The Ball Race: KanFest’s Most Chaotic (and Hilarious) Tradition

If there’s one event that truly captures the spirit of KanFest, chaotic fun, teamwork, and a whole lot of river mayhem, it’s the legendary Ball Race. A KanFest original, the Ball Race happens Sunday and is consistently one of the weekend’s most talked-about events.

Here’s how it works: teams of four battle it out downriver while trying to herd a giant inflatable ball from Widowmaker to the bottom of the racecourse. The catch? Every other team will do their best to sabotage your progress. Each team must include at least one beginner, who kicks things off with a downriver sprint to the stairs at Canoe Meadows, then hauls their boat up the stairs and overland to 40-Boat Eddy where they jump back in to help retrieve the ball from the river. Meanwhile, their teammates battle the rapids and try to keep the ball from drifting into oblivion. The first full team (that’s all four paddlers, the ball, and their gear) to arrive at the Canoe Meadows parking lot wins.

The rules are simple: be nice to the beginners and don’t pop any balls (seriously, instant DQ). It’s chaotic, it’s ridiculous, and it’s an absolute blast. So grab some friends, or find a crew Sunday morning, and get ready to chase that ball like your KanFest glory depends on it.

Beginners are always in demand, and it’s a great way to make friends and get in on the fun.  Let the KanFest office staff know if you need help being matched to a team, we’re happy to connect you.