News & Stories
New Event in Partnership with Red Bull
Red Bull Brings Urban Portage Race to the Tributaries of Minneapolis
Male and female competitors alike to race either canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) through the Chain of Lakes with multiple portages along 10-mile course
Santa Monica, CA (September 19, 2018) – Red Bull Urban Portage is a 10-mile canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board (SUP) race through the Chain of Lakes and its tributaries in Minneapolis taking place on Saturday, October 13. The race is open to male and female individuals in five different categories: Men (solo), female (solo), men (tandem), women (tandem) and coed (tandem). Red Bull Urban Portage will begin at the Lake Calhoun Center at Bde Maka Ska with participants needing to portage through challenging and breathtaking terrain at multiple points along the course to reach the finish line at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park.
Red Bull Urban Portage is the ultimate adventure race. Over the course of the race, the competition will feature part paddling, running and will also test navigational acumen. After competitors navigate the most direct route through the Chain of Lakes, the only markers on waterways will be the portages. The challenge each participant will face is to either risk following the boat in front of you or reference your map and outmaneuver the competition. Whether you race solo or with a partner, in whatever human-powered vessel you choose, the first to cross the finish line will be the Red Bull Urban Portage champion in each respective category.
The race will be produced in collaboration with the Loppet Foundation, a local non-profit organization that is known for putting on challenging events throughout the year. The Foundation’s mission is to create a shared passion for outdoor adventure in the Minneapolis area. “We were excited when Red Bull came to us with this concept,” says Loppet Foundation Executive Director John Munger. “Rugged, challenging, outdoors, and difficult – with a healthy dose of adventure – a perfect event for both the Loppet and Red Bull. We are really excited about this partnership!”
Red Bull Urban Portage will begin at Lake Calhoun Center at 9am on Saturday, Oct. 13 with the finish line at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park, featuring competitors in five categories. Early bird registration will run from September 19-October 4 and will be $40 for solo and $70 for tandem. Competitors can register for the event at redbull.com/urbanportage and is open and FREE to all spectators. Registrants must be at least 16 years old to compete. A full schedule of the event will be available at redbull.com/urbanportage.