The Race to the Dome will take place on October 7, 2023 - rain or shine. If the river is in flood stage the race may be rescheduled. The starting point for Race A is at the Providence Access on Perche Creek, one mile from where it enters the Missouri River at river mile 170.6. The starting point for Race B is at Hartsburg Access at river mile 159.8 in Hartsburg, Mo. Boats will start the race by division. Both races will end at the Noren Access at river mile 144 in Jefferson City, Mo.
The Race to the Dome will officially end exactly at 2pm on October 7, 2023, or when the last boat has reached mile 144-whichever comes first. A team’s participation ends in this event when they have landed at Noren Access mile 144 before 2pm on October 7, 2023 OR when they notify race headquarters that they have withdrawn. Teams still on the Missouri River after 2 PM on October 7, 2023 are electing to continue independent of the race.
In formulating the rules that govern this event, every effort has been made to foresee all situations and problems that may arise, however, officials of the Race to the Dome retain the right to change or amend these rules at any time without liability or recourse from any party regardless of the circumstances. Should such changes or amendments be made, every effort will be made to notify all entrants.
There are no restrictions on the design of the canoe/kayak.
The original craft must be paddled from start to finish. Repairs may be made to the craft during the race, but other alterations are not permitted.
Any part of the craft (rudders, outriggers, etc.) that will be below the waterline during any portion of the race must be "on board" from start to finish. Each boat will be assigned a boat number the morning of the race. Each boat will be given a boat number for their bow paddler to wear on the front of their shirt.
Each race craft must be propelled exclusively by paddle power (double or single blade) while on the water. No rowing configuration is permitted. No sail or kite is permitted.
Multiple teams may not share paddlers.
Each racer must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver at all times while on the water. A whistle must also be attached to each life preserver at all times.
For any “shortcut” to be legal, it must have a flow of river water through it. Overland portages are not allowed. Portages over exposed “wing dams”, for convenience, are not permitted.
Outside assistance that provides intentional aid in the forward progress of a canoe/kayak is not allowed. This includes towing, wake riding, deflection of wind and “rafting up”. However, limited interaction between the competitor race craft, as is the case in most canoe and kayak marathon races, is acceptable. This will be restricted to only wake riding and wind deflection. No towing of race craft is permitted.
Deliberate littering of the river is illegal. Teams must keep their trash in their canoes/kayaks and properly dispose of the waste at the race finish.
Infractions of any rule during the charity event will be grounds for time penalties or disqualification to be reasonably and fairly determined by Race to the Dome.
All team members should understand there are serious risks involved in this endeavor. The hydraulics associated with many of the wing dams along the river are inherently dangerous. The greatest risk, however, is from the numerous large and small power craft that ply the great river. Constant vigilance, clear thinking, and quick reaction will be essential at all times. Good judgment must dictate when it is time to rest. All team members (racers and support personnel) will enter this race at their own risk and will not hold this event’s organizers, judges, officials and sponsors liable for accidents to personnel or damage to any property.
All participants in this event, including paddlers and other team members must sign the “Waiver and Release of Liability”.
Entry fees for the Race to the Dome are as follows: $55/paddler
All participants agree to appear in any event-related media coverage free of charge.
