Fri + Sat + Sun
June 27-29, 2025

The Bridge Burners Challenge

6.28.25

RACE TO BURN THE BRIDGE BEFORE THE CONFEDERATES CROSS!

3.5 MILE RUN & 2.5 MILE PADDLE RACE ON THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER

Ready to run. paddle. smile.

The Bridge Burner Run & Paddle details

Deadlines and Deets

Early Burner (Run & Paddle): $55 Thru 5/1/2025

LATE BURNER (RUN & PADDLE): $65 AFTER 5/1/2025

RUN ONLY EARLY: $35 THRU 5/1/2025

RUN ONLY LATE: $40 AFTER 5/1/2025

PADDLE ONLY EARLY: $35 THRU 5/1/2025

PADDLE ONLY LATE: $40 AFTER 5/1/2025

race Options & Location

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 Bride to Columbia River Park (1.25 miles). NO real fires/dynamite during race. This is a wheeled course. Run portion of the race is mixed sidewalk and paved trail. There is also a railroad crossing on the course.

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 10 AM and 5 PM on Friday, June 2310 or beginning at 8:00 AM, Saturday, June 24. Meet at Columbia River Park pavilion for a safety meeting by 8:30 AM. Race begins at 9 AM.

Kayak/Canoe InformationRegistrants can provide their own kayak or rent one from a local outfitter like Chiques Rock Outfitters (chiquesrockoutfitters.net). Columbia River Park is a PA Fish & Boat Commission-regulated launch so kayaks must have an unpowered boat launch permit. Visit www.fishandboat.com to purchase the necessary permit. All participants are required to wear a life vest during the kayaking leg and must be equipped with a whistle. Participants must be 16 years and older.

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. Custom medals and cash prizes from Discover Columbia!

Small_Columbia Crossing 018

Awards & Perks

Timing and AwardsSplit 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. Custom medals and cash prizes from Discover Columbia!

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. All entrants’ fees are considered and appreciated as donations to Susquehanna NHA.

THE RIVER SWAG

It's a race - but it's about the swag too!

Think of it as better than a 5k, easier than a Spartan Race, and more fun than sleeping in - all for a great cause in the most beautiful setting in the riverlands!
Justin Rule
Bridge Burner Event Team MEmber

sponsor name

Susquehanna National Heritage Area and Rivertownes PA USA are proud to host and coordinate this event to raise critical funds for heritage organizations throughout our National Heritage Area. All proceeds from tours are given directly to the presenting organization.

Let's do this!

Register Online Now!

See you at the Bridge! #RiverfestPA

Race Questions?

Just ask!