info@gauleyrace.com

Animal Upper Gauley race attracts whitewater enthusiasts from across the world

SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. – Since 1992, world champion athletes, professional boaters, as well as recreational boaters, have competed in the Animal Upper Gauley race, one of the significant whitewater rafting events in the country. This year’s race is scheduled for the middle of Gauley Season, Monday, Sept. 24, and highlights the Gauley River and surrounding area.

“In its 15^th year, the Upper Gauley race is one of the premier whitewater events in the racing world,” says Donnie Hudspeth, race director and the founder of the event. “The Gauley River is one of the best whitewater experiences in the world and attracts thousands of boaters of all skill levels. Previous years’ events included racers from Canada, Alaska, Europe and Japan.”

Nicknamed “The Beast of the East,” the Gauley River lives up to its name with large rapids and technical runs. The Animal Upper Gauley race runs all five Class IV-V big rapids on the Upper section: Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, and Iron Ring, ending at Sweet's Falls.

Pre-registration fee is due by Friday, Sept. 21, and is $30 per person or $180 for raft teams. Registration on the day of the race is $35 per person and will take place at the parking lot below the Summersville Dam between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Participants meet at 11 a.m. at the tailwaters below the dam for start time and bib. The race begins approximately at noon. All racers will start in packs by category.

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Gauley Race – 2 of 2

Appalachian Wildwater again is offering a shuttle to the finish line and Sweet’s Falls. For family and friends of racers, plus others who want to see the event, this is a great opportunity to access the area. The shuttle cost is $20 and includes a BBQ lunch with chicken and ribs and all the trimmings. The shuttle will carry approximately 20 people. Other raft packages are available through Appalachian Wildwater as well as a combined raft trip with finish-line seating.

Outdoor recreation enthusiasts also are invited to enjoy Gauley Season, which began Sept. 7, and continues for 23 select days through Oct. 21. During this time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draws down Summersville Lake to create a whitewater rafting or kayaking experience on the Gauley River that attracts extreme-sport seekers from nearby towns and around the world.

For more information on the race, visit www.gauleyrace.com. To register, or to make shuttle reservations, call (304) 575-3294 or e-mail info@gauleyrace.com.

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