The Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival will once again return to the Gorge Waterway, using the "unique" pentathlon format, including a flag relay, which is expected to challenge athletes and impress spectators over two days of racing.
On Aug. 24 and 25, more than 600 racers from across B.C., Alberta, Washington, and Oregon will be competing in the final event over the year for the Fairway Gorge Paddling Club’s Vancouver Island Series. The boats will be plying the waters of the Gorge between the Selkirk Trestle and Bay Street Bridge.
"The Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival is a highlight of the summer," said Erik Ages, general manager and race director at Fairway Gorge Paddling Club, in a news release. "Our unique pentathlon format really pushes teams to give their all across a variety of races. It's a great way to wrap up the season."
The festival features a five-race format, designed to test teams across the weekend of intense competition. Participants will compete in a series of races including 500-metre, 200-metre, 100-metre, the flag relay, and the 1500-metre "Guts and Glory" race. The top three finishing women's and mixed teams will battle it out in a final 500-metre showdown.
Races start at 9 a.m. both days.
