Race the River: SASPAMCO

Get Ready for Race Day!

Be prepared!  Read all the details below before race day.

Important Locations & Times

• Pro Racer Check-in: River Crossing Park - 6890 S Loop 1604 E, Elmendorf, TX 78112
• Pro Racer Check-in Time: 8AM - 9:30AM
• Amateur Racer Check-in: Graytown Park - 1239 County Rd 125, Elmendorf, TX 78112
• Amateur Racer Check-in Time: 9AM - 10:30AM
• Pro Race Start Time: 10AM
• Amateur Race Start Time: 11AM
• Finish Line & Awards Ceremony: Helton Nature Park - 15662 FM 775, Floresville, TX 78114
• Awards Ceremony Time: After Arrival of Last Racer

Parking and Shuttle

Please plan to arrive at your respective start line early for check-in and boat drop-off. Pro racers will go to River Crossing Park and Amateur racers will go to Graytown Park. After dropping off your boat and paddling gear, you are asked to proceed to the Finish Line at the Helton Nature Park for parking and return to the start line via shuttle. The shuttle will be running from 7:30AM to 10:30AM. If you arrive late, you will be asked to remain parked near the start line and will need to arrange a ride for yourself following the race.

 

Race Route & Cutoff

• Pro Race Total Distance: 12 Miles
• Amateur Race Total Distance: 6 Miles

Starting at River Crossing Park (Pro) or Graytown Park (Amateur), racers will paddle down-stream toward the finish line.  Be aware, other than the access points at the start and finish lines, all property on either bank of the river is private and not accessible. You WILL NOT be able to exit the race at any point other than the finish line at Helton Nature Park or if you are a Pro Racer, the checkpoint at mile 6 (Graytown Park). All Pro racers are required to reach Graytown Park no later than 11:30am to avoid disqualification. This cutoff may be adjusted based on the current conditions on race day. 

Participant Tracking with RaceJoy

This year at SASPAMCO, we are introducing RaceJoy as an interactive solution for monitoring participant progress throughout the race. This free mobile app will allow us, as race organizers, to stay informed of your progress on the racecourse as well as send you audio safety, pace, and progress alerts. Additionally, your friends and family can use the app to see your progress and even send you cheers along the way! All participants will be asked to download the app and share their location on a device they will carry throughout the event. Please note, this tracking is only active during the event and will deactivate when you cross the finish line. 

Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!

For more info on how RaceJoy works and how to enable it before race-day, Click HERE.

Safety Considerations

This is an adventure race with extremely limited access to assistance if required. Please keep this in mind as you prepare for race day. Be aware of your own fitness and paddling skill level. If you are a beginner or true novice, please consider this before setting off down the river. Be prepared for the weather and make sure you have enough drinking water to sustain you for the race. If you require assistance, make your way to the next river access point or finish line.  Please be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for your fellow racers.

Highly Recommended Equipment

Minimum 2L of Drinking Water
Sun Protection (Hat, Sunscreen, etc.)
Gear for Removing Water from your Boat (Sponge, Bucket, Bilge Pump)
Splash Skirt (If Using a Sit-in Kayak)
Cell Phone 
Hull Repair Gear (Duct Tape, Patches, etc.)
First Aid Kit
 

Post Race

Following your completion of the race, we invite you to join us near the river access at Helton Nature Park for food and an awards ceremony to celebrate your finish! Even if you didn't place in the top three of your class, cheer on your fellow racers and wait for your chance to be selected as Racer of the Day!