Join other veteran and amateur athletes as they run and kayak through the 4^th annual Chiques Challenge hosted by the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce. This duathlon slated for Saturday, August 9, will stage from Columbia’s River Park. Participants will be transported to Vinegar Ferry Road for the 8:30 start time. The course takes runners along the river via the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and on through the streets of Marietta. The run portion of the event ends at the Marietta Boat Launch. There, runners will take to the river aboard a kayak and finish downstream at the Columbia River Park. We’ve partnered with Shank’s Mare and Chiques Rock Outfitters for this event which is held rain or shine. This annual event is made possible through the Gold Sponsorship of Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority and the sponsorships of additional businesses listed on our website.

Pre-registration is required to participate in the Chiques Challenge. This year’s event is limited to 150 participants. Participants must be 16 years and older. Registrants need to provide their own kayak. All participants are required to wear a life vest at all times during the kayaking leg and to be equipped with a whistle. Additional river safety will be provided by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. For more information or a registration form, visit our website http://www.PaRivertowns.com or call 717-684-5249. Please, no pets. This is a FUN event! Even though it is timed and participants may feel competitive, the main focus is to have some fun along and in the Susquehanna River!

Following the duathlon, participants, guests, and the public are invited to linger in Columbia’s River Park following the event for a relaxing afternoon along the Susquehanna. Lunches will be available for purchase from Harvey’s BBQ and music will be provided by the local duo Sweet Life from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Tickets costing $8 in advance for the BBQ are available at the SVCC Visitor’s Center.

The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization serving the tri-borough communities of Marietta, Wrightsville & Columbia as well as the outlying areas. Annual fundraising events such as this help to keep the Visitors Center open year round as a gratis service to guests to our region.