SCUGOG: The 53rd annual Canoe the Nonquon takes place on Saturday, June 3rd, in Port Perry, sanctioned by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA).
The Lake Scugog Historical Society started the race as a fundraiser for the Scugog Shores Museum Village. Volunteers help plan and organize the race each year. Thank you to Durham Tourism, Brock’s and Cozzy Electric for sponsoring our race this year and Two Blokes Cider for supporting the efforts to make this a Zero-Waste event.
The course starts on the twisty Nonquon River. For the first few kilometres, many tight bends challenge your rudder turns. There are also some dead-end channels along the river section (when in doubt, always keep right). There are 12 km of river paddling followed by an 8 km sprint along the shores of Lake Scugog to the finish line.
Participants race the clock and can start anytime between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. This is a well-attended race with a long-standing history in the community. Amateurs and professionals, young and older, may compete in a large number of competitive or recreational categories. Shuttle vans are available to take participants back to their cars upon concluding the race at either Robinglade Park (river only) or Palmer Park (full course).
Registration occurs at the Latcham Centre, 121 Queen Street, Port Perry, on Friday, June 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 3rd, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The registration fee is $65/canoe or kayak, or SUP. Pre-registration is also available online.
Pledge forms are available to participants who wish to raise additional funds for the Museum. All participants MUST bring a completed registration form, signed waiver, signed Rowan’s Law form for participants under 25 years of age, and emergency contact form to the Latcham Centre before proceeding to the start line. Upon registration at the Latcham Centre, you will receive your race number. You will not be permitted to start the race without this number. All race forms and pre-registration are available at www.scugog.ca/canoe.
Canoe the Nonquon is the largest annual fundraiser for the Scugog Shores Museum Village. The minimum race entrance fee is $65. Still, all participants are encouraged to raise more money through sponsorship to support our community and the Museum as we celebrate the 53rd running of the race.
For more information on what classes are available to enter, go to their website at www.scugog.ca/canoe.