Paddlers ready for Russian River Race, post-race party

Tony Hansen loves rivers. For years, he organized international river-raft races at sites ranging from the Zambesi River in Zimbabwe to the Rio Figueroa in Chile.

Hansen, a native of South Africa who now works as an independent environmental consultant, moved to Healdsburg three years ago. Then he started kayaking on the Russian River, and immediately felt in love with the place.

Now he's director of the new Great Russian River Race, expected to draw 350 top canoe and kayak athletes to the Healdsburg area Saturday (May 7).

"This is one of the most beautiful, accessible sections of any river in California. It really is spectacular, from the Alexander Valley Bridge down," Hansen said. "And it's a perfect river for a race. It's exciting and challenging."

The race will include two events, both beginning at 11 a.m.: a 15-mile race for pros and more serious competitors, starting at the Alexander Valley Bridge, and a five-mile race for fun-seekers, including teams in costume, starting at the private Rio Lindo Beach.

One of the contestants in the longer race will be Carter Johnson of Sausalito, current Guinness 24-hour distance-paddling world-record holder.

Both races end at Veterans Memorial Beach Park in Healdsburg, where a free public party starts at noon, with live music and children's activities, and food, beer and wine for sale.

At 3 p.m., there will be an awards ceremony, with a total of $5,000 in cash prizes to be handed out to the race winners.

The event is a benefit for Russian Riverkeeper, a nonprofit orgnization dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of the river.

Don McEnhill, executive director of Russian Riverkeeper, said he hopes the race and party will attract at least 450 spectators, and perhaps as many as 850.

"We wanted to host the opening day of the season on the river," he said.

Fans will be able to watch the race from Veterans Memorial Beach, and from several points along the river. Check greatrussianriverrace.com for more details. And although the race can't be called an annual event just yet, as this is the first year, organizers do expect to make it annual.

"We're already planning next year's event," McEnhill said.

You can reach Staff Writer Dan Taylor at 521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. See his ARTS blog at http://arts.blogs.pressdemocrat.com.