Gig Harbor to host 5th annual Paddlers Cup

The Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup will feature paddle racing for kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards, as well as outriggers and para-canoes.

The fifth annual event, taking place April 2-3, will again include the Cross Narrows Challenge and dragon boat racing.

The Cross Narrows Challenge celebrates the area’s history of residents rowing boats to get where they needed to be. In the challenge, paddlers will start at Jerisich Dock and paddle across the Tacoma Narrows to Owen’s Beach at Point Defiance Park, then return to Gig Harbor. The route is approximately 6 miles round trip, and the challenge will take place April 3.

The dragon boat races are open to corporations, public service groups, clubs, small businesses and high schools. Participants of any level of fitness can take part; no experience is necessary. The boats will be provided by the Paddlers Cup. Team registration deadline is March 31. This event also will take place April 3.

The April 2 events, 10K, 5K, relay races and knock off races, will be held in the harbor.

There also will be vendors with informational displays on water sports and equipment, skin care, health and wellness products, physical fitness, nonprofit organizations focused on recreation or education, and food.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to try out equipment, view new boats and learn more about human-powered watercraft sports.

The cup will be based at Skansie Brothers Park and Jerisich Dock in downtown Gig Harbor.

Proceeds benefit the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team.

See the schedule for the two-day event as well as the course layouts at gigharborpaddlerscup.com.

This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Gig Harbor to host 5th annual Paddlers Cup."