Annual Reservoir Challenge Pits Mayors Against One Another

This weekend, mayors from across the Pascack Valley will take to the water for the fourth annual Mayor's Cup during the Reservoir Challenge. The event, hosted by the Hackensack Riverkeeper and United Water is currently scheduled for Saturday on the Oradell Reservoir but could be postponed to Sunday incase of rain.

The Challenge event will take place off Shoreline Drive in Haworth, and will feature 5k and 10k kayak races in the morning, a barbecue lunch provided by Whole Foods Market, the Mayors Cup race and Guided Paddles. There will be other fun things for spectators and non-paddlers to do, including nature walks and live music.

Last year, as Westwood Mayor John Birkner sought a three-peat but fell instead Demarest's Ray Cywinski stole the title.

The Reservoir will be open to paddlers from 8am to 5pm with the Mayor's Cup race schedule for 12:45pm. This is the one day a year the Reservoir is open to the public for paddling.

Along with the Riverkeeper and United Water the following businesses have come out in support of the Challenge: Whole Foods Market, Hackensack University Medical Center, Northen Valley Surburbanite and Hackensack Chronicle, Ramsey Outdoor, Bank of New Jersey, Rockland Electric Company and Town Motors.

The Reservoir was formed in 1922 when a dam was built on the Hackensack River and currently provides water to 1 million residents of Bergen and Hudson counties. Along with providing water to residents, the Reservoir is also home to a group of bald eagles.