Trojan Paddling Race – 2026
22 miles for The Trojan Race · 6 miles for The Lighthouse Race
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Hudson River, New York
Finish: Athens, NY
The Odyssey Continues
If last year’s Trojan Paddling Race was the Iliad, 2026 is the Odyssey.
The race returns to the Hudson for another chapter, bringing paddlers together for a current and wind supported run down the most iconic tidal river in the United States, all converging on the riverfront in Athens, New York.
This is a race shaped by tide, wind, wake, and grit.
A race that belongs to the Hudson.
A race that’s becoming a legend.
The Trojan Race – 22 Miler
Distance: ~22 miles
The full Trojan course is a point-to-point run down the Hudson, shaped by current, wind, and whatever the river decides to hand out that day.
Paddlers will launch from one of two start locations, chosen 2–3 days before race day based on conditions:
- Henry Hudson Park, Selkirk NY
- Kingston, NY
Both routes deliver a current and wind supported push toward the finish in Athens, NY, where the entire field comes together on the riverfront.
This is the main event. The long run. The tactical run. The one where pacing, drafting, and river awareness matter from start to finish.
The Trojan Lighthouse Race – 6 Miler
Distance: ~6 miles
For those looking for a shorter but still iconic challenge:
- Start and finish: Athens Riverfront Park
- Course: Around Middle Ground Flats and the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
A fast, tactical loop through one of the most striking stretches of the river encircling our most historic icon.
Boat Types
Basically anything goes. If you can paddle it, you can race it.
SUP, canoe, OC1/OC2, surfski single or double, prone board, K1/K2, dragon boat, or whatever else you can drive down the river with a paddle.
We will group racers into a limited number of classes to keep things simple and the competition fierce.
Drafting
Draft away.
Any draft is a good draft. Other racers, other classes, barge wake, freighter rollers, pleasure-craft surge. Use what the river gives you.
All at your own risk, of course.
Logistics and Transport
Point-to-point racing means moving boats and people, and we are building the system to make it work.
Plans include:
- Boat trailer transport, limited capacity
- Driver shuttles
- Volunteers helping with staging and vehicle moves
- Plenty of parking at all race locations, including Athens and both potential start sites
More details will land in the race FAQ as we get closer.
Lodging and Exploration
We recommend lodging options across Athens, Hudson, Catskill, and surrounding river towns. See our page about exploring Athens for more information.
We are also offering a limited number of free two-night stays with local volunteer hosts for traveling paddlers who want to be fully immersed in race weekend. It is a chance to stay close to the river, connect with the community, and be part of the Trojan story from start to finish.
Details on how to request or offer lodging will be included in the race FAQ.
Race Day in Athens
With the finish line in Athens, the riverfront becomes race central.
Expect:
- Live music
- Food and possible local vendors
- Spectators at the finish
- Support crews and paddlers gathering riverside
Entry Fees (subject to final confirmation)
- Trojan Race: $50
- Lighthouse Race: $30
Registration includes entry, Trojan-themed swag, and whatever food, drink, and local perks we rally from our partners.
Conditions
It’s a huge river.
Tide moves. Wind builds. Wake rolls.
That said, generally the conditions are flat or small waves. The reason we are choosing the starting point for The Trojan 2-3 days before is to ensure we have the best conditions facilitating wind and wave support.
Be ready to handle whatever the Hudson decides to serve up.
Contact
Contact us via email or best via Instagram or Facebook
Follow the Journey
Follow on Instagram and Facebook for updates, course calls, and race-week announcements.
Become part of the story.
Become part of the legend.
See you on the river, August 29, 2026.
