combination of 28 miles in distance, very unpredictable sea states and extremely busy commercial traffic lends itself to one of the toughest courses in North America.

The Mayor's Cup after party will take place at the 79th street boat basin cafe and will include live music, food and open bar (wine and beer). The party is 5:30 to 8:30pm. Cost is $20 and is included in your race registration.

There are a few very tricky segments:

Hell Gate
Combining water from Long Island Sound, the Harlem River and the East River to create standing waves, whirlpools and very confused water. The East River's currents can move as quickly as 7 knots.

The Battery
Where water from the Hudson, East River and Buttermilk Channel converge - can produce waters with a 3 to 6 foot chop and tons of refracting waves. At this point in the race the currents are running against you on your last 2 miles to the finish!

If you are a talented paddler with the mettle to finish this serious race than this is an event you won't want to miss. Take Manhattan by paddle!

We are proud to announce that 2010 marks the fifth year of the Mayor's Cup New York City Kayak Championships. We are pleased to offer $15,000 in prize money along with $20,000 in prizes - $5,000 goes to the Mayor's Cup winner with all categories receiving cash and prizes. In 2010 we have changed our date to earlier in the summer, August 14, 2010. We moved our location to the 79th street Boat Basin, a NYC water trail site.

Qualifications:

Elite Open Class
Racers must show a track record of participation in at least 3 similar distance races with completion and competitive times.

Sea Kayak Class
Participants for this class need to qualify through a regional training centers OR meet race participation guidelines.

Racing participation guidelines:

a history of at least 3 races of similar distances with completion and competitive times. Demonstrate ability to paddle at 5 mph over a 5 mile distance. Demonstrate at least 5 years paddling experience, solo and assisted rescues training, demonstrate experience and exposure to paddling with and against 3 knot currents, documented paddling experience on trips of at least 20 miles in 6 hours. Must finish the race in 6 hours of will be removed from the water.

2010 Mayor's Cup Course Map