Race draws record field for second straight year

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) hosted its first event of the paddling season on Saturday, May 10, with over 200 paddlers participating in the ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race.

For the second straight year, the ‘Round the Mountain drew a record field, with 110 boats on the starting line, surpassing 2024’s record of 102 boats. The event marked the first in-person gathering of the year for the NFCT, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. Steffen Zahn, paddling in the Kayak Open/Surf Ski class, paced the field with a time of 1 hour 25 minutes and 10.6 seconds. The C-4 Open Team named “Florida Men,” consisting of Clyde Yarnell, Grace McDonnell, Hannah Rubin and Mike Malley, was second overall with a time of 1 hour 30 minutes and 54.3 seconds. Royal McDonnell, in the Solo Recreation class, had the third fastest time of the day at 1 hour 32 minutes and 54.2 seconds.

“We’re so grateful for the enthusiasm of the paddling community,” said Karrie Thomas, executive director. “Rain or shine, these folks are stoked to get out on the water, compete and generally enjoy the camaraderie of the sport. Every year, it feels like more and more people are discovering the joys of paddling. We just love getting everyone together.”

The 10-mile ‘Round the Mountain takes paddlers on a 10.5-mile course that begins at Ampersand Bay Resort on Lower Saranac Lake, heads west to the mouth of the Saranac River across from Bluff Island, then continues downriver with a short carry around the Lower Locks to Oseetah Lake before finishing at Riverfront Park on Lake Flower.

The biggest race class in 2025 was Solo Recreation with 35 racers. This category has been growing in popularity every year, driven in part by the surging popularity of pack boats. Jon Zander, of Saranac Lake, finished second in the men’s 49 and under division with a time of 1 hour 50 minutes and 45 seconds.

“This race is the big family reunion I look forward to every spring,” said Zander who hails from Saranac Lake. “It’s a chance for all of us to shake off the rust, brave the unpredictable weather and get our feet wet for this season’s paddling adventures. Today went off without a hitch, even with record-breaking numbers out there. I’m so thankful to be a part of this community.”

A special sportsmanship award was given to Monique and Kristofor O’Connor, who stopped to perform a T-rescue on Oseetah Lake after a C-4 team got beached on a stump.

“We do everything in our power to keep racers safe on the water, thanks in large part to our volunteers,” Thomas said. “One of the reasons we love the paddling community is the fellowship on the water. Our racers look out for each other — prioritizing the safety of competitors over personal success is worthy of commendation. A huge shoutout to Mo and Kristofor for setting an amazing example.”

To view all results, visit https://bit.ly/rtmresults2025.

The ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race is sponsored in part by Ampersand Bay Resort, Explore Adirondack Frontier, Saranac Lake ADK and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. Additional support was provided by Blue Moon Cafe, Guide ADK, and the Hotel Saranac. Safety boats were provided by HK Marina, Saranac Lake Marina and Ampersand Bay Resort. Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks and the Adirondack Amateur Radio Association provided additional safety support.

‘Round the Mountain is the first event on the calendar for Celebrate Paddling ADK, a region-wide festival of all things paddling. Throughout May, June and early July, guides, outfitters, local businesses, nonprofits and tourism agencies collaborate to host clinics, guided trips, film screenings, races and more, with the aim of promoting paddlesports as a life-long activity. The Celebrate Paddling committee includes Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, Mac’s Canoe Livery and Outfitter, Raquette River Outfitters, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Guide ADK, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, ROOST and the NFCT. For a full schedule of events, and to learn more, visit celebratepaddlingadk.com.

To learn more about the NFCT, including other 2025 events and activities, visit northernforestcanoetrail.org.