Junction Texas hosted their first Up & Back Kayak/Canoe Race on Labor Day Weekend 2017 with 16 paddlers seeking to win the $1000 grand prize. This boat race was brutal, challenging athletes to paddle up the South Llano River from the Junction City Park, approximately 16 miles upriver to the First Crossing, turn around and paddle back to the starting point. This 32ish mile extravaganza was completed by Ian Rolls of Dripping Springs, Texas with a time of 6 hours and 59 minutes, followed by second place winners, Kipp Nickelson and teammate Cody Hale of Junction, followed by third place paddlers, Hoytt Moss of Junction and Mark Hellinger of Wimberley. Jay Murr of Cleo took the 4th place honor and 5th place was won by Paul Black of Martindale. All 16 participants did make it to the First Crossing, rang the turn-around bell, but not all chose to complete the race back down the final 16 miles.

Paddlers began their race at 9:00 am at the City Park dock, and had 12 hours cross the finish line.

2017 race was dedicated to T.A. “Bud” Chandler, longtime resident of Junction, Texas, math teacher to generations of JHS students, and nemesis of all species of catfish in the Llano River’s and beyond. Chandler, aka “Catfish Dundee”, was an inspiration to all those engaged in the rigors of life’s journey and in his honor the Up and Back Spirit Stick will be awarded beginning with this inaugural river race.

The designated check points along the route included Flatrock Crossing, South Llano State Park Crossing (parking fees may apply), Boone’s Crossing and the First Crossing. The awards ceremony was held at the city park pavilion at 9:15 pm. All participants who completed the race by 9:00 pm were entered into a drawing for $1,000 cash and many other great prizes.

While the race is largely sponsored by the Junction Tourism Board, additional sponsors include J-D Spring Hollow Ranch in Roosevelt (Jerry and Debbie Wilbanks), First State Bank, Junction National Bank and Kerr County Federal Credit Union. Tourism Board.

Make plans to participate in 2018, we are holding this unique athletic adventure again. Registration will be mandatory with information available as plans are finalized at www.junctiontexas.com.

Participants may compete solo or with a partner. The only restriction regarding the water craft is that it must be human-powered; no motors allowed.

For more information please call Cheryl at 210-289-2982 or Hoyt Moss at 325-446-6565.