Race info & Registration

There will be NO onsite registration.  Please follow the Webscorer link at the bottom of this page after reading the information that follows.  Most of your FAQs are answered here!  Online registration begins July 1, 2025 and ends at midnight on September 15, 2025.  When you go to the registration page on Webscorer, PLEASE READ THE EVENT NOTES.  If you are still struggling with Webscorer and need us to walk you through it, please email riverrat@westmonroe.la.gov, and we will do our best to help. 

***You must register approximately 3 weeks before race day to guarantee your event shirt. ***

This is a rain or shine event.  In case of severe weather, we will reschedule the event.  If you cannot attend, no refund will be given. 

Registration fees start at $40 and includes your packet.

Long sleeve quick-dry T-shirt and lunch will be extra.

$10 discount if you have an existing ACA insurance and membership.

Register online with Webscorer (see bottom of page).  

• Packet pickup is at Alley Park in West Monroe (off Trenton Street) on Friday evening before the race from 5:00-7:00pm. 

RIVER RAT:

• RIVER RAT Paddlers can drop off their watercraft at the starting point at Bayou D'Arbonne Boat Ramp, 2038 Bayou D'Arbonne Drive in West Monroe beginning at 6:30am Saturday.
• Drive vehicles to Lazarre Park at 703 South Riverfront in West Monroe (about a 15 min drive).
• Catch the shuttle buses in the parking lot at Lazarre Park (buses leave at 7:45, 8:00, and 8:15am), they will return you to the starting location.
• Mandatory pre-race safety meeting in the boat launch parking lot at 8:30am.
• Paddlers will leave the starting line when the gun goes off at 9:00am.

MINI--MOUSE: 

• MINI-MOUSE paddlers will drop off their watercraft at the starting point at Forsythe Boat Dock, 2100 Riverside Drive, Monroe LA beginning at 7:30am Saturday.
• Shuttle bus is NOT included.  You must arrange your own transportation to your watercraft.
• Mandatory pre-race safety meeting in the boat dock parking lot at 9:30am.
• Paddlers will leave the starting line when the gun goes off at 10:00am.

ALL:

• Paddle your way to the finish line at Lazarre Park.
• Retrieve your watercraft.
• Enjoy the food and after party!
• Lunch will be provided by ?.

Packet Pickup will be held on Friday September 19, 2025, at Alley Park at Natchitoches and Trenton Streets in Downtown West Monroe, 5:00pm - 7:00pm.  It s a fabulous location to pick up everything you'll need for race day, have a meet and greet with your fellow River Rats, and enjoy some of the best food, beverages, and shopping around!  There will be a live band and food trucks present for Ouachita Live.  We highly encourage participants to come Friday to avoid a huge rush and delays on race morning.  If you purchase a T-shirt, it will be part of your packet.

Special thanks to The City of West Monroe for providing us with event locations for our Annual River Rat Paddle Challenge!   

RIVER RAT: You can drop off your paddle craft at the Bayou D'Arbonne Public Boat Ramp at 2038 Bayou D'Arbonne Drive in West Monroe beginning around 6:30am, then please drive to Lazarre Park at 703 S Riverfront St in West Monroe (about a 15 minute drive).  Park in the designated parking area.  We plan to have school buses picking up racers from this parking lot and shuttling them back to the starting line. The race will begin with a mandatory safety briefing at 8:30am in the parking lot of the Bayou D'arbonne Boat Ramp.  The starting gun goes off at 9:00am!

MINI-MOUSE paddlers can drop off your paddle craft at the Forsythe Boat Dock at 2100 Riverside Drive in Monroe beginning at 7:30am.  Shuttle will not be provided.  You must arrange your own transportation.  The race will begin with a mandatory safety briefing at 9:30am in the parking lot of Forsythe Boat Dock.  The starting gun goes off at 10:00am!  Be sure to choose '*MINI-MOUSE' as your boat category on Webscorer.

Only a few will rise to the CHALLENGE of crossing the original finish line at the Endom Bridge within the one hour mark, but all will race (or leisurely paddle) to the official finish line at Lazarre Park in West Monroe.  Make sure you paddle past the boat launch and keep going until you cross between the two red buoys while calling your race number to the timers.  (Mini-mouse paddle will not be timed)  Then join us for the after party!  Food, fun, and frosty cold beverages await you at the finish line while you enjoy the awards presentations!  The after party is free to the public.  Lunch will be provided by ? (available for an extra fee), and additional plates may be purchased during registration or on- site for $12 each.  In order to expedite awards for our out-of-town guests, timing will stop about 2 1/2 hours after the race begins.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Monroe at 603 Constitution Drive has a block of rooms reserved for the Paddle Challenge.  

Booking Link directions:

Using Desk Top Computer:

Click the booking link below. Click on the “book now” or "view prices" tab- (Orange Bar at the top right corner of the screen).

Choose the dates for the event in which you want to rent a room.

Click “search”-(Orange bar to the right of the dates)

Display will show available room types in the group block.

Select your room type.

Enter your information and credit card.

Using Phone/Smartphone: 

Click on the booking link.

Click on the “book now” or "view prices" tab- (Orange Bar across the bottom of the screen).

Choose the dates for the event in which you want to rent a room.

Click “search”-(Orange bar)

Select your room type.

Enter your information and credit card.

PLEASE NOTE: 

This link is only available for the dates that the group contact booked.