Latest Announcements

Programs

LATEST HEAT SHEETS POSTED; CLICK BELOW
- These reflect all registrations through 5 p.m. Friday
- Minor changes have been made; make sure to confirm time
- If you see discrepancies, omissions or errors, e-mail jlong@fvpd.net or call 630-966-4527 and leave message

- St. Charles to Aurora heat sheet

- Batavia to Aurora heat sheet

Printable cue sheet available

Click here for news, notes and tips on what you should know before, during and after the race

Boat Numbers

Registered paddlers should pick up their boat numbers on race during check-in at the start area. Numbers WILL NOT be mailed to paddlers.

Online registration closed, but paddlers can
still register in person up through race day

- Download a printable registration form and bring it to the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, in Aurora
- Register at either start area on race day; day-of registration is open until 10 a.m. at St. Charles and 11 a.m. at Batavia
- An additional $5 fee will be charged per paddler for those who did not pre-register

NEW! Canoe Rental Discount Package

Want to paddle in the Mid-Am but don't have a canoe? No problem. We've partnered with Freeman Sports to provide easy, one-stop rentals - and each paddler saves $10 to boot with the new discounted package. Click here for more information.

Baymont Inn of North Aurora offering discounted
rates for Mid-American Race participants and families

Need a place to stay before or after the Mid-Am? The Baymont Inn is offering 15% off standard room rates during Mid-Am weekend. You'll be centrally located to all that's going on. Call 630-897-7695 to make reservations, and mention rate code L17. For details on Baymont Inn, click here.

Printable Route Maps Available

Paddlers, take advantage of these detailed, color maps - created by fellow paddlers. They include route descriptions and river conditions to increase enjoyment and help navigate the big river. Carry one along during practice routes. Some even laminate the maps for race day.

St. Charles to Aurora route

Batavia to Aurora route

Photos

Click here to see the racer photo gallery from the 2009 race

Race Day Registration

On-site registration will be available at the starting line in St. Charles until 10 a.m. and at the Batavia VFW until 11 a.m.

St. Charles race: Day-of cost is $60 per adult team, $30 per adult paddler and $15 per paddler under 16. Children passengers ride free with adult paddlers.

Batavia race: Day-of cost is $50 per adult team, $25 per adult paddler and $15 per paddler under 16. Children passengers ride free with adult paddlers.

Race-Day Check-In Procedures

Check-in is required for all registered paddlers 1 HOUR before launch at the registration tent.

Free Shuttle

Paddlers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle bus service running between McCullough Park and both starting areas. Here's a hassle-free gameplan:

1 - Drop boats at your starting area in the police-secured "Canoe Corral" and receive a free parking placard;

2 - Drive to finish area and park in the Prisco Community Center lot;

3 - Enjoy a convenient shuttle ride back to start area;
4 - Have your vehicle awaiting you at the end of race. No need for multiple cars or extra drivers!

Note: Shuttle buses will begin running between both start lines and the finish area at 7:30 a.m. and continue through the conclusion of the race.

Inclement weather ... what if?

Leave the rainouts to baseball. Rain or shine, the Mid-Am will paddle on. In the event of lightning, the start will be suspended until any danger clears. If lightning is spotted any time you're on the river, use better judgment and seek shoreline shelter.

River levels

Last year's river level was nearly ideal, registering a flow of 1,940 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the USGS gauge in Montgomery. That was just about right for a recreational canoe race - not too fast and not too shallow - while providing a steady, reliable current.

For comparison's sake, the river was running at 1,370 cfs during the Mid-Am on Sept. 28, 2008.

To monitor river levels leading up to the race, click here.

Finish Area After the Race

All paddlers must report to the registration tent at the finish area in McCullough Park to receive their Mid-American T-shirt, goodie bag and food/beverage ticket for post-race party.

Post-Race Party

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches will be feeding the race participants and have food for sale, along with other food vendors. Commemmorative race T-shirts, visors, patches and key chain floaties also will be available for purchase.

Past Race Results

2009 St. Charles-to-Aurora race results

2009 Batavia-to-Aurora race results

Questions

For event-related questions, contact Jeff Long at 630-966-4527 or jlong@fvpd.net

Do you have a story to tell?

Tell us your Mid-Am stories and we'll share them during the festitivities. Are you a long-time Mid-Am veteran? A first-timer? Grandpa and grandson team? Newlywed couple? E-mail your tale to Jeff Long at jlong@fvpd.net or call him at 630-966-4527.