This time last year, the fledgling debut of an outdoor fundraising sporting event at Rock Island State Park called the Rock & Row Triathlon took place. The event encompassed a 5K paddle, a 5K run and a 5K bike ride and ended up raising $1,734 for one of our local state park treasures.
Now it’s  time to do it again, as the second annual Rock & Row event is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, as participants paddle, run and bike for Rock Island State Park. This event starts at 10 a.m. and begins with a 5K paddle (canoe, kayak or SUP), followed by a 5K run and ending with a 5K bike ride.
According to Rock Island officials, the event went extremely well for its first year with over 90 athletes. It’s every ranger on deck to do the logistics, combined with a team of volunteers like local 4-H groups and other organizations.
Each contestant will receive their bib and a Rock & Row shirt in their race packet. You may pick up your packet the day of the race (8-9:45 a.m.) or the day before from (5-7 p.m.) at the park’s beach pavilion.
Stay aware of your surroundings during the race. There will be all types of skill levels competing. For those hard-core competitors, medals will be awarded to the winners of each division so good luck.
Surrounded by stunning cliffs, the start-finish will be centrally located at the Rock Island State Park beach pavilion. The pavilion will also be the location for race check-in, awards, parking and restrooms.
Before parking or heading to the check-in, drop your bike off at the bike transition area. Bike racks will be available and placement is on a first-come, first-serve basis the morning of the race. After you set your bike, drive over to the pavilion and park your vehicle. If you are using your own boat or board, you may drop the vessel by the water before you park. Volunteers will be on hand to assist if needed. The race starts at 10 a.m. so be checked in and ready to go by 9:45 a.m.
You can start setting up you bikes at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race and check-in will begin at 8 a.m. There will be officials on hand to help watch boats, bikes and gear.
Registration ends April 19. To register visit www.supportapark.com.