OARS Inaugural Concord River Race Makes a Splash

June 18, 2025

OARS River Log | By Sarah Kwan, OARS’ Director of Communications and Development | Published June 18, 2025

 

Paddlers, Cheers, and Community Spirit Launch a New 3 River Tradition

 

On May 4, OARS (the watershed organization for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers) hosted its first-ever Concord River Race, drawing 59 paddlers of all ages and experience levels to the scenic Bedford Boat Ramp. With ideal weather and a lively crowd cheering them on, participants raced across two courses—a 3-mile short course and a 6-mile long course—paddling canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and ocean canoes.

Spectators cheer on paddlers with a playful sign reading “Paddle Daniel, Paddle!”—a perfect snapshot of the fun and community spirit at the Concord River Race.

The race featured a range of categories, each telling its own story. In the 3-mile race, Andy Hall and his 12-year-old paddling partner Sophie Hiscox surged ahead, claiming first place in their two-person racing canoe with a time of 31:16. Close behind were Frances Hiscox and Tom Hiscox, finishing just one second later—a true family competition on the water. Bob FitzPatrick took top honors in the SUP category, gliding across the finish line in 43:52, while Derek Thoresen paddled his solo recreational canoe to a strong finish in 50:36.

Andy Hall and Sophie Hiscox paddle in perfect sync as they race to victory in the 3-mile two-person canoe category, showcasing teamwork and determination.

On the 6-mile course, Seth Miller demonstrated stamina and skill, taking first place in the solo racing canoe category with a time of 1:01:48. Karen Pleasant and Scott Ide showcased teamwork in their two-person racing canoe, crossing the finish line in 1:00:28. The excitement continued with Jerry Madore leading the unlimited/ICF kayak division with a time of 57:42, while Leslie Chappell was the top female finisher in the same category at 1:03:49. Edward Sears and Kimberly Schive stood out among the SUP racers, completing the course in 1:21:41 and 1:33:18, respectively.

Karen Pleasant and Scott Ide power toward the finish line, securing first place in the 6-mile two-person racing canoe category.

The Ocean Canoe category added another layer of excitement. Fan Xie powered his solo ocean canoe to a first-place finish with a time of 1:01:56, while Serena Wu claimed first among female ocean canoe paddlers at 1:08:55. In the two-person ocean canoe division, David Deschenes and Eric Miranda paddled to victory, finishing in just 56:14.

Photo Caption: David Deschenes and Eric Miranda paddle in sync through the Concord River’s winding course in the two-person ocean canoe division.

NECKRA (New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association), which recognized the race as part of its official point series, praised OARS for its excellent organization, “Great race today! You had all the details, complete with safety, all worked out. The turnout was excellent, and for a first-time race from Bedford, really impressive,” wrote Priscilla Reinertsen of NECKRA.

 

Matt Brown, OARS’ Executive Director, expressed his excitement at the event’s success. “This race is a perfect example of how we can bring people together to enjoy our beautiful rivers while supporting their protection and restoration. We’re thrilled with the turnout and can’t wait to make this an annual tradition.”

The Concord River Race also marked the kickoff of OARS’ 86 Miles Club Challenge, a season-long initiative inviting paddlers to track their miles and celebrate river recreation.

 

  • Complete race results are available here
  • An album of race day photos is available on Flickr.

 

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: St. Mary’s Credit Union, Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, and Pedal Power Bike & Ski. Their commitment to community and river stewardship helped make this inaugural event a success.

 

For more information on upcoming paddles and river activities, visit our events calendar.

 

River Log