Hillsborough River Challenge Offers Races, Fun

For about 12 years, Temple Terrace has celebrated its proximity to the Hillsborough River by having Riverfest, a one-day event that featured canoe rides and races, educational displays, environmental exhibits and demonstrations by various aquatic teams.

But in the last three or four years, budget constraints pared the festival down to the Canoe Challenge and Mayor’s Cup regatta, said Karl Langefeld, director of the . This year, the event was slated to be cut altogether.

That’s when the Temple Terrace Rotary Club stepped in. Members were talking about having a cookout at Riverhills Park but hadn’t hammered out the logistics, said Cheri Donohue, club president.

“So, we decided that since (the city’s event) was getting smaller and smaller, and ours was just starting out, we would partner together,” Donohue said.

The new Hillsborough River Challenge will take place on Oct. 15 and begins at 8 a.m. is the sponsor.

“We see this event as a way to highlight one of the most important facets of our personal and community life in Temple Terrace—the Hillsborough River—and what a better way than to have fun at the same time,” Donohue said. “By partnering with the city, we are keeping alive ‘Riverfest’ even though we have made it far more challenging.”

There will be 5-, 10- and 20-mile canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard races, along with the Peaceful Paddle, a leisurely family paddle activity. All races begin and end at Riverhills Park, 329 S. Riverhills Drive. The 5-mile turnaround is at the Bullard Bridge, the 10-mile turnaround is at the boat ramp on Fowler Avenue, and the 20-mile turnaround is at Trout Creek. The 5-mile family fun paddle winds between the bridges of Temple Terrace.

“I know that I've participated in the Peaceful Paddle for years, and it’s been my only opportunity to get on the river,” Donohue said. “Maybe this is the only way others can do it, too.”

Those who don’t have a kayak or canoe can rent one if they sign up early enough, and TackleShack will provide the new line of Hobie fishing kayaks for participants to test.

Donohue said event organizers are expecting no less than 50 people to participate.

There will also be live music, food like hotdogs and kettle corn available for purchase, raffles and other activities.

Everyone who races will receive a T-shirt and award, and there will be additional prizes for the winners.

Racing fees, which include a T-shirt, goody bag, raffle ticket and lunch, are:

• Single ($25 if registered by Oct. 8; $30 thereafter and day of race)
• Tandem ($40 if registered by Oct. 8; $45 thereafter and day of race)
• Family paddle ($20 per person)

Donohue said the Rotary Club plans to send letters to those residents who live along the river to invite them to be cheerleaders for the racers.

“We hope that this event will showcase the beauty of Temple Terrace and the friendliness of its residents,” she said. “Those who live along the river will be asked to take a few minutes that Saturday morning to cheer the racers on as they pass by or to hang encouraging signs. Let’s put out the welcome mat.”

To register, or for more information, call 813-230-5112.