The breeze moving across the Loxahatchee River was a pleasant addition to the beautiful sunshine that started the day for The 11th Great Loxahatchee River Race. With 32 various watercraft, and three courses (1-mile recreational, 6-mile, and 12-mile), the race was exciting for both participants and spectators.
The 12-mile and 6-mile participants were started first. Those paddling the 12-mile course, Larry Frederick & Lee Short, Yves Cartier, Paula Lunt, Roland & Linda Muhlen, Peter V. Gelzinis, Larry Baker and Will Schaet, started strong and finished with great times, all within 13 minutes of total times. Larry Frederick & Lee Short completed the course 1st with a total time of 1:50:09; Yves Cartier came in a close 2nd with a 1:51:40 time. They were followed closely by Paula Lunt, finishing in 1:54.27.
Christopher Fidler completed the 6-mile course 1st in an astounding 0:56:41, followed by Dan Thompson with a 1:06:18 time. Julie Baker was not far behind, finishing 3rd at 1:06:57.
Marlo Marcheco shot across the start line and never slowed, finishing the 1-mile course in just 0:13:39. John Dinger (0:23:49) and Henry Thomasson (0:26:27) came in 2nd and 3rd.
We were pleased to welcome several new paddlers and sponsors new to The Great Loxahatchee River Race this year.
After a delicious lunch of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and a time of conversing, everyone participated in a drawing for the door prizes. By mid-afternoon, all dispersed with a great desire for a nap!
