_ The 2021 Ashley River Adventure Race 5K Run & 8 Mile Paddle Race:

     The 2020 installment of the Ashley River Adventure Race has been cancelled. However, we'll try it again on April 3rd, 2021! This unique race will once again feature a 5k trail run, an 8-mile downriver paddle, a post-race party at the Inn at Middleton Place and a Fun Float (no running; untimed; you paddle your boat with everyone else) for those that want to participate in a more leisurely manner.  As always, post party tickets are available for your friends, family, and general spectators. If you registered for the 2020 race that was cancelled, your registration and add-ons have automatically been transferred to 2021. Please contact us if you would like to request a refund instead. The primary change is that the race will start at 3PM and the after party will go into the evening due to local tides for the new date.

We will reopen registration as we get closer to the new race date (early 2021) in an effort to comply with any COVID-related restrictions at that time.

We do not provide your kayak or SUP.  Bring your own, or make it super easy on yourself by renting from Edisto River Adventures who will meet you at the race start with your boat and pick it up from you as soon as you finish at the Inn.  Cost is $35 for boat rental and all gear.  Contact ERA at 843-695-8146 or email at [email protected]. 

Single night rooms stays at a deeply discounted rate are also available to participants by booking directly through the Inn.  $150+tax per night gets you a river view queen room for stays during race weekend, between 4/1/21 and 4/5/21.  The deal even includes admission to the gardens next door ($88 value!) and there is an amazing restaurant on site! Use code ARAR2021 when you book your room at TheInnatMiddletonPlace.com.  All bookings under this code will be cross-referenced with the race registration list to ensure eligibility.

Event Schedule:

Will be updated after details and logistics are finalized.

Race Categories:

Individual, Relay (1 participant runs then different participant paddles), and Tandem (both participants paddle a tandem kayak and both participants must run and finish race together), SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Individual or Relay. *Categories may be adjusted based on participants.

Awards and Prizes - Age Groups: Under 29, 30-44, 45-59, 60 & Up

Top Two per age age group Male/Female Solo Finishers
Top Two All Male Team Relay Finishers
Top Two All Female Team Relay Finishers
Top Two Mixed Male/Female Team Relay Finishers
Top Two All Male Team Tandem Finishers
Top Two All Female Team Tandem Finishers
Top Two Mixed Male/Female Team Tandem Finishers
Top Two Male/Female SUP Finishers
Top SUP Relay Team Male/Female/Mixed Finishers

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

All paddlers are required, in accordance with SC State Law, to wear a personal floatation device at all times throughout the paddle and to carry a whistle. If any racer is found on the water without their PFD, they will be disqualified from the race.

Fun Float

The Fun Float is a great way to experience the racing action and the beautiful Ashley Scenic River first-hand, but at a more leisurely pace.  Fun Floaters shove of at the paddle course start prior to the racers and take their time paddling downriver to the Inn at Middleton Place where they participate in all the party festivities.  Event shirts are not included in the fun float registration fee.  To receive a shirt you must select it as an add-on during registration. Fun floaters 12 and under are free.  This is not a 'tubing' type float.  You must paddle a kayak, canoe or SUP to make it downriver to the takeout before the tide changes.

Post-Race Party and Chick-fil-A Dorchester Road Awards Ceremony:

One ticket to the post-race party at the Inn at Middleton Place is included in your race and fun float registration. Additional party attendees ages 13 and over must purchase party tickets in advance. These tickets are also available on this site. Post-race party ticket includes BBQ, beer/wine, entertainment, lawn games and the Chick-fil-A Awards Ceremony right at the race finish.  Admission to Middleton Plantation is not included in your registration fee, but can be purchased separately should you wish to tour the grounds. 

Shuttle Details:

Details will be updated.

Race Shirts

A race shirt IS included with each racer registration. A race shirt IS NOT included in the fun float registration. Fun Float participants must select and pay for a shirt as an add-on during registration to receive one.  

Questions? Contact us: [email protected] or 843-563-0193.