Course Map
Each racer will receive a laminated copy of this map at Check In, to adhere to your board/boat if you wish.
This map IS meant to: give you an idea of the shape of the river, help you predict changes in wind direction, help you to know what is coming next, add to your nervousness, and get you ALL FIRED UP!!
It IS NOT intended to be exact, or used in place of a GPS device. You are responsible for knowing where you are on the course (and how much time has elapsed). There are no mile markers on the course.
AID STATIONS
Aid stations will provide racers with water and Huma gels. The following stations will be available:
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Mile 16 - Boat Aid Station
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Mile 22 - Long protruding dock with Chattajack banners & volunteers on River Right
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Mile 27 - Boat Aid Station
CUT-OFF POINTS
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Suck Creek Boat Ramp - at Mile 10, within 2 hours and 30 minutes
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Sullivan’s Boat Ramp - at approx. Mile 23, within 6 hours of the start time.
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Overall Course Cut-off - 8 hours and 30 minutes to complete the course.
To read about staging for the Chattajack START click here.
Finish Line
The Chattajack course officially ends just downstream of the old Hales Bar Dam. When you see the large building on the left side of the river, continue past it and look for the buoys marking the finish chute.
As you cross the finish line, the timing team may ask you to confirm your bib number, name, and division. Please respond clearly when requested.
OC-6 TEAMS - Please review the additional information about your finish-line and take-out process HERE.
Not drawn to scale! The official finish line will remain just downstream of historic Hales Bar Dam. A clearly marked buoy chute will funnel racers toward the checkered-flag finish, located 947 linear feet from the end of the dam—the same distance as before—so the official Chattajack course has not changed.
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Finish Line Racer Flow
Finish Line and Take-Out Process
Congratulations—you’ve finished Chattajack! Follow these steps to exit the water, retrieve your vehicle, and collect your vessel:
1. Clear the finish chute.
After crossing the finish line, move out of the path of approaching racers. You are welcome to rest on the water and enjoy the music before continuing downstream.
2. Paddle one mile to the official take-out.
The River Gorge Ranch Take-Out is approximately one mile downstream from the finish line. Consider it your cool-down paddle—we promise to celebrate you properly at the awards ceremony! Safety boats will be available to assist racers who are unable to complete the additional mile without help.
3. Exit the water at River Gorge Ranch.
Chattajack volunteers and signage will guide you to the take-out docks. After coming ashore, you will receive your finisher medal and can visit the Nutrition and Medical areas as needed.
4. Place your vessel in the appropriate storage zone.
Volunteers will direct you to the correct vessel-storage area. Please leave your vessel and paddle securely in the designated zone before boarding a shuttle.
5. Take the shuttle to participant parking.
Chattajack passenger vans will transport racers approximately two miles to the participant parking area at Riverdance Restaurant.
6. Return by vehicle to retrieve your vessel.
After collecting your vehicle, follow the signs to the Chattajack Vessel Pick-Up entrance at River Gorge Ranch. Volunteers will direct you through the pickup loop and to the appropriate storage zone. No parking/waiting is allowed in this zone. Please do not pull through the pickup loop with your vehicle until you are ready to load and leave the finish line.
7. Load promptly and continue toward the exit.
Space at the take-out is limited. Please load your vessel and equipment as efficiently as possible, then follow the signs and volunteer instructions toward the exit.
8. Morning Drop Bags
Morning Drop Bags may be collected from the designated Chattajack U-Haul truck.
Spectators/Family/Support crews
We would love to have you help us welcome racers back to land after their long and extraordinary day on the river.
There is no spectator parking at the River Gorge Ranch Take-Out. Parking at the take-out is reserved for official race vehicles and volunteers. Spectators should park at Riverdance Restaurant at the top of the mountain and ride a Chattajack passenger van to and from the take-out.
Shuttles will run continuously between the designated parking area and River Gorge Ranch.