More than 200 paddlers to race down the mighty Mississippi Sept. 2

The Mississippi River is home to bluegills, turtles, alligators, and this weekend, more than 200 paddlers from across the country.

The fourth annual BIG River Stand Up Paddle Race will be held Saturday, Sept. 2. Paddlers will race from downtown Baton Rouge to L’Auberge Casino & Hotel, a course measuring 13. 1 miles.

Last year’s race was canceled due to the August 2016 flood, with BIG River Regional participants taking time to assist in demolition, cleaning and rebuilding efforts.

Even with the cancellation last year, the race has quickly become one of the nation’s best, growing from 69 paddlers in 2013 to more than 200 registered racers in 2016. As a regional championship covering the southeast United States, paddlers hail from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Louisiana.

Pre-race meetings, ceremonies, introductions and the invocation will begin at 7 a.m. with the race kicking off at 8 a.m. The finish festival, with Cajun food, drinks and live music by Choupique Cajun Band, will begin at 10 a.m. Race winners will be crowned at 12:30 p.m. Register for the race here.

After taking some time to rest, head to The River Room downtown to reunite with the racers for a night of eating, drinking and college football. Doors will open at 8 p.m. Entry is free.