The Race

The Mayor's Cup New York City Kayak Championship is an elite kayaking race around Manhattan Island.  This 26.7 mile marathon race will be North America's premier paddle sports event and soon to be New York City's largest water event. The Mayor's Cup will draw some of the world's and the regions most accomplished paddlers. This event has elite classes as well as enthusiast classes and all talented paddlers are welcome to participate. 

Got speed? The course, a circumnavigation of Manhattan Island, will offer some of the most challenging water in the region. One of the trickiest segments will be Hell's Gate, combining water from Long Island Sound, the Harlem River and the East River to create standing waves, whirlpools and very confused water. The East River's currents can move as quickly as 7 knots. The Battery - where water from the Hudson, East River and Buttermilk Channel converge - can produce waters with a 3 to 5 foot chop. If you are a talented paddler with the mettle to finish this serious race than this is an event you won't want to miss.

2008 marks the second year of Mayor's Cup - New York City Kayak Championships. Get ready for the ride of your life. We are pleased to announce that there is $15,000 in prize money - $5,000 goes to the Mayor's Cup winner.

2008 Mayor's Cup registration form & safety guidelines

Please review all of the Safety Guidelines for the 2008 Mayor's Cup.

Safety & Guidelines
Course Map
Racer Application

Purchase your 2008 Mayor's Cup entry fee of $100 with paypal.