Beautiful weather, high water, and great support from the Adirondack Arc Community, attracted 78 canoes, kayaks and war canoes to the Raquette River for the 9 - Mile Adirondack Arc Flatwater Races in Tupper Lake. The large field was comprised of solo paddlers in various styles of kayaks and canoes, tandem canoes and kayaks, a 4- person canoe and an eight women war canoe. The competitors, ranging from first timers to world class, were from all over the North Country, 5 States and 2 Canadian Provinces. The race started at the NYSDEC Fishing Access on Route 3/30, "The Crusher", and followed the Raquette River downstream to the Tupper Lake Rod, Gun and Sports Club on Simond Pond.

The Adirondack Arc and the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the volunteers who helped make the race a success. The Arc 9 Miler is the third race in the Adirondack Canoe and Kayak Series. The next race will be the Willard Hanmer Guideboat, Canoe and Kayak Races on Lake Flower and the Saranac River in Saranac Lake, July 3. Other events in the series include the Adirondack Arc 30-Mile Marathon on August 15, and the 90 Mile Adirondack Canoe Classic from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, September 10, 11 and 12.

Sponsors of the Adirondack Canoe Race Series include ACE Kayaks, Wenonah Canoes, The Blue Moon Cafˇ, Grasse River Boatworks, Gauthier's Saranac Lake Motor Inn and MAC'S Canoe Livery in Lake Clear. For more information on canoe events contact MAC'S Canoe Race Hotline at 891 - 2744, or check out macscanoe.com .

There were numerous classes. 30 boats were able to claim First Place Status in the races. There were many local winners. The fastest time over all went to kayaker Michel Archambault of Pointe Claire, Quebec - 56:12. The fastest over all female was kayaker Janet Findley of Lake Placid - 57:43. Complete results are as follows: