Celebrate the Nation’s longest consecutively-run paddling race in the nation! Since 1956 we have raced the 7.5-mile whitewater stretch from just below Great Falls to Sycamore Island and would love to have you join us this year on May 9th, 2026, for another unforgettable event.
Register for the race at: Potomac Downriver Race - 5/9/2026
Volunteers are needed at the start and finish, and for on river safety. Volunteer Here
Event Rules:
All racers must wear PFDs (life jackets) and helmets. All boats must have flotation; no exceptions. Bring water. Refills available after the race, no single use bottles. This is a 7.5-mile whitewater race. It is not suitable for novice paddlers.
Course:
Course may change due to water quality.
Check the water level at Potomac.Surf or USGS Little Falls.
If the Little Falls Gauge is 5.0 feet or less, the start location will be:
C& O Canal National Historical Park
11710 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854
If the Little Falls gauge reads higher than 5.0 feet, the start location will be:
Angler's / C&O Canal
10790 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854
If the Little Falls Gauge is above 6.0 feet, the race will be postponed to the following Saturday.
Red flags with white arrows mark the left turn 1/2 mile above the finish line.
DO NOT MISS THE TURN, Brookmont Dam is just downstream!
Potomac_Downriver_Race_Course_Map.pdf
Potomac_Downriver_Race_Put-in_Map.pdf
Final Turn Race Flags
Schedule:
- 8:30 - 9:30 Check-in at the C&O Canal National Historical Park picnic area adjacent to the concession building to receive your race bib and instructions.
- 9:30 AM Mandatory pre-race meeting.
- 11:00 AM (sharp) Mass start.
- 1:00 PM (est.) Finish at Sycamore Island.
- 1:00 - 2:00 PM Lunch for racers and race volunteers.
- 2:00 PM Awards Ceremony.
- 2:00 - 3:00 PM Clean-up.
- 3:00 PM All activities should be completed.
Parking:
Space will be extremely limited at the take out. Leave your car at the put-in! Volunteers will drive you back to get your car.
Boat Categories:
01. Wildwater Kayak (WWK)
02. Wildwater Canoe (WWC)
03. Long Kayak (K1-L) over 11 feet
04. Short Kayak (K1-S) under 11 feet
05. Closed/Decked Canoe Solo (C1)
06. Open Canoe Solo (OC1)
07. Kayak Tandem (K2) Bow (Front)
08. Kayak Tandem (K2) Stern (Back)
09. Canoe Tandem (OC2) Bow (Front)
10. Canoe Tandem (OC2) Stern (Back)
11. Parent & Child under 18
12. Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP)
13. Inflatables, Rafts, Other
Required Waivers:
After registering, please complete these waivers. They must be submitted in advance of the race.
(1) American Canoe Association Waiver:
Insurance for the race is through the American Canoe Association (ACA) https://americancanoe.org/
You must be an ACA member or pay an extra insurance fee of $10.
To sign the ACA waiver as a non-ACA member, go to the ACA Website and click the Login link on the upper right side of the screen. On the login popup screen, click on Create Account and fill out the required information. When the signup process is completed, click on Login and go to your Profile, then select Event Waivers from the menu on the left side of the Profile screen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the
ACA Nonmember Online Waive
If you have trouble with the ACA waiver, contact ACA directly (Kristal Pastell: kpastell@americancanoe.org) so that ACA has feedback and perhaps can improve their site or their instructions.
(2) Sycamore Island Waiver:
This waiver must be signed and brought to the race or island by everyone who participates in the event as a racer or as a volunteer.
2026 Sycamore Island Waiver - Adult
The Sycamore Island Minor Waiver is not yet available.
The CCA Waiver is part of the registration process.
Race History:
See photos of the First Downriver Race, held by the CCA in 1956.
Past Race Results:
2025 Downriver Race Results
2024 Downriver Race Results
2023 Downriver Race Results
2022 Downriver Race Results
2021 Downriver Race Results
2020 Race Report
2019 Downriver Race Results
2018 Downriver Race Results
2017 Downriver Race Results
2016 Downriver Race Results