This spring the Explore Kentucky Initiative invites fun-seeking souls to grab a kayak, paddle board or canoe and make a splash at the third annual Bluegrass River Run, one of the largest paddling events in Kentucky.

The event launches May 11 from Fort Boonesborough State Park which is at the start of Pool 9 of the Kentucky River. The start time is to be determined, Gerry James, founder of the Explore Kentucky Initiative (EKI), said, and updates will be available on EKI’s website.

Nearly 300 people attended last year, and this year, the goal is to have 500 attendees. So far, 140 people have registered.

“The goal is for it to be the kickoff for the summer,” James said.

The journey allows paddlers to take in the incredible beauty of the towering palisade cliffs and the camaraderie of floating with people from all across the country, James said in a news release.

“Fort Boonesborough State Park is one of the best parks in the nation when it comes to paddlesports access as it has a .3 mile former swimming beach for easy egress, which makes the Kentucky River accessible for people of all ability levels,” James said. “Coupled with a beautiful campground and stunning scenery, this event has something for everyone, whether they are paddling or not.”

According to the news release, Pool 9 of the Kentucky River runs tranquil in the summer, with limited powerboat traffic and beautiful views, making the 6-mile “Picking and Grinning Paddle” a leisurely float trip for families and paddlers of all skill levels.

“If you want to experience one of the coolest float trips in our region and our country…  it’s a cool stretch of the river,” James said. “… Come out and experience the epic beauty of the Kentucky River.”

For those folks who want a more fitness-focused or competitive endeavor, they can take on the 19-mile “Boonesborough to Valley View Challenge” or the 6-mile “Clay Ferry’s Run.”

According to the news release, for those who can’t BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat), there will be plenty of canoes, kayaks and SUPs for rent from livery partner’s Mike’s Hike and Bike, Endless Summer Paddle Company and Asbury University Center for Adventure Leadership. Free shuttles will also be available to transport attendees from the riverside to Proud Mary’s and their cars.

Tunes of musical headliner Scott T. Smith and the Family and “scrumptious” food from Proud Mary’s BBQ will greet paddlers approaching the finish line, according to the release.

“[Scott T. Smith] is like a cool African-American folk Americana artist,” James said.

The banks of the Kentucky River near the finish line will be alive with the In My Backyard outdoor recreational festival featuring tons of activities for all ages.

Alexandra Martin, the Community Events Manager with Water and Oak, said since the audience is outdoor enthusiasts, it was natural to partner with EKI for the BRR.

“We’re super excited to be on-site that day with giveaways, family activities, our merch gear and awesome door prizes,” Martin said.

The “In My Backyard Festival” will include games, prizes, clinics, and demos such as outrigger canoeing with Ozone Midwest, stand-up paddling with the Appalachian Boarding Company, and inflatable archery with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

“The fun doesn’t stop,” James said.

Since the inaugural Bluegrass River Run, usage of this stretch of river has increased, leading to a renewed awareness of its importance for the vitality of Kentucky’s ecosystem, according to the news release.

In addition to conservation efforts, it has spurred an economic impact study currently in development by Eastern Kentucky University and BRR partner Southwest Clark Neighborhood Association to determine the social and economic impact of the event.

“EKU is doing an economic impact study to determine how the river impacts tourism,” James said. “It’s a very cool byproduct of doing this, so it has spurred that economic and community engagement aspect.”

Partners this year for the Bluegrass River Run include presenting sponsor Visit Lex, Water and Oak Outdoor Company, Richmond Kentucky Tourism, Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission, Southwest Clark Neighborhood Association and Proud Mary BBQ.

“It’s cool to have all three tourism entities on board this year,” James said.

The paddlesports races at the event are apart of EKI’s Kentucky Waterman Series, the Commonwealth’s first-ever paddlesports racing league, which began in 2017.

Since its inception, the series has garnered national attention and has become well regarded in the outdoor recreation community, according to the release.

“The goal is to be a festival that shows all of the outdoor recreation and tourism stuff in our area and our region,” James said.

The 2019 season features 13 events that take place throughout Appalachia and all regions of Kentucky, even growing beyond the state’s borders for the first time to include events in Ohio and West Virginia.

“I started this event on like a shoestring budget and just a few friends,” James said. “… It just grew, and a few people believed in it and to see it become a thing that people say they took vacation time off and saying ‘we’re going’… It just means a lot… It makes me so happy that people are looking forward to this.”

The registration deadline for the May 11 event is May 2. Registered participants can attend the pre-event party after 6 p.m. May 10 at Hall’s on the River. The pre-check-in includes T-shirts, food and more. T-shirts this year, made by Recover Brands, are made from discarded water bottles and cotton.

“We’re doubling down on sustainability this year,” James said.

For more information on the Bluegrass River Run and other races in the Kentucky Waterman Series, visit paddlekentucky.us.