Spirit of the Sun River Festival

Downtown Rome’s 3nd Annual Spirit of the Sun River Festival and Chieftain’s Challenge Race is June 6, 2020. Flatwater Short and Long Races are open to SUPs and kayaks, up and down stream touching on each of Downtown Rome’s 3 Rivers. Novices and elites have the opportunity to race for cash and prizes in our… 3 Mile Novice-Friendly Open Race for adult recreational paddlers of all abilities – $35 Registration 6 Mile Elite Race for adult experienced paddlers and those training for sanctioned races (SUP only)- $35 Registration Team Relay Fun Race for teams of 4 with team themes and costumes – $20 Registration Sprint Bracket Challenge heat sprints open to racers registered for the 3 or 6 mile races – Free with your $35 Registration

As part of Rome’s Downtown Development – Downtown Saturday’s series, and in partnership with Georgia’s Rome and River Dog Paddle Co, the Spirit of the Sun Festival features live music, yoga, SUP & SUP Yoga demos, fun activities, and the opportunity to enjoy food, drinks, and craft beer from downtown businesses throughout the day. The awards ceremony and race after-party at BridgePoint Plaza features a live concert.

The Spirit of the Sun celebration of our three rivers – the Oostanaula, Coosa, and Etowah is created to encourage local citizens and visitors to take in the majesty of our rivers that run through downtown and enjoy our riverside walking and biking paths, pedestrian bridges overlooking the race course, parks and green spaces. This is Rome’s Signature event, and our city’s epic SUP/Kayak/River Event! Race entry fees include the much sought after Spirit of the Sun t-shirt and benefit our local river protectors, the Coosa River Basin Initiative, located in Downtown Rome.