Fri + Sat + Sun
June 27-29, 2025

Details
Date:

June 28

Time:

09:00 am - 12:00 pm

Click to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridge-burner-challenge-registration-93714533693
Organizer

Susquehanna National Heritage Area @ Columbia Crossing

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/susquehanna-national-heritage-area-columbia-crossing-10978633219
Venue

Columbia Crossing River Trails Center

41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512

Columbia, PA, US, 17512

RACE TO BURN THE BRIDGE BEFORE THE CONFEDERATES CROSS!
3.5 MILE RUN & 2.5 PADDLE RACE ON THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER

Riverfest commemorates the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge during the Civil War. On the last Sunday in June 1863, locals prevented Confederate troops from crossing the river and moving toward Harrisburg or Philadelphia. Confederate troops were forced to turn back and just three days later the Battle of Gettysburg erupted. Race proceeds benefit Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) educational programs, recreational offerings, and heritage sites in the riverlands corridor. Check out all the Riverfest activities at RiverfestPA.com.

Location & Race Timeline: Columbia Crossing 41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512. Center is located off the Columbia Exit for Route 30; at the intersection of Walnut Street and Front Street (Route 441). Bib pick up is between 9 AM and 6 PM on Saturday, June 27th or beginning at 8:00 AM, Sunday, June 28th. Meet at Columbia River Park pavilion for safety meeting by 8:30 AM. Race begins promptly at 9 AM. Awards will be immediately following the race; approximately 10:30 AM.

Run & Paddle Course: Race to burn the bridge before the Confederates cross! Run from Columbia River Park at the bridge entrance up the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail to the Iron Furnaces (1.75 Miles). Collect all your ‘dynamite’ (race baton) you’ll need and race back to the River Park (1.75 Miles). Board your kayak and paddle across the Susquehanna north of the Covered Bridge Piers (1.25 Miles). Once across drop off the ‘dynamite’ (race baton) and paddle back on the south side of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge to Columbia River Park (1.25 miles). NO real fires/dynamite during race.

Run Course: Follows the Run & Paddle Course above. Finish line is located at Columbia River Park. Run awards will be at 10:00 AM.

Timing and Awards: Split timing for the running and kayaking legs will be provided by Pretzel City Sports. Results will be posted within 48 hours at www.PretzelCitySports.com. Awards include the first-place male and female overall finishers receive awards. In addition, awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female in five age brackets: 29 and under; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60 and over. Run only awards will be given for first-place male and female overall runners as well as 1st place male and female in six age brackets: 18 and under; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60 and over.

IMPORTANT: The run portion of the race is mixed gravel, sidewalk, and paved trail. There is also railroad crossing on the course. Columbia Crossing River Trails Center facility includes ample parking, indoor restrooms, covered/indoor registration and awards. Kayak drop off and race parking will be available on site.

Entry Fee: Includes one t-shirt and swag bag! Late registrants may not receive desired size.

Cancellation Policy: This event is held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or dangerous river conditions, we may delay the start until conditions improve or we reserve the right to transition the race to a run only event.

Kayak/Canoe Information: Registrants need to provide their own kayak or add a rental during registration. Kayaks are provided by Chiques Rock Outfitters (chiquesrockoutfitters.com) Number of kayaks available for rental is limited and must be reserved online. Columbia River Park is a PA Fish & Boat Commission regulated launch. Unpowered boats are required to have a launch permit. Visit www.fishandboat.com to purchase the necessary permit. All rental boats include necessary permitting. All participants are required to wear a life vest at all times during the kayaking leg and must be equipped with a whistle. Canoes may be used but are not available for rental and are not in separate judging category. Run & Paddle Participants must be 16 years and older.