PALESTINE — Canoeists of all skill levels from novice to pros will tackle the Neches River during the 22nd annual Neches River Wilderness Canoe Race on Saturday, Aug. 4.

The race, known to competitive canoeists as the “toughest little race in Texas,” is sponsored by the non-profit Neches River Runners organization, dedicated to conservation and education. Proceeds from the race benefit the Trinity Valley Community College Special Needs Scholarship.

“Skilled canoeists have considered this the ‘toughest little race in Texas.’ But for a leisurely-paced race, it is a good opportunity to see the river and experience nature,” Neches River Runners spokeswoman Kim Zemer said. “Those who complete the course may be extremely tired, but many have a definite increase in self-confidence.”

From a starting point at Lake Palestine, more than 150 canoeists are expected to participate in the 22-mile scenic race down the Neches River.

Amateur and leisure classes will begin at 8 a.m. Pro-classes, aluminum and unlimited solo will launch at 9 a.m. behind the BlackBurn Dam.

The course completion gate is at U.S. 79 east of Palestine. Course spectators also are encouraged to watch launches throughout the morning. Canoes will be launched by class and division.

“Everyone is welcome to participate in the canoe race. It’s challenging. But it’s neat to see the different canoes, kayaks and a wide variety of people who come out there,” Neches River Runners Race Coordinator Brad Chaffins said. “We get grandfathers and grandsons and husbands and wives. A very diverse crowd. We even have one individual every year who pays for two — he and his dog.”

As a United States Canoe Association- and Texas Canoe Race Association-sanctioned race, the pro racers earn points for their participation.

“We have Olympic athletes from kayaking that come. One of our pros, Erin McGee said she will continue to come every year not only to support the scholarship fund, but because this race is such a technical and challenging race,” Chaffins said.

Weeks before the race, Neches River Runners crews do “cut outs” on the river to make sure most obstacles are cleared, while leaving some to make it more challenging.

“It’s technical race because of the amount of logs that are down. You may have tight turns to the left and right and other places where there will be long open stretches,” Chaffins said.

Because the leisure classes start the race first, the pros have even more challenges.

“They are fighting against the clock. They have to fight against the river, which changes from year to year depending on weather conditions, and fighting to work their way through the rest of the racers. That’s the thing they really enjoy about the river,” Chaffins said. “As for the first timers and those in the leisure class, there’s nothing like coming around that last bend and seeing the finish line and seeing everybody clapping for you. You’re tired, but you know you did the race and you get the since of accomplishment from that.”

Those who pre-register for the race by Monday will receive a t-shirt that reads “I survived the Neches River Wilderness Canoe Race.”

“It comes with a sense of accomplishment to wear the coveted T-shirt. There’s a kindred spirit that comes along with that,” Chaffins said.

Awards will be presented in each division with the pro-class competing for a cash draw as well.

Chaffins encourages those who have thought about testing themselves on the canoe race to give it a try.

“What it takes is determination and the ambition and drive to keep going. It’s kind of like a marathon. You are not out there to win the race, just to finish for that feeling of accomplishment,” Chaffins said. “Our race goes to some of the most wild and scenic parts of the Neches River. We encourage people as they go down the river to look around and admire what is out there.”

Many safety precautions are in place to ensure the canoeists stay safe.

“Course security is provided by the sheriff’s patrols. We also have volunteer fire departments and on-staff EMTs from Palestine Regional Medical Center on site that man the checkpoints,” Chaffins said. “The Palestine-Anderson County Amateur Radio Club also are at the checkpoints so we can radio spot things to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

Transportation back to the launch site will be provided.

“We do advise all of our participants to bring water with them, but we will try to make things available to them at checkpoints,” Chaffins said.

Refreshments, watermelon, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available at the finish line.

A limited number of canoe rentals are available on a first-come, first-service basis.

“You can get those online when you register, or on the day of the race if there are some available,” Chaffins said.

This year’s race will be dedicated to the late Noel Kirkwood, a former Neches River Runners member.

“He was a member of our club. He did the race up until two years ago. Last year he took photographs. He was involved in the canoe clinics we would have on the Upper and Lower Water Works lakes. Noel loved to go there and teach people who didn’t know how to get into the sport of canoeing and paddling. It was one of his greatest passions — teaching the kids about canoeing and kayaking,” Chaffins said. “He loved that river and loved our race.”

Over the years, the Neches River Runners have raised more than $20,000 for the TVCC special needs fund.

“A lot of preparation goes into putting on a race like this. If you were to include all of the club members, law enforcement, fire departments, EMTs, amateur radio operators and just everyday caring individuals who are willing to volunteer in some little way, be it on the river, off the river, race day or otherwise, I would put the number in the 200 to 300 range,” Chaffins said. “As long as we have the support of our community, we will do our best to keep this race going for years to come.”

Cost to enter the canoe race is $30 for the leisure division and $40 for the pro division. Pre-registration deadline is Monday. After Tuesday, a late fee of $5 is added.

Registration forms are available online at http://www.necheswildernessrace.com.

If paying by mail, make all checks payable to: East Texas River Runners; P.O. Box 4312; Palestine, Texas 75802; additional T-shirts (spectator version) are $10.

For more information about the race, call Zemer at 903-245-9450 or Chaffins at 903-393-1974.