A RACE
UNLIKE
Any Other
A RACE
UNLIKE
Any Other
Samaná
Whitewater
Marathon
After the qualifiers race, the Samaná Fest ramps it up with the iconic Samaná Whitewater Marathon.
This innovative race format will bring a 2 stage long distance race on the Samana grand Gorge and its final epic class 5 canyon.
In addition to the race, the event also aims to advocate for the Samaná River by demonstrating that paddlers form around the world unite to paddle and save its free flow!
March 25-29 Th
The First and Only
Whitewater Kayak Marathon
Mass start Marathon + time trail final
The ultimate bigwater
ENDURANCE RACE
TO Protect a free flowing
RIVER
PROGRAM
Wednesday 25 th of March
Welcome to the Samana !
All competitors will head to the Samana Bridge to paddle the Samana Canyon all the way to Narices. This scouting day is mandatory for all the paddlers who want to take part in the Marathon!
Return by 8 PM
Friday 27 th of March
Mass Start Marathon
This is the big day! Meet at 10 AM at the Samaná Bridge and get ready for the mass start Marathon! The race will end above the final gorge, and there will be festivities in Puerto Garza, the center of the event for this second week-end.
Saturday 28 th of March
Class 5 finals
Top 20 of the Marathon will be selected to race on the bottom class 5 gorge “EL TUPION” finishing under the stunning waterfalls of Narrices. Expect about 15 minutes of racing, and huge rapids.
In the evening, both kayakers and public will celebrate the champions and enjoy live music!
A bit more about
The purpose of
This race
EXTREME ENDURO KAYAK
World Championships
The Samaná Fest’s main goal has always been to celebrate and protect the last free flowing of Antioquia. With time, we understood the underlying strength of our sports to advocate for the protection of the river.
Motivated by the excitement of a new innovative race format, and the visibility it creates on the river, we decided to organize 2 years ago, the first whitewater Marathon on the pristine Grand Canyon of the Samaná. Based on its success, it has now become an internationally recognized kayak race!
The 2 race course are truly challenging so make sure you are in shape before coming!
Additionally, the epicenter of the event will be the remote hamlet of Puerto Garza, in the municipality of San Carlos. The population has profound a connection with the river, and have been witnesses of the construction of the dams which wiped out the neighboring watersheds. They are ready to trow one hell of an event to welcome kayakers from all around the world, as our love for free flowing rivers unites us.
MASS START MARATHON - Samaná River
The Marathon is a remote 40 KM stretch of river, with class 4 rapids.
There will be a safety team at key places. The organization provides transports for your dry gear to the take out.
Rules are simple, the first paddler to make it to take out wins. Top 20 will be qualified for the finals the next day
ENDURO FINALS - El Tupion
The finals will take place on the lower gorge, a 5 kilometer stretch of class 5, big water rapids.
Racers will race individually, 5 minutes apart. The race ends under the waterfalls of Narrisses, fastest time wins!
Transports and logistics is provided by the organization, and the village of Puerto Garza will be the host of the awards and concerts. This is an Iconic to both celebrate the winners and the river!
Prize Money 1000 USD
FAQ
Fly to Medellin International Airport, the Samana watershed is just 1 hour east on the Medellin / Bogota Highway, near the town of Cocorna. Contact the organization for transportation details.
You can also fly into Bogota and take a bus or a private ride to the location. Expect a 7-9 hour journey.
The event’s main location will be the Finca El Encanto – The XXX packages include lodging and food there and Light package includes a camping area at this place. All shuttles will start from this place, and all the competitor meetings, as well as meals will be at this location too.
Hell yes, March is the rainy season and there are many many rivers to paddle in addition to the ones paddled during the event! You can contact us for a list of lodging options and resources on logistics
Boats are scarce in Colombia, so we encourage all paddlers to fly in with their own, and perhaps even consider selling it afterwards or donating it to a local kayak club. However, there are a few spare boats available for rent, for prices ranging from 15 to 30 USD/day. First come, first served
You need to be at el Encanto hotel by Sunday the 10th at4 Pm for the pre-race meeting
AWP rules are in place for this race. Please refer to AWP website for the details!
packages
The organization offer an all inclusive formula to take part in the event!
The package includes all you need to enjoy the event, such as transports and a camping area.
Feel free to contact us for upgrades, airport pick-ups, additional shuttles or informations!
Samaná fest kayaker
package
Sign up and Race!!
* Bib + Care package
* Opening ceremony, 23 Th of March, Cocorna.
* Inscription for the Qualifiers and Samaná international Marathon + Finals!
* Shuttles for the races ( 24,25,27,28,29).
* Camping area and open kitchen from March 23 through to March 29 Th!
* Party in Puerto Garza March 28 th
* Prize money and Goodies give away included!!!
Remember, this event is about uniting and protecting the river. This is a non-profit organization, and we kindly ask all participants to take part in the general momentum! MAKE YOUR REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT IN ADVANCE.
PRICE : 440,000 COP/ Person
Samaná Fest
A unique concept: Let's unite to protect the river!
It’s important for all participant to understand this is a grass roots event, with an international outreach and a precise goal: to protect the ricer!
The organization invites all paddlers to be part of the general momentum, and to be responsible for their travel plans, gear and lodging!
Our team is happy to offer assistance on airport pick ups, gear rentals, lodging upgrades and anything you may need for your trip, but please be mindful and try to minimize stress on the organization with personal matters 🙂
In Collaboration with
Samaná Fest © All rights reserved 2024. Developed By: AlejaSierra