The Mineral County Recreation & Development Department is hosting its inaugural Great Walker Lake Kayak Challenges this September 9 and inviting paddlers near and far to participate. There will be four main divisions with cash prizes, including a pro class, amateur class, kids’ class (ages 5-15), and 4-person relay. Kayaks must be single-person, kayaks cannot have motors, and paddleboards are welcome (paddleboard awards will be based on number of entries).
The registration fee is $60 to enter the 13-mile race starting at 8 a.m., $40 to enter the 8-mile amateur race starting at 11 a.m., and $20 to enter the 300-ft. kids race starting at 10 a.m.. The 4-person relay race is for the full 13 miles from Monument Beach to Twenty Mile Beach and back and will be the last race of the day.
A pre-registration party will be held at Old Nevada Pizza on 497 E Street in Hawthorne on September 8 from 7-9 p.m., and others are welcome to register the morning of at Monument Beach from 5-7:30 a.m..
A $3,000 cash prize will be awarded to the first place winner of the professional class followed by a $1,000 cash prize for second place and $500 for third. First place in the amateur division will receive $500 as well, along with $300 for second place and $100 for third. The top kids’ winner will get $100, second place $50, and third place $25. Awards for the 4-person relay race and will be determined based on number of entries.
“Mineral County is our biggest sponsor, and the [Mineral County] Sportsmens Club has also donated $1,000 towards this event,” says MC Recreation & Development Director Kyle Isom. He also mentioned that around 20-30 local businesses have kicked in funds to support The Great Walker Lake Kayak Challenges, helping to purchase race marker buoys, and advertising the event.
Walker Lake’s volunteer fire department will also be serving up hot dogs and burgers, available to purchase onsite.
For more information, visit https://www.visitmineralcounty.com/. See you at the lake!
