The Trinity River Challenge
The Trinity River Challenge is an 11.8 mile paddlesport race held every September to raise money for the river related causes that the DDRC supports. The race course is a stretch of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River between Carrollton and Lewisville, Texas.
Originally the race was run from the bottom of Lewisville Dam to McInnish Park in Carrollton, but due to the security issues of the post-9/11 era, the DDRC was not able to gain access to the property below the Dam for several years, so the race is now run as an up and back race starting and finishing at McInnish Park. After realizing how much easier staging the race was, and considering that it is as easy paddling upriver as downriver, it has remained an up-and-back race since 2001, and it benefits competitors and spectators as much as it does club member volunteers who organize, produce and staff this event.
The race has grown in popularity and participation over the last few years and now has an average participation of close to 150 paddlers each year. For their entry fee and participation, the racers receive a Trinity River Challenge T-shirt, a goody bag containing various free items from the race sponsors, and a hot lunch featuring barbeque beef brisket and all the trimmings.
Racers compete in a wide range of boat classes in the men's, women's and mixed divisions from solo recreational kayak or canoe out for a day of fun on the river all the way to the USCA type racing boats who are currently trying to run the course in less than one hour and thirty minutes. Special awards are also given for the fastest times by age groups and the overall fastest time.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW!
Please note rules changes for 2008
Race Sponsors Needed
Race contestants MUST be present to receive awards |

TRC the 13th Dates to Remember
REGISTER ON-LINE AND PAY WITH CASH OR CHECK ON RACE DAY
Send race entry forms via US Mail to:
DDRC Trinity River Challenge PO Box 820246 Dallas, TX 75382-0246
7/30/08 - Early Registration Opens
9/27/08 - Early Registration Closes
9/27/08 - Trinity Trash Bash
10/4/08 - Watermelon Cleanup
10/11/08 - TRC XII

Beginning with the 2005 race, the overall fastest time award will be dedicated to one of the DDRC's life members and an avid fan of canoe racing, Brian O. Lisle. Brian competed in the Trinity River Challenge until he was almost 90 years old. Having completed the race last at age 87, he is the oldest person ever to compete in or finish the Trinity River Challenge. He also held the same record at one time for the Texas Water Safari. Brian lost a 2 year battle with cancer in November, 2004. In January, 2005, DDRC dedicated the "Brian O. Lisle Trophy" to his memory.
The Julie Basham Trophy is for the fastest time by a female in a recreation canoe or kayak. Julie was a strong supporter of DDRC's Trinity River Challenge. Her death in a car crash earlier this year prompted us to name this special award in recognition of the contributions she made to our club and race.
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 2008 Raffle Canoe - 16' 9" Old Town Expedition
Click HERE for raffle boat information
Race Entry Fees Changed
Early Registration: $25.00
Race Day: $30.00
Mike Rendon and Richard Steppe took home the third Brian O. Lisle Trophy with a time of 1:33:01. Congratulations, guys, on a job well done!
For all of the TRC XII official results, check out the 2007 Results Page
TRC XII Under 2 HourClub
The 2007 race produced 15 finishers who qualified for the Under 2 Hours Club
Mike Rendon and Richard Steppe 1:33:01
M. Hunkin 1:39:19
Brad Pennington 1:41:25
Phil Bowden 1:41:32
Ken Startz and Peter Churchman 1:44:08
Roy Tyrone / Cody Brown 1:45:39
Phil Capel 1:45:40
Don Walls / Frank Gray 1:46:03
Bill Thomas 1:46:04
Don Chesler 1:48:13
Bill Cains 1:50:29
Nicholson / Snyder / Litz 1:52:40
Erin McGee 1:54:27
Charles Mayfield / Joseph Mayfield 1:55:57
Pete Binion 1:58:12
Race Day Schedule (Actual race class start times will be at the starter's discretion)
| Check-in Start |
6:45 am |
| Check-in End |
9:15 am |
| Pre-race meeting |
9:30 am |
| Rec. Canoe Class |
9:40 am |
| Rec. Kayak Class |
9:55 am |
| USCA Class |
10:05 am |
| Youth Race (Pending) |
10:20 am |
| Lunch Served |
11:30 am |
| Awards Ceremony |
12:30 pm |
| Raffle |
1:00 pm |
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