Paddling for pumpkins

Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2012 4:00 pm

More than 70 paddlers hit the water in Island Park to participate in the 12th annual race, hosted by Empire Kayaks.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

William Svenstrup and Gabrielle Newman competed in doubles.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Participants raced to grab their pumpkins after they beached their kayaks.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Third place finisher Kevin Knox, left, celebrated after the race with first place Jim Eicher and second place finisher Emery Korpi.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Empire Kayaks of Island Park held its 12th annual Great Pumpkin Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard Race last weekend.

More than 70 paddlers came out for the event, enjoying the beautiful autumn weather while out on the water.

The Great Pumpkin Race is a unique two-mile race. Participants stop midway and grab a pumpkin before heading back to the finish line at Empire Kayaks. After the race, participants enjoy a pumpkin-themed post-race buffet.

James Eicher of Oceanside was first overall with a time 21:20. Bernadette Martin of Long Beach was the first woman to cross the finish line. Ryan and Tracy Evans of Riverhead edged out Dave Wilensky and Susan Casey of East Rockaway by three seconds to win the doubles category. Kelly Beck of Freeport and Armann Gretarsson were the top finishers on Stand-Up Paddleboards.

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Paddling for pumpkins

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