Race Rules and Requirements

While there is no single mandatory qualifying race required to enter the Winnipeg River Quest, participation is strictly vetted to ensure safety and competency on challenging waters.

Prior to race acceptance, each registered boater must submit proof of relevant experience for evaluation by the race directors. Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Past ultra-distance or marathon racing experience: Proven endurance in long-distance paddling events.
• Wilderness competence: Demonstrated self-reliance, navigation, and camping skills in remote environments.
• Whitewater experience: Competency and comfort navigating moving water and river hydraulics safely.

• Registration opening: Registration for the 2027 Winnipeg River Quest opens October 1, 2026 Noon CT.
• Invite-only phase: Registration is currently invite-only. We are actively reaching out to known paddlers first before opening any remaining spots to the general public.
• Boat limit & waiting list: The 2027 race is capped at a maximum of 10 boats to start. Once 10 boats are registered, a waiting list will be established. There are no specific slots allocated per class.
• Closing: Registration will close at the discretion of the race directors based once capacity is reached.
• Refund policy: No refund will be provided unless the race is cancelled prior to the start. In the event of cancellation prior to the race start, racers will be given the option of a refund or deferral to 2028. No exceptions to this rule. Please don’t sign up unless you fully intend to do this race.

Note: The organizers reserve the right to refuse your application, entry, or continuation of the race at any time; particularly, if there are any safety doubts with teams or racers, or the rules are being negated.

• All teams and racers must attend the pre-race gear inspection and brief on Friday, July 16, 2027. Time and location will be emailed to all participants approximately 1 month before the race.
• International participants are solely responsible for ensuring they possess valid passports, visas, or Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) required for entry into Canada, as well as any necessary permits for transporting personal watercraft or gear across the border.
• The race will begin at 9:00 AM, Saturday, July 17th. The race will be a shotgun start for all racers. Racers will then have 3.5 days (80 hours) to complete the race.
• Because racers will be paddling through the night over the course of the event, all watercraft must be equipped with active lighting from sunset to sunrise, matching the bow (red/green) and stern (white) navigation lights specified in the Required Gear list. Racers must also wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with an attached whistle at all times while on the water.
• All watercraft (including those brought by international participants) and participants must comply with all applicable Transport Canada safety regulations for human-powered pleasure craft throughout the event, including carrying all mandated safety equipment while on the water.
• Racers are only allowed to use the following non-motorized watercraft: kayak, canoe, or SUP. Racers are allowed to change watercraft throughout the race. No peddle, motor, or sail power is allowed.
• Racers are the only ones allowed in watercraft at any time and must complete all sections of the course in a craft approved by the race directors at check-in.
• The race is crew-supported. Racers may meet crew throughout the race at portage spots and pullouts. This assistance may include restocking of food and supplies, setting up camp, and changing out watercraft. Racers MUST have at least one person act as crew throughout the race. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Racers are strictly required to carry and transport their own watercraft and gear across all designated portages along the course under their own power. Crew members are not permitted to assist with carrying watercraft or gear across portages.
• Crew are not allowed on the water in the vicinity during the race and can only assist racers on land.
• Racers must physically check in with race marshals at all designated mandatory checkpoints along the course. Missing a published checkpoint time cut-off will result in race withdrawal for safety reasons. Crew members are permitted to meet racers only at designated portage spots and public pullouts.
• Racers must ensure they have personal insurance coverage for the race. The organizers are not responsible for any emergency medical response or medical coverage. International and non-resident participants must verify that their personal medical and travel insurance policies cover remote wilderness rescue, emergency extraction, and out-of-country medical expenses, as race organizers do not provide coverage.
• The race traverses remote northern waterways. Racers and crews are strongly advised to carry bear deterrents, know how to use them, and properly secure all food and refuse at land stops. In a severe medical or evacuation emergency, racers must use designated emergency numbers or SPOT tracker features.
• Racers must provide the race with an emergency contact, including phone and email addresses.
• Racers must carry at least one cell phone. Racer and crew cell phone numbers must also be provided to the race organizers at the pre-race check-in.
• All racers must ensure they have the organizers’ cell/mobile phone number saved in the event of post-emergency extraction contact. This will be issued at the pre-race meeting.
• Organizers will provide an online map for pre-race study, as well as maps for pickup at the pre-race meeting, but organizers are not responsible for your navigation or abilities to navigate.
• Racers must strictly obey all exclusion buoys, warning signs, and boom lines near hydro-electric generating stations and dams. Entering restricted exclusion zones is prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification. All designated portages around dams and rapids must be strictly followed on land.
• Racers must have a GPS device capable of displaying the race provided GPX file. Racers must be proficient in its use.
• Racers will be outfitted with SPOT trackers and must keep them on throughout the race. If a SPOT tracker is damaged or destroyed, the racer is responsible for the cost associated.

The Race

• ALL racers must wear their personal flotation device (PFD) while on the water for the entire duration of the event. No exceptions! Failure to do so will result in disqualification and a ban from future Winnipeg River Quest events.
• Racers are responsible for their own accurate time management. You have 3.5 days to complete this race.
• Racers must ensure all campfires are put out and trash collected before leaving rest points.
• Racers must support each other if possible in the event of an emergency. Any unsportsmanlike behavior with regards to safety will result in disqualification.
• Using a SPOT tracker to signal a non-emergency or false alarm will result in immediate disqualification. Any team found using unauthorized outside information, seeking an unfair advantage, or relying on prohibited outside assistance during the race will be disqualified.
• The race director has the right to disqualify or pull any racer from the race at any time at the director’s discretion. The race director may also cancel the race at any time for any reason, particularly if the safety of the racers is in question.
• No participant is allowed to consume alcohol or drugs (including cannabis) during the race. Any violation will result in immediate disqualification and a ban from future events. Mutual respect and sportsmanship on the water are mandatory.

End of Race

• Racers will finish at Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg. Race organizers will retrieve SPOT trackers upon completion. If SPOT trackers are damaged, racers must reimburse the race for the cost.
• Racers are responsible for their own travel plans after the race.
• Please ensure you allow yourself enough time to catch your exit flight.
• Upon completing or exiting the race at Grand Beach, all teams must officially check in with finish-line marshals and return their tracking units before departing.

The following items are required for all racers:

The following items are not required but are recommended for all racers: